The end of summer 2025 is quickly approaching, and now students, teachers, and parents are getting ready for school buses to start rolling once again.

With so many emotions buzzing during this time, it is important to make sure that you are supporting yourself and your children correctly.

Many organizations around the Philadelphia region are offering services like free immunizations and haircuts to students from elementary to high school students entering the 2025-26 academic year.

Parents and teachers can even get in on the excitement with discounted items and freebies during back-to-school.

Check out some amazing events and offers happening near you:

Free services offered for students

Free and discounted immunizations for students:

Vaccines for