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Education Resources

Evaluation Letters

For evaluation letters to request testing for children having trouble in school, see “Resources” section.

School District of Philadelphia

www.philasd.org

Great Philly Schools

The mission of GreatPhillySchools is to make information accessible so parents, guardians, and students can find, compare, and demand great schools.
http://greatphillyschools.org/

 

Apply Philly Charter

One application for almost all charter school in Philly. Just click here applyphillycharter.org

Listing of Cyber Schools

Click here for listing of Cyberschools https://bestpacyberschools.com/schools/

Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Information about Catholic Schools in Philadelphia – 215-587-3700 https://aopcatholicschools.org/
High Schools https://aopcatholicschools.org/high-schools/
Elementary https://aopcatholicschools.org/elementary-schools/

Education Law Center

Promoting fairness and quality education in the public school system, and helping families understand and enforce their legal rights, from prompt early intervention services, children whose native language is not English, and children with disabilities- 1315 Walnut Street, 4 th Floor – 215-238-6970
www.elc-pa.org

Student Assistance Program (SAP)

The Student Assistance Program is a free service for students and families available through the Philadelphia School District and participating charter schools.  Schools partner with outside agencies to conduct behavioral health and substance use assessments for K-12 students who are experiencing academic and emotional difficulties.  Certified Student Assistance Program assessors collaborate with schools and families to provide recommendations for addressing risk behaviors and barriers to academic achievement and link families to services.  To request a SAP assessment for your child, please talk to your school counselor and ask for the referral packet.
For further details:      www.pnsas.org

Philadelphia Dept. of Education Special Ed. Consult Line

1-800-879-2301 (Voice/TTY/TDD) Help for families and advocates of children with special needs about: Special Education Regulations, School Related Concerns, and Procedural Safeguards. https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Special%20Education/Complaints/Pages/ConsultLine.aspx

Office of Specialized Services of the School District of Phila.

The Office of Specialized Services (OSS) is committed to the educational, social, physical, and emotional well being of students within the School District of Philadelphia. The OSS provides comprehensive special education, behavioral health, school health, and prevention/intervention programs. 215-400-4170
https://www.philasd.org/specializedservices/

ECOY Program- Employment Connections for Opportunity Youth

Temple’s Employment Connections for Opportunity Youth program serves students who are between 17 to 21 years old and who have aged or are currently aging out of foster care. Young adults who have dropped out of school, are current seniors in high school, or graduated with their diploma or GED are eligible for this program. Sponsored in part by Philadelphia Works, Inc., the Employment Connections for Opportunity Youth program provides a comprehensive approach to college and career connectedness, including opportunities to explore career options and exposure to career or college pathways. Call 215-204-7913, email ecoy@temple.edu, or visit community.temple.edu/employment-connections-opportunity-youth for more info.

DHS Education Support Center (ESC)

– Works with the School District to prevent disruptions to a child’s education when they are placed in DHS care
–  ESC liaisons can help with academic problems, attendance/truancy, transportation to/from school, support for children with special education needs. Call (215) 683-4001 or OCFCommunications@phila.gov
https://www.phila.gov/programs/education-support-center/

Anyone can make the referral, but permission to evaluate must come from the education decision maker (biological parent, another EDM, etc., not the foster/resource parent). If there are delays in psycho-educational testing after the permission to evaluate has happened, it can be helpful to contact ELC § ELC Education Rights Helpline: 215-238-6970, info@elc-pa.org

-ESC Cognito Referral Form https://bit.ly/ocf_esc

 

National Center for Learning Disabilities

NCLD works every day to make meaningful change for individuals with learning and attention issues. Find out more about our work by calling (301) 966-2234, emailing info@ncld.org, or visiting www.ncld.org/what-we-do/

Office of Dispute Resolution ODR) for IEPs

ConsultLine is a toll-free information help line for parents and advocates of children with disabilities including learning issues who have questions or concerns about the education of a school-aged child. You can call the ConsultLine by calling 800-879-2301 or 717-901-2146, or you can request that the ConsultLine call you by filling out an online request form at www.odr-pa.org/contact-consultline.
If you don’t agree with your child’s IEP contact the Office for Dispute Resolution who can set up the mediation and due process request for all of Pennsylvania, and provides training and services regarding other ways to settle disagreements for students who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).  Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR) Voice: 800-222-3353 TTY Users: PA Relay 711 Email: odr@odr-pa.org Fax: 717-657-5983 Website: www.odr-pa.org

 

