Your child must be a rising 1st, rising 2nd, or rising 3rd grader by the summer to participate in our FSLA programming. (This means they are currently completing kindergarten, 1^st grade, or 2^nd grade.)

Our 2026 programming will be hosted virtually and at the following in-person across school sites in Philadelphia:

• John Barry Elementary 
• Tanner G. Duckrey Public School
• William D. Kelley Public School
• Universal Alcorn Charter School

In-person: Mondays-Fridays, June 29-July 31, 2026 from 8am-3:30pm

Virtual: Mondays-Thursdays, June 29-July 30, 2026 from 8am-11:30am EST

Each day begins with Harambee, a cultural call-and-response practice whereby students engage in affirming chants and cheers. Students engage in Read Aloud as a whole class then split into small groups for differentiated literacy instruction, using a research-backed and evidenced-based curriculum. During their project-based learning block, students create their own social action projects based on community or social issues of their choosing. Before instructional blocks, students participate in Mindfulness activities as fun brain-breaks and ways to center themselves.

For in-person scholars, the afternoon portion of their day is dedicated to enrichment activities like art, theater, dance, or music, to unleash their creative geniuses and potential. In-person scholars also participate in field trips on Fridays.

2025 ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:

Assessment results show that over the course of 5 weeks, scholars made meaningful academic gains in literacy with nearly nine in ten scholars meeting or exceeding expectations for literacy growth—a noteworthy outcome given national concerns around summer slides in learning.

READ FULL REPORT