The Mayor’s Office of Education oversees two key programs PHLpreK and Community Schools, but that’s not all we do! We work closely with the School District of Philadelphia and the City to serve all of Philadelphia’s students.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, community member, or student, here are some ways the Mayor’s Office of Education can help you:

Connect with Early Childhood Education resources

• Good news! We’ve added 250 seats to the City’s FREE quality pre-K program this year. That means if your child is 3 or 4 as of September 1 there is still time to enroll. There are no income requirements. Here’s how to find and contact a center near you.
• PHLpreK centers are a part of the state’s Keystone STARS rating system. Learn more about it and how you can find quality centers for students up to 15-years-old near you.
• If you’re considering a career in ECE we can help you learn more about the field, job paths, and next steps you should take today.
• If you’re ready to work at a PHLpreK center and seeking a career check out our hiring blog! Find a job here!

Connect with resources at Community Schools

• Attend a community event or service at your local school! Join us for First Mondays at Gideon or at one of three Community Closets. There’s something for everyone at our schools. Stay up-to-date on upcoming activities in your area. Check out our Facebook Events page and Community Schools calendars.

Further your education

• Applications are open for this year’s Philadelphia City Scholarship. Philadelphia high school seniors have through March 1 to apply. Recipients will be granted $1,000 each academic year for four consecutive years of full-time enrollment in accredited, four-year, bachelor degree program.
• Selected students receive $1,000 each academic year for four consecutive years of full-time enrollment in accredited, four-year, bachelor degree program in the region. If you’ll be attending school in Chester, Delaware, Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Bucks County, check it out!
• Did you know? You can take free adult education classes at your local Community School. Improve your reading, writing or math skills, earn your GED or HiSET, or take ESL courses.
• You can also learn English as a second language through the Free Library or online at myPLACE.

Volunteer in your community

• Do you love to read or have a passion for helping students? How about both? Philly Reading Coaches pairs students and volunteers together for one hour of reading per week. The program boosts student confidence and comfort with reading. It also helps students bring their love of reading home — by building a library of 25 books of their choosing. Here’s why volunteers love volunteering with PRC and you will too.