What if your 3- or 4-year-old could get a jumpstart on kindergarten, complete with expert teachers, small class sizes, and daily learning activities, without costing you a dime? That’s exactly what PHLpreK offers Philadelphia families: high quality, free pre-K.

Funded by the city’s beverage tax, this program provides free pre-K during the school year, plus affordable extended-day and summer care options. Whether you’re comparing early education programs or just discovering PHLpreK for the first time, here’s everything you need to know about how it stacks up against other Top Preschools and Kindergarten Programs in Philly.

What is the PHLPreK Program?

The PHLPreK program is Philadelphia’s locally funded initiative to offer free, high-quality pre-kindergarten to children ages 3 and 4 who live in the city. Funded by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax, PHLPreK partners with early childhood education providers to offer a play-based curriculum to families that qualify.

For parents just moving to Philly with little ones, the beverage tax (sometimes called the soda tax), adds 1.5 cents per ounce of soda sold in Philadelphia, which the city has used since 2017 to fund PHLpreK.

“… Philadelphia is investing in the next generation of leaders,” says Sean Perkins, Chief of Early Childhood Education, Office of Children and Families. “It will not only prepare children for elementary school, but also open doors for their parents and caregivers in the workforce, higher education, and career advancement fields.”

What makes PHLPreK Unique?

The PHLPreK program is committed to quality early education at no cost. Here are key features of the program:

• It is truly free pre-K for Philly children: There is no cost for the regular school-year session of around 5.5 hours per day.
• The focus is on kindergarten readiness, aimed at preparing children for elementary school rather than just daycare.
• Small class sizes
• Classroom teachers with the expertise to teach young children
• Learning activities suitable for ability, like reading from Books to Get Little Ones Ready for School
• Regular progress reports throughout the year

What Schools Offer the Program?

You can find PHLPreK seats in many types of settings: community-based early learning centers, neighborhood daycare/preschool providers, and some school-district-affiliated sites.

Here are a few specific providers:

• Amazing Kidz Academy LLC – Cheltenham, 1267 E Cheltenham Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19124
• Brightside Academy – Van Pelt, 2010 N Van Pelt St., Philadelphia, PA 19121
• Christian Street YMCA, 1724 Christian St., Philadelphia, PA 19146
• Little Einsteins Early Learning Center, 6316 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144
• Little Learner’s Literacy Academy, 1517 Jackson St., Philadelphia, PA 19145
• Miss Marty’s Preschool, 6001 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144
• Rising Sun Children’s Center, 5224 Rising Sun Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19120
• The Child’s Place Preschool, 6066 Colgate Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111
• The Westwood School, 6801 N 16th St., Philadelphia, PA 19126
• Your Child’s World Learning Center – Roosevelt Blvd, 6501 Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19149

Note: While the regular school-day session is free, if you need extra wrap-around hours or summer care beyond the typical 5.5-hour day, the provider may charge additional fees.

How to Enroll in PHLPreK

Applying for PHLPreK is straightforward with minimal eligibility requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

Qualifications

• Your child must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1 of the school year.
• Your family must live in Philadelphia.
• There are no income requirements.

How to Apply

• Visit the PHLPreK website.
• You may contact a participating provider directly or call 1-844-PHL-PREK (844-745-7735) for help.

Documents Needed

• One document proving child’s age (birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, Social Security card)
• One document proving proof or residency in Philadelphia (state-issued ID or driver’s license, voter ID, current lease or rental agreement, Social Security award letter)
• A completed PHLpreK application

Ready to Give Your Child a Head Start?

PHLpreK isn’t just free childcare. It’s an investment in your child’s future and Philadelphia’s next generation of learners. With its focus on kindergarten readiness, experienced educators, and play-based curriculum, your child will enter elementary school confident and prepared. Spots fill up quickly, so don’t wait to explore whether PHLpreK is the right fit for your family. Your child’s educational journey starts here.

Lead photo courtesy of Academy Kidz.