Summer Learning Programs through the School District

Click on link for info about programs for summer learning and enrichment. Call 215-400-4180
www.philasd.org/face/tag/summer-learning/

School District Language Hotlines

Answers all questions related to public education
For ALL languages, click https://www.philasd.org/languagepages/
• Albanian* –215-400-8480
• Chinese* – 215 400­-8482
• French* – 215 400­-8483
• Khmer* – 215 400­-8484
• Russian* – 215 400-­8485
• Spanish – 215 400-­8489
• Vietnamese* – 215-400-8487
• Arabic: 215-400-8481

Philadelphia PreK- Mayor’s Office of Education

Find  Pre-K and quality child care for kids from birth to five. Call 844-PHL-PREK (844-745-7735) or check out the great website here. www.phlprek.org
Click www.phlprek.org/programs for interactive map and here for eligibility. 

Office of Early Childhood Education

Info and links to many preschool programs in Philly.
Click here for info or call 215-400-4270 www.philasd.org/earlychildhood

Keystone STARS- Quality Rating System for Pre-K

Keystone STARS provides families a tool to gauge the quality of early learning programs and is proven to improve the quality of child care based on an independent study. Child care and Head Start programs earn a STAR 1 to STAR 4 level by meeting quality standards for teacher qualifications, learning environment and program management.  https://www.pakeys.org/keystone-stars/

Keystone Scholars FREE $100 to Start your child’s education NOW

Keystone Scholars is an investment in every Pennsylvania baby’s bright future, including yours.

Keystone Scholars provides $100 for every baby born to a PA family on or after January 1, 2019 to be used for your child’s future post-secondary education expenses. The $100 is invested and will grow alongside your child. Your Keystone Scholars account can be used for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, fees, books, and more at a vocational or technical school, apprenticeship, community college, or four-year university. Go to https://www.pa529.com/keystone/ and start your child’s future now.

Head Start -Pre-Kindergarten

Head Start is a comprehensive preschool program for low-income three, four, and five year olds. It provides children with a developmentally appropriate early childhood education. The program ensures that young children get health checkups and treatment, and that they are fed a nutritious hot meal every day. 215-400-4270 to register or 866-763-6481 for more info.
Click here for applications or apply online at Compass
www.phlprek.org/head-start/

How to register your child for school checklist

Very helpful guide on what you need to register your child for school.
Click here for guide

Conquering Kindergarten

New site that helps families get the skills necessary for success for their children starting Kindergarten.
Click here for help conqueringkindergarten.org.

Heights Philadelphia (Stepping Stone Scholars

Heights Philadelphia is a merger of Philadelphia Futures and Steppingstone Scholars, offering sustainable access to academic and workforce opportunities through expansive programming and partnerships. Heights works with students from middle school to their first careers. Call 215-790-1666 and visit heights.org to learn more and enroll your child or student.

Breakthrough Philadelphia

Breakthrough Philadelphia sets highly-motivated, underserved middle-school students on the path to and through college. Students and parents/guardians apply to this tuition-free, multi-year program during 5th-8th grade and are supported through high school and college. Call (215) 261-6705, email info@breakthroughphilly.org, or visit breakthroughphilly.org for more info.

Young Scholars Program

The Young Scholars Program is a selective pre-college scholarship for high-performing 7th grade students with financial need. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers further scholarship programs for undergraduate and community college students. Call 571-799-8064, email scholarships@jkcf.org, or visit www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships for more info.

GEAR UP

Helps with college preparation and awareness to students in low-income communities. Starts in 6th or 7th grade and goes through high school- 215-400-4200. https://www.philasd.org/collegeandcareer/

Step Up to College Guide

From Philadelphia Futures. All the info you need to prepare for, choose and pay for college. Click below for info
www.stepuptocollege.org

Applying to College 101

FREE course from U of Penn to help high schoolers navigate the college process. https://www.coursera.org/learn/applying-to-college-101

TeenSHARP

TeenSHARP prepares talented Black, Latino, and low-income students for top colleges and community-centered leadership.
Starts in 9th grade. Go to www.teensharp.org or email  info@teensharp.org for info

The Ellis Trust: Grants and Scholarships for High School Girls Residing in Philadelphia

The Ellis Trust provides financial assistance for school needs, extracurricular programs, summer camps and/or high school tuition for high-achieving girls in grades 9-12 who reside in Philadelphia. Eligible girls are from single parent families who meet federal reduced lunch income eligibility guidelines. Call 215-790-1666 with questions or ellis@heights.org
www.ellistrust.org

