Philadelphia adds 15 schools to extended day, extended year program, bringing total to 40
Another 15 Philadelphia schools have been announced in an expansion to the city's extended day, extended year program. A total of 40 schools now offer the free extended before- and after-school care and camps during winter, spring and summer breaks.
The program has been a success, according to city and school officials, who announced that the Extended Day, Extended Year Initiative is helping close the opportunity gap.
"Seventy-five percent of participating Extended Day, Extended Year students met the district's attendance benchmark through June, 75%," said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker.
Those results were from 25 schools that took part in the program this past year. And now, city leaders say another 15 will join the initiative.
"Working parents, I hear from all the time in these schools...they can rest assured that they are getting before and after school programming and care and enrichment, the likes of which are second to none," said Tony Watlington, Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. "Everything from STEM to learning to play chess, engaging in sports."
The activities, which happen before and after school and even during summer, spring and winter breaks, are free for thousands of students.
Jazmin Rodriguez's daughter attends Vare-Washington Elementary School as a rising fourth grader. The school was among the first to take part in the program. She said the program has been a game changer.
Rodriguez said her daughter received math tutoring during the summer, preparing her for school in a way she's never experienced before. She also went on trips and participated in free school programming that previously came at a cost.
"I like it. I definitely think that every parent, if you can, take advantage," said Rodriguez.
And it's an advantage going beyond the classroom, while setting up kids in Philadelphia for success.
The public schools on the list are:
Anne Frank School
Frances Willard School
Edward Steel School
James Rhoads School
Delaplaine McDaniel School
Edwin Forrest School
James Lowell School
Roberto Clemente School
Lewis Cassidy Academics Plus School
Tanner Duckrey School
And the charter schools on the list are:
Wissahickon Charter
Harambee Institute of Science and Technology Charter
Esperanza Academy Charter
General David B. Birney Charter
Universal Alcorn Charter
Parker previously stated the program is aimed at keeping students sharp through the summer. The pilot program began with 25 schools before Friday's expansion.
