One City, Hundreds of Schools: Helping Families Make Informed Choices
As Philadelphia families prepare for another school selection season, one event has become the city’s go-to destination for exploring educational opportunities: the K-12 Philly School Fair.
Now in its 12th year, the K-12 Philly School Fair is Philadelphia’s largest school fair, bringing together families and an expected 175+ schools from across the city. Last year, the event welcomed a record-breaking 6,000+ attendees, demonstrating the growing demand for accessible, transparent information about school options. This year is already on pace to surpass expectations, with over 4,000 families registered weeks ahead of the Fair.
The 2026 Fair features schools from all sectors, with representation from the School District of Philadelphia neighborhood, special admissions and Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools, charter schools, cyber schools, and faith-based and private schools, giving families the opportunity to compare options side by side in a single location. Families can explore schools that best fit their children’s needs and connect directly with school leaders, ask questions about academics, extracurricular programs, admissions, transportation, and school culture.
Register for the 2026 K-12 Philly School Fair | Saturday, September 19
Families can also connect with community-based organizations (CBOs) and explore resources, programs, and activities throughout the Fair, including:
- Literacy and book giveaways through Read by 4th
- Interactive activities from Youth Mentoring Partnership
- Before- and after-school recreation
- Scholarships and financial support
- Family resources
- CTE programs
- Early childhood education
- Academic support for cyber school students
- Health and wellness resources
- Tutoring and academic support
- Workforce development
- Face painting and glitter bar
- Vision
This year’s Fair arrives at a particularly important moment in Philadelphia education history. Families who are unsure about the long-term future of their catchment school have the opportunity to explore all of their options in one central location. Additionally, both Apply Philly Charter’s new Rank & Match application system and the School District of Philadelphia’s school selection process encourage families to thoughtfully rank their preferred schools. Rather than choosing schools based solely on reputation or convenience, families are encouraged to visit schools and ask informed questions so they can build a ranked list that reflects their true preferences. The Fair is one of the most efficient ways for families to make those informed decisions before application deadlines.
New this year, the Fair will feature Ausome Village, a dedicated space bringing together more than 20 organizations that support neurodivergent students and their families in partnership with CHOP’s Center for Autism Research. Parents and caregivers will have access to resources that help them navigate special education services, understand available supports, and connect with organizations dedicated to ensuring every child can thrive in school.
As Philadelphia continues to expand educational opportunities across district, charter, and private schools, the K-12 Philly School Fair has become more than an annual event—it has become a reflection of how families are making one of the most important decisions for their children. By putting hundreds of educational opportunities and trusted resources in one place, the Fair empowers families with the information they need to confidently choose the best educational path for their child.