Philadelphia Schools Welcome 113,000 Students for 2026-27 Year

The Philadelphia School District opened the 2026-27 academic year on August 24, 2026, welcoming 113,000 students back to classrooms across the city.

Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. stated that the district aims to become the fastest-improving big-city school system, noting that 34% of students currently meet state reading standards.

Chief Education Officer Debora Carrera confirmed a $48 million agreement that successfully restored 340 staff positions that were previously slated for elimination due to budget cuts.