Back-to-school season is an exciting time for families, but it can also come with a long list of questions. Where will your child attend preschool? What happens after the school day ends? Where can you find activities, family services, tutoring, childcare, or ways to keep children engaged?
For families living in and around Fishtown, the neighborhood offers access to a growing variety of businesses, organizations, and services designed to support children and parents throughout the school year.
Whether you’re preparing a little one for their first classroom experience, searching for an after-school activity, or simply looking for family-friendly resources close to home, shopping and supporting local businesses can make the back-to-school transition a little easier.
Finding the Right Preschool:
Preschool is an important first step in a child’s educational journey. For many families, it’s also a child’s first experience with a structured learning environment outside the home.
When looking for a preschool in Fishtown, consider what matters most to your family. You may want to ask about class sizes, daily schedules, educational philosophy, outdoor play, meals, communication with parents, and how teachers help children develop social and emotional skills.
Location can also make a significant difference. A preschool close to home or work can simplify the daily routine and give your family more opportunities to connect with other neighborhood families.
As you explore your options, take time to visit programs, meet teachers, and ask questions. The right environment should feel welcoming, safe, and supportive for both children and parents.
After-School Programs Keep Kids Learning and Engaged:
The school day doesn’t have to be the end of a child’s learning and exploration. After-school programs can give children opportunities to develop new interests, build friendships, and discover activities they may not encounter during the regular school day.
Depending on your child’s interests, look for programs involving:
- Art and creative activities
- Sports and physical fitness
- Music and performing arts
- STEM and technology
- Academic support and tutoring
- Reading and writing
- Dance
- Community service
- Outdoor activities
After-school programs can also provide valuable support for working parents who need care between school dismissal and the end of the workday.
When comparing programs, ask about pickup options, hours, staff qualifications, activities, costs, and registration deadlines. Popular programs may fill quickly, so planning ahead can be especially helpful at the beginning of the school year.
Be sure to look into these Fishtown childcare and educational programs:
Fishtown Montessori
(215) 821-1455
307 East Girard Avenue
The Fishtown School
(267) 319-1608
621 E Girard Avenue
Milestones Enrichment Academy
(215) 644-8971
1852 Frankford Avenue
PlayArts
(267) 225-8434
1241-45 N Front Street
Take Action Tutoring
(215) 510-9949
1100 N Front Street
Stem Prep Academy
(267) 687-2402
604 E Girard Avenue
Liberty Learning Center
(215) 425-5122
512 E Girard Avenue
Celebree School of Fishtown
(215) 267-8619
1400 N Howard Street, Suite 210
Family Services Close to Home:
Back-to-school preparation involves much more than choosing a classroom and buying supplies. Families often need a variety of services throughout the year, from healthcare and wellness providers to children’s activities, professional services, and local retailers.
One of the benefits of living in an active urban neighborhood like Fishtown is having many resources within the community.
Local businesses can help families save time while also keeping dollars circulating within the neighborhood. Instead of automatically turning to large chains or online retailers for every need, consider whether a nearby Fishtown business can provide the product or service you’re looking for.
Make Back-to-School Shopping a Neighborhood Adventure:
Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to mean spending an entire weekend at a shopping center. Make it an opportunity to explore Fishtown with your family.
Create a neighborhood shopping list and look for locally owned businesses that can help with clothing, shoes, school supplies, books, food, activities, and other essentials.
While you’re out, grab a snack or lunch at a neighborhood restaurant or café. Visit a local shop. Stop by a family-friendly activity. You may discover a new favorite place that becomes part of your family’s routine throughout the school year.
Supporting local businesses benefits more than the individual business owner. Strong neighborhood businesses contribute to a vibrant community and help create the kind of walkable, connected environment where families want to live.
Get Involved in the Community:
The beginning of a new school year is also a great time to become more connected with your neighborhood.
Look for community events, family activities, school-related events, neighborhood gatherings, and opportunities to volunteer. Getting involved can help parents meet other families while giving children opportunities to develop a sense of belonging.
For families new to Fishtown, these connections can be especially valuable. A recommendation from another parent can help you discover a preschool, after-school program, pediatric service, tutor, activity, or local business that you might not have found on your own.
Don’t Forget About Parents:
Back-to-school preparation often focuses entirely on children, but parents need support, too.
Finding convenient local services can make a busy school-year schedule easier to manage. Whether you need a quick meal after soccer practice, a local professional service, a place to exercise, or somewhere to meet another parent for coffee, neighborhood businesses can become an important part of your family’s support network.
The more familiar you become with the businesses and services around you, the easier it can be to build a routine that works for your entire household.
Your Fishtown Back-to-School Resource:
From preschool and childcare to after-school activities and family services, Fishtown has plenty to offer families preparing for a new school year.
As you make your back-to-school plans, take some time to explore the businesses and organizations right here in the neighborhood. You may find that the resources your family needs are closer than you think.
This school year, make shopping local part of your family’s routine. Discover the neighborhood businesses, services, and community resources that help make Fishtown a welcoming place for families to learn, grow, work, and play.
Be sure to check with individual businesses and programs for current enrollment, schedules, availability, and offerings.
Because even in the busiest urban environments, helpful resources and services are to be discovered. Visit Fishtown’s directory for more of these to support yourself and your family!