Philadelphia to Test Full Day, Full Year School

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker announced on Thursday a pilot program to extend school hours on weekdays—from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.—and to offer school for six weeks during summer break and all the way through spring and winter break. The program, geared to children from kindergarten through eighth grade, will be offered at 25 schools starting this school year. Ms. Parker stressed that the program will not be mandatory for teachers or students, and it will not change the school calendar. It will be available for those who wish to take advantage of the extended time. “We want to make sure that there are no excuses. That our children in the Philadelphia School District, regardless of their socioeconomic status and or zip code, that they get access the high quality enrichment programs that are not traditionally offered during the school day,” Ms. Parker said....