Children’s Scholarship Fund

The Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia provides educational alternatives to low-income Philadelphia families through needs based scholarships. Call (215) 670-8411 or go to website below for info. www.csfphiladelphia.org

A Better Chance (ABC)

ABC’s mission is to increase substantially the number of well-educated young people of color who are capable of assuming positions of responsibility and leadership in American society.  We carry out our mission through our signature College Preparatory Schools Program (“CPSP”), which annually recruits, refers and supports about 500 A Better Chance Scholars at more than 300 of the nation’s leading boarding, day and public schools. Call (800) 562-7865 or go to website or accounting@abetterchance.org. http://www.abetterchance.org/

The Ellis Trust: Grants and Scholarships for High School Girls Residing in Philadelphia

The Ellis Trust provides financial assistance for school needs, extracurricular programs, summer camps and/or high school tuition for high-achieving girls in grades 9-12 who reside in Philadelphia. Eligible girls are from single parent families who meet federal reduced lunch income eligibility guidelines. Call 215-790-1666, ext 442 with questions.
www.ellistrust.org

Upward Bound Programs

Various locations throughout the city for motivated lower income students to help them achieve their goals of college graduation. Various universities/colleges work with students at select high schools Click on the one that manages your high school. Must apply in 9th or early 10th grade and be the first generation to finish college.
University of Pennsylvania (Overbrook, Parkway West, Sayre, West Philly)
CCP Trio Upward Bound (Benjamin Franklin, Building 21, Furness, South Philadelphia)
Temple University (Any Philadelphia public or charter school. Priority given to Benjamin Franklin, Murrell Dobbins, Simon Gratz, Strawberry Mansion, The U School)
Harcum College (John Bartram, William Sayre, and Samuel Fels)

Scholly App

Designed to ease the scholarship search process, Scholly aims to fix the outdated search methods that require filling out long, tiresome forms and then fail to deliver relevant results.
myscholly.com

Questbridge

Questbridge helps connect the brighest low-income students to America’s best universities and opportunities. Check out their website for info. questions@questbridge.org or (650) 331-3280 www.questbridge.org/

Let’s Get Ready

Let’s Get Ready provides free SAT prep, admissions counseling, and post-enrollment mentoring to students from low-income backgrounds and who are first-generation-to-college. Their peer-driven program is administered by highly trained and highly effective college students who mentor younger students to and through college. Click here for info https://letsgetready.org/
info@letsgetready.org or 646-808-2760

Women in Transportation Scholarships

Specifically for high schoolers and college students interested in the  transportation industry (city planning, SEPTA, Amtrak and more). Click here for info or go to site whttps://www.wtsinternational.org/

Gateway to College

Gateway to College at Community College of Philadelphia is a scholarship program for School District of Philadelphia students, ages of 16-21, who have dropped out of school but have a desire to get back on track and earn a high school diploma and college credits. Call 215.751.8404 orgateway@ccp.edu and go online for an application.
www.ccp.edu/site/gateway

College Access Program (Philadelphia Education Fund)

Through the College Access Program, students are supported in their schools with one-on-one advising, college readiness workshops, recruiter sessions, college visits, and four signature events conducted in their freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years. The schools supported are Frankford, Horace Furness, John Bartram, Olney Charter, Paul Robeson, Roxborough, and Kensington High School for the Creative & Performing Arts. Email bdefoney@philaedfund.org, call 215-665-1400, or visit https://philaedfund.org/programs/college-career-resources/college-access-program/ for more info.

CollegeBoard

Search for info on colleges, how to pay for college, and how to prepare. Go to website below.
www.collegeboard.com

Philly Goes to College

Hey Philly, you can go 2 college! And we can connect you to the resources and programs to help you plan, apply, and pay for it. PG2C, powered by The Philadelphia Education Fund, is your college access solution. phillygoes2college.org

KnowHow2Go

Great website to prepare for college from middle school on.
www.knowhow2go.org

CORE Philadelphia Scholarships

Financial Literacy Scholarships are need-based scholarships that awards students from $2,500 up to $4,000 in scholarship dollars in exchange for completing Financial Literacy Training. The scholarship is meant to help high school, college, and trade school students from families at or below the national poverty line, giving them the knowledge to handle the financial difficulties of college and onward. Application open year round. Visit corescholars.org or call 267.909.9387 for more info.

