Dandelion After school:
A Joyful, Self-Directed Social Emotional Learning Program
At Dandelion After School, kids don’t just spend the afternoon—they thrive.
We believe young people deserve the time, space, and support to explore their interests, follow their curiosity, and grow in ways that feel meaningful to them. We also believe that real social-emotional learning happens best through play, connection, and experiences that are naturally engaging and joyful.
Rooted in care—for ourselves, each other, and our environment—Dandelion After School is a space where kids build relationships, develop independence, and make choices about how they spend their time. Each afternoon, we offer a mix of creative activities, group games, hands-on projects, and neighborhood adventures, plus a nourishing snack to keep everyone energized.
What Does a Day Look Like?
Every day is different! Kids might:
🌿 Cook or bake something delicious
🎨 Get creative with arts and crafts
🎭 Dive into dramatic play
🎶 Move and dance to music
🏃♂️ Play indoor or outdoor games
🌳 Explore parks and local businesses on neighborhood walks
💡 Dream up their own activities—and make them happen!
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in Action
Dandelion After School isn’t just fun—it’s also a place where kids build essential life skills. Our facilitators intentionally connect activities to the CASEL framework for Social Emotional Learning (SEL), helping kids develop:
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Self-awareness: Understanding their emotions and strengths
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Self-management: Navigating big feelings and making thoughtful choices
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Social awareness: Practicing empathy and considering others’ perspectives
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Relationship skills: Communicating, collaborating, and resolving conflicts
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Responsible decision-making: Thinking critically and making choices with care
By blending play, autonomy, and meaningful relationships, we help kids deepen their connection to themselves, their peers, and the world around them.
Kids from local elementary schools and homeschool communities are welcome!
2025-2026
Program RATES
1-5 day options: Monday-Friday
Dandelion After School is invoiced monthly. The daily rates below are per month and include any half day pick ups that fall on that day
Mondays: $140/month
Tuesdays: $140/month
Wednesdays: $160/month
Thursdays: $160/month
Fridays: $170/month
*5% monthly sibling discount
*10% monthly discount for BIPOC youth
South philly school pickups
Dandelion After School offers free pick ups from:
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Coppin Elementary: Monday - Friday
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Southwark Elementary: Tuesday/Thursday
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Kirkbride Elementary: Monday- Friday
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Vare-Washington Elementary: Monday - Friday
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If you are from a different South Philly school and are interested, reach out!
DISTRICT Early Dismissals + Closures
When the School District of Philadelphia has an early dismissal, our staff picks up young people from school at their dismissal time. When the School District of Philadelphia has off from school, or an uplanned weather or emergency closure, we will NOT host Dandelion After School.
2025-26 Dates
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First Day of Dandelion After School is Tuesday, September 2, 2025
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Last Day of Dandelion After School is Friday, June 12, 2026.
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District Half Day EARLY PICK UPS:
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9/12: HALF DAY (PD)
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11/24: HALF DAY (Report Cards)
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11/25: HALF DAY (Report Cards)
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11/26: HALF DAY
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12/12: HALF DAY (PD)
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1/16: HAF DAY (PD)
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1/16: HALF DAY (PD)
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1/29 HALF DAY (report cards)
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1/30: HALF DAY (report cards)
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2/13: HALF DAY (PD)
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3/13:HALF DAY (PD)
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4/9:HALF DAY (report cards)
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4/10: HALF DAY (report cards)
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4/17:HALF DAY (PD)
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5/8th: HALF DAY (PD)
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6/11: HALF DAY (PD)
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6/12: HALF DAY (Last Day of School
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District CLOSED (No Dandelion After School)
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9/23: (CLOSED) Roshanah
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10/2: (CLOSED (Yom Kippur)
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10/10:CLOSED (PD)
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10/13 CLOSED (Indigenous People’s Day)
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11/4: CLOSED:(Election Day)
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11/11: CLOSED ( Veteran’s Day)
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11/27: CLOSED (Thanksgiving recess)
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11/28: CLOSED (Thanksgiving recess)
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12/24-1/2: CLOSED (Winter Recess)
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1/19: CLOSED (MLK DAY)
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2/16: CLOSED (President’s day)
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2/17: CLOSED
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3/20: CLOSED (Eid)
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3/30-4/3: CLOSED (Spring break)
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5/19:CLOSED ( Election Day)
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5/25: CLOSED (Memorial day)
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5/27: CLOSED (Eid)
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Registration
To register for the 25-26 academic year, complete the Enrollment Form.
We'll send you the first month's invoice, and enrollment will be confirmed once payment is received. Please reach out with any questions.
Billing + CANCELLATION policy
We bill for Dandelion After School on a monthly basis based the enrollment days. Enrollment includes all half day pick ups that fall on enrollment days. We do not prorate or discount monthly tuition for vacation or sick leave because consistent income allows us to fund our program and adequately pay our staff. Families can cancel their Dandelion After School enrollment for any reason, and we kindly request 30 days notice when ending your Dandelion After School agreement. Please reach out with any extenuating circumstances.
COVID-19 Policy
We believe that Covid-19 pandemic is still occuring, and we will monitor community spread and respond with updated policy as needed to keep our community as safe as possible. As of June 5, 2023, all programs from The Dandelion Project are mask optional. If young people have mild symptoms (runny nose, cough, etc.) that do not prevent them from participating in the program, we'll ask them to mask until symptoms resolve. We may need to change our policy throughout the year as new information becomes available.