Where to get free school supplies in Philadelphia in 2024
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It might be the middle of summer, but it's not too early to think about getting back to school in Philadelphia.
Across the city, clinics are already accepting School District of Philadelphia students who need to get up to date on their vaccinations and physicals. Starting on July 29, the first of several free school supply giveaways will help students get ready to go back to school.
This is Ring the Bell PHL, the school district's back-to-school welcome tour that starts in the summer. The Ring the Bell PHL bus tour makes multiple stops across the city in the weeks leading up to the first day of school.
"We're taking these events, our bus tour events, out into our families' communities. We don't want them to have to come find us and search us down. We want to be able to take the information they need to them," Adam Northam, the deputy chief of internal communications for the School District of Philadelphia, said at the tour's first event stop Monday.
The district projects 20,000 to 25,000 people will utilize the bus tour. Northam adds the seven spots are picked based on a variety of factors.
"We make sure that we're spread out. We look at historical factors, where we've had success in the past. We also look at the district's enrollment data. We look at attendance data," Northam said.
Here's everything Philly students and parents need to know about getting a free backpack, physical, or immunization.
Free school supplies 2024: Where to get backpacks and other school supplies for free in Philadelphia
- Monday, July 29 | 10 AM – 2 PM
School of the Future
4021 Parkside Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104 - Wednesday, July 31 | 10 AM – 2 PM
FDR Park – Boathouse Lawn
1500 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145 - Friday, August 2 | 10 AM – 2PM
Central High School Football Field
1700 W. Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19141
(use field entrances on Somerville Ave.) - Tuesday, August 6 | 10 AM – 2PM
George Washington High School Football Field
10175 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19116 - Friday, August 9 | 10 AM – 2PM
Fashion District Philadelphia
901 Market St. Philadelphia, PA 19107 - Wednesday, August 14 | 10 AM – 2PM
Martin Luther King High School
6100 Stenton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19138 - Saturday, August 17 | 10 AM – 2PM
Roosevelt Mall
2329 Cottman Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19152
The welcome bus will provide free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last, free immunizations and physicals, snacks and frozen treats, on-site registration for the School District of Philadelphia, and ways for parents to sign up for the district's Parent Portal. In addition, there will be fun education activities, games, and raffles.
Where to get a vaccine or physical for a Philadelphia student
These five city health centers in Philadelphia are accepting walk-ins for school vaccinations through Aug. 25 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m:
- Health Center #3
555 South 43rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4408
215-685-7504 - Health Center #4
4400 Haverford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104-1361
215-685-7600 - Health Center #5
1900 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19121-2217
215-685-2933 - Health Center #9
131 East Chelten Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144-2153
215-685-5701 - Strawberry Mansion Health Center
2840 West Dauphin Street, Philadelphia, PA 19132-4627
215-685-2400
The Family Practice and Counseling Network is offering vaccinations at the district's headquarters on North Broad Street, on these dates:
- July 22-26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- July 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Aug. 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome, or call 267-338-2953 to make an appointment.
The Dr. Ala Stanford Center at 2001 West Lehigh Avenue is offering vaccines for Philadephia students as well as physicals for student-athletes.
Vaccines
- July 22-26 | 9-5pm
- August 5-9 | 9-5pm
- August 19-23 | 9-5pm
Register at bit.ly/sdpstanford
PIAA sports physicals are available at the center through July 26. The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Register for a physical on the center's website.
The Maria de los Santos Health Center at 401 West Allegheny Avenue is holding vaccination clinics later in the summer on these dates:
- August 13 | 8-4 PM
- August 20 | 9-5 PM
- August 22 | 9-5 PM
- September 5 | 7:30-3 PM
You can register at bit.ly/sdpsantos.
What vaccines do Philadelphia students need?
Students must provide proof of vaccinations or an exemption no later than the first day of school. A flyer with more information on the required doses is available on the district's website.
When is the first day of school in Philadelphia?
School starts in Philadelphia on Monday, Aug. 26.