Samual A. Green College Scholarship- High School Seniors

To apply to be a Samuel A. Green Scholar, you must be a Greater Philadelphia or Lehigh Valley area high school graduating senior/rising college freshman from a public, private, parochial or charter school, or a home-schooled student or technical school graduate and GED recipient, who plans to be a full-time student at a community or four-year, not-for-profit, accredited college or university $5000/year for 4 years. Must apply before March. Click for info and to apply https://www.greenfamilyfoundation.org/samuel-a-green-scholarship.

Herb it Forward Scholarship

For graduating seniors or first year college students from lower income families. 30 scholarships a year to help defray costs. Click www.herbie.com/hif-scholarship for info.

College Scholarships in Philly

Click links below for more info:

School District of Phila. Re-Engagement Center

A one stop shopping resource center to help 16-21 year olds reenroll in diploma or GED programs. Call 215-400-6700 or visit  the center at 440 North Broad Street Suite 1013 7:30-6:00 pm M-F
https://www.philasd.org/opportunitynetwork/reengagement/
Listing of Options

Free GED Video tutorials

Go to www.mometrix.com/academy/ged-test/ for a free GED practice test and discounted study resources.

Keystone First GED Program

Mission GED helps Keystone First members get their general equivalency diplomas (GEDs). Get the tools and support you need to further your education and reach your goals at https://www.keystonefirstpa.com/member/eng/programs/mission-ged/index.aspx or call 1-800-573-4100, ext. 5713 (TTY 711).”; attach “Get your GED” handout https://www.keystonefirstpa.com/pdf/member/eng/programs/mission-ged/ged-brochure.pdf (English), https://www.keystonefirstpa.com/pdf/member/eng/programs/mission-ged/ged-brochure-span.pdf (Spanish)

E3 Power Program

E3 services offer a neighborhood-based, holistic approach to helping out-of-school youth and youth returning from juvenile placement (16-24 year olds) to achieve long-term educational, career, and personal goals, including self-sufficiency. E3 provides support along three connected pathways: Education, Employment, and Empowerment. Email yearround@pyninc.org or go to www.pyninc.org/e3 to find more info, the location closest to you, and applications.

YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School

YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School provides out-of-school youth, 17-20 year-olds , in Philadelphia with the broadest range of tools, supports and opportunities available to become self-sufficient, responsible and productive citizens in their community.
Students earn their high school diplomas while learning valuable job skills and engaging in community service projects. YouthBuild Philadelphia rebuilds lives and communities! 1231 N. Broad St, 3rd Fl 215-627-8671. hello@youthphilybuild.org
www.youthbuildphilly.org

Truancy and Behavioral Interventions

PSD Office of Prevention & Intervention”; adjust description to “Focusing on mental, behavioral and social-emotional health needs, the Office of Prevention & Intervention increases access to education by: decreasing barriers through responsive, trauma-informed practices; promoting a holistic and inclusive approach to supports; validating students through person-centered practices and partnerships. Call 215-400-4930, email preventionandintervention@philasd.org, or visit www.philasd.org/prevention/ for more info and resources.

Resources for Undocumented Students

Several resources from the School District including Fact Sheets and help with College. Go to www.philasd.org/multilingual
Also click on this handout for more info here

YES- Youth Empowerment Services

YES’s year-round open entry program combines enticing media and art activities with proven counseling models, GED preparatory classes and job-readiness training. Call 215.769.0340 for info.
www.yesphilly.org

PA Partners in Public Education

Great resource for families interested in getting help with parenting and helping their child in school. Great brochures and videos.
https://www.psea.org/partners

Office of Multilingual Education

Office of The School District of Philadelphia that helps English Language Learners Excel. 215-400-4240
www.philasd.org/multilingual

PHLConnectED Free Internet

The City of Philadelphia’s PHLConnectED program will provide thousands of Philadelphia pre-K-12 families with free internet access so their children can fully participate in school. Find out if you’re eligible by dialing 2-1-1. For language services, press 8. You can also visit phila.gov/programs/phlconnected/ for more information.
PHLConnectED will connect you with a Digital Navigator  “https://www.phila.gov/services/education-learning/get-help-with-technology/get-help-from-a-digital-navigator/ for one-on-one support with accessing and using technology.

