With classes set to resume in less than a month, Philadelphia’s back-to-school bus tour is kicking off Monday.
Since 2021, the School District of Philadelphia has brought free school supplies and resources to families through the tour in the weeks leading up to the first day – which, for city public schools, is Aug. 26.
Two marked buses will be making seven stops. During the events, parents and caregivers will be able to register their children for pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade and sign up for the district’s online Parent Portal, school officials said.
Students will also be able to pick up a free backpack filled with school supplies, receive state-mandated vaccinations, and complete sports and school physicals at no cost, according to the district.
“This event brings important resources, school supplies and information directly to Philadelphia families in neighborhoods across the city to help them prepare for the 2024-2025 school year,” Superintendent Tony Watlington Sr. said in a statement.
Each stop will also include food trucks, ice cream and youth activities.
Below are the scheduled events, all of which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Monday, July 29: School of the Future, 4021 Parkside Ave.
- Wednesday, July 31: FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Ave. (follow signs to boathouse)
- Friday, Aug. 2: Central High School football field, Broad Street and W. Somerville Avenue
- Tuesday, Aug. 6: George Washington High School fields, 10175 Bustleton Ave.
- Friday, Aug. 9: Fashion District mall, 901 Market St.
- Wednesday, Aug. 14: Martin Luther King High School, 6100 Stenton Ave.
- Saturday, Aug. 17: Roosevelt Mall, 2329 Cottman Ave.
More School District of Philadelphia back-to-school information can be found at philasd.org/ringthebell.
