“Kindergarten attendance starts children on the path to academic success,” said Dr. William R. Hite, Superintendent, The School District of Philadelphia. “Children truly thrive at five as they learn how to read and write and grow emotionally and socially.”

The District is hoping to make the “Thrive at Five” campaign a city-wide effort and will be asking elected officials, community leaders, faith-based organizations, civic groups and parents to encourage registration and share their favorite kindergarten moments on social media with the hashtag, #thriveatfive.