PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia is adding 15 schools to the list of those receiving city-sponsored before-and after-school services.
The before-and after-school programs started one year ago at 20 district and five charter schools. Now, 10 more district and five additional charter schools are joining the list. The mayor's Chief Education Officer, Debora Carrera, said this meets a demand.
"We know that the need for extended day is clear, and the feedback we are getting from our parents — it is compelling," Carrera said.
One of those parents is Jazmine Rodriguez, whose daughter is entering fourth grade at Vare-Washington Elementary, one of the schools in the first cohort last year.
"It just gives more time for family time, and I don't have to deal with the meltdowns of homework," Rodriguez said.
Superintendent Tony Watlington says it's too soon to know whether the extended day, extended year schools have seen any boost in academic performance.
"Generally, we know that over time, the more kids are in school, the more they learn. So we expect it to show up over time,” he said.
Although activities at the 40 schools will take place during summer, winter and spring breaks, Mayor Cherelle Parker said it's not the year-round school suggested during the mayor's race.
"In my mind, this is year-round. And it's an economic opportunity for all."
The $26 million program will have slots for more than 12,000 students.
Which schools were added?
School District of Philadelphia
- Anne Frank School
- Tanner Duckrey School
- Lewis Cassidy Academics Plus School
- Roberto Clemente School
- James Lowell School
- Edwin Forrest School
- Delaplaine McDaniel School
- James Rhoads School
- Edward Steel School
- Frances Willard School
Charter schools
- Universal Alcorn Charter
- General David B. Birney Charter
- Esperanza Academy Charter
- Harambee Institute of Science and Technology Charter
- Wissahickon Charter