Philly Schools To Set Up 31 'Access Centers' For Virtual Learning

PHILADELPHIA — Students in Philadelphia are getting some help when it comes to learning digitally amid the coronavirus as the School District of Philadelphia opens with an all-virtual education plan through at least the first marking period.

The city will operate 31 "Access Centers" where students can get daily supervision during digital learning time from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

In addition to learning support, the centers will provide supplemental activities and meals for students.

Students can use the centers free of charge.

Most of the centers, which will be located in neighborhoods serving Philadelphia’s most vulnerable children, will serve about 22 students. Registration priority will be given to students with the highest need who can’t safely stay at home during the school day.

Students can qualify to register for an Access Center if they are entering Kindergarten through 6th grade; are children of caregivers working outside the home who cannot provide supervision or are not able to afford childcare; or have no in-home internet.

Additional registration information will be available online here next week.

The first phase of 31 Access Centers will open on Sept. 8 to serve 800 Kindergarten through sixth grade students. The majority of phase one sites will be Philadelphia Parks & Recreation rec centers, as well as Free Library of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Housing Authority sites.

Additional locations will be added on a rolling basis.