Affordable Connectivity Program: Free or Low-Cost Internet

Get Xfinity Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials Plus at no cost when you qualify for and enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Qualifying households can still sign up for Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials Plus for an affordable monthly price. Go to https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials#amieligible to find more info and see if you’re eligible.
Click here for flyer

Office of College Readiness

School District of Philadelphia’s Office provides resources and guidance to Philadelphia’s students to pursue their dreams. Provides resources on college preparation and career development- 440 N Broad St. Suite 212- call 215-400-4200
https://www.philasd.org/collegeandcareer/ also free resource below
phila.schoolnet.com/outreach/philadelphia/students/beyond/local

Education Law Center

Promoting fairness and quality education in the public school system, and helping families understand and enforce their legal rights, from prompt early intervention services, children whose native language is not English, and children with disabilities- 1800 JFK Blvd., Suite 1900-A – 215-238-6970
www.elc-pa.org

ASPIRA, Inc.

The ASPIRA Association promotes the empowerment of the Puerto Rican and Latino community by developing and nurturing leadership, intellectual and cultural potential of its youth so that they may contribute their skills and dedication to the fullest development of the Puerto Rican and Latino community everywhere. Multiple programs for youth development- 4322 N. 5th St. 3rd Floor-215-455-1300.  www.aspira.org/

Special Education Consult Line Phila. School District

Main phone number for most issues relating to Philadelphia school system- 800-879-2301 https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Special%20Education/Complaints/Pages/ConsultLine.aspx
The Special Education Consult Line handbook click here and in Spanish, here

Office of Diverse Learners

The Office of Diverse Learners is committed to the educational, social, physical, and emotional well being of students within the School District of Philadelphia. The OSS provides comprehensive special education, behavioral health, school health, and prevention/intervention programs. 215-400-4170
https://www.philasd.org/specializedservices/

Mighty Writers

At Mighty Writers, we teach kids to think clearly and write with clarity so they can achieve success. We host writing workshops in and around Philadelphia, PA and distribute groceries, diapers and other essentials to families in our communities. All of our programs are free for students and families. We are located in Germantown, West Philly, North Philly, South Ninth Street, and virtually. Email hello@mightywriters.org, call 267-239-0899, or visit mightywriters.org for more info.

FREE and Flexible Tutoring from the School District of Philadelphia

  Scan this code, or download this poster, and email tutoring@philasd.org, to register and learn more.

Free tutoring from the Free Library

The Free Library of Philadelphia offers free online homework help with a live tutor, for students in kindergarten through college. To access this resource, first sign up for a library card. Next visit www.freelibrary.org and click on “Homework Help” in the upper right-hand corner to log in (in the “ASK” section). Homework Help from Brainfuse is available in both English and Spanish, and it also provides feedback on writing. Available 2pm-11pm every day.

Khan Academy

Free educational videos on all topics from K-12. Learn at your own pace.
www.khanacademy.org

Power Kids

Thousands of resources for learning and help with homework from PA Department of Education
kidspowerlibrary.org

RISE Philadelphia

RISE Philadelphia offers free, virtual tutoring and mentoring to K-12 Philadelphia and South Jersey students to empower students to achieve their goals of succeeding in the classroom and graduating high school. Each student is paired with a local graduate student who provides academic assistance. You can visit https://www.risephiladelphia.com/services to learn more and sign up! Questions can be sent to rise.philly.2020@gmail.com. Flyer here

LEAP at the Free Library of Philadelphia

A free, drop-in after school program that provides homework help, computer literacy, library skills, and presents cultural enrichment programs that assists children and teens Grades 1-12- 215-686-5372 libwww.freelibrary.org/programs/leap/
LEAP@freelibrary.org

ELECT Teen Parent Program

ELECT (Education Leading to Employment Career Training) Teen Parent Classrooms help pregnant and parenting teens finish their high school education and plan for college and/or employment after high-school. The ELECT staff provides academic and social service support, case management, home visits and group activities. For more information call 215-400-4250 or ELECTinfo@philasd.org

https://www.philasd.org/face/programs-services/elect/
ELECT Referral Form

The Lighthouse

Program that seeks to empower young mothers 18-21 years old with the skills necessary to compete in the workforce- GED prep., money skills- 152 West Lehigh Ave.- 215-425-7800. https://www.lighthouse1893.org/

Bullying Hotline

Office of Family and Student Support- if teacher or principal can’t fix the problem call the Parent- Hot-Line- 215-400-SAFE or 1-215-656-5381. Click here for info on bullying prevention and here for facts for parents

Office of Safe Schools Advocate

If child is a victim of school violence or bullying can call 1-877-730-6315. Go to website for more info.
Click here for Bullying Investigation Request letter

Stop Bullying Website

Click here https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/get-help-now for tips and resources on what kids, teens, and adults can do to address bullying when the school does not appropriately respond.


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