PHILADELPHIA - Kindergarten registration for the Philadelphia School District opened on January 21, 2025, as part of the district's "Thrive at Five" campaign, aiming to boost kindergarten enrollment for the upcoming school year. Traditionally, families are encouraged to register children who will turn five years old on or before September 1, 2025, by the May 31 deadline.
The district's Superintendent Tony Watlington officially launched this initiative at Rhawnhurst Elementary School, emphasizing the importance of early childhood education. "It's time to get registered for kindergarten," Watlington stated, underlining kindergarten's role as foundational for future academic success. His comments reflect the district's commitment to nurturing the development of young learners during this pivotal time.
Unexpectedly cold weather on the day of the launch led to a delayed start for registration, with schools opening two hours late, but families are encouraged to proceed with the process online or at their neighborhood schools. Watlington noted, "Kindergarten is the time where our kids form their foundation for success throughout elementary, middle, and high school. And so it's really important we get off to a great start.”
According to the latest data, approximately 8,300 students are enrolled in Philadelphia district kindergarten classes—significantly below the pre-pandemic peak of over 12,000. Watlington and district officials are working diligently to reverse this trend, stating it is imperative to actively recruit students for kindergarten to reinforce the value of education.
During the registration event, Mary Collins, who has been teaching kindergarten for 15 years, shared her experience and passion for her students. "Kindergarten is so awesome," she expressed, watching her eager 25 students. Collins spoke about the educational progression from learning the alphabet to being able to read and write full sentences, showcasing the transformative experience of kindergarten. "They start with the alphabet, and from there we develop words, sentences, and eventually I see my babies read!"
This year, the district is also noticing a growing number of families enrolling their children in district-run pre-K programs, with about 10,500 students currently enrolled. Collins pointed out the changes she's seen over the years, reflecting on how students come to school dependent and leave more independent, marking their growth and readiness for future education.
Despite kindergarten not being mandated by law in Pennsylvania—unlike many other states—Watlington believes this sends the wrong signal to families. "We need to showcase the benefits of kindergarten education, which many studies have proven is invaluable for children’s development," he said.
The district has made the registration process as accessible as possible, allowing applications to be submitted online at philasd.org/thriveatfive or handled in-person at local schools. Although the official registration window closes at the end of May for planning purposes, families can still enroll their children beyond this deadline if their circumstances change.
The lack of mandated kindergarten has resulted in the Philadelphia School District having to create strong outreach campaigns to promote enrollment. Watlington's commitment to this cause is evident through initiatives like “Thrive at Five.” The campaign seeks to increase awareness of the benefits of kindergarten and engage families early.
On launching the campaign, Watlington remarked, "We are excited to welcome many five-year-olds this year and encourage all eligible families to register as soon as they can."
School Principal Joy Kingwood-Ellis expressed enthusiasm for the district's efforts, noting the positive atmosphere during the registration events. With exciting educational programs and dedicated educators, the district is striving to make kindergarten enrollment inviting and inclusive.
Overall, the Philadelphia School District's kindergarten registration is not just about filling classes but is integral to establishing a structured education pathway for young children, shaping their academic futures from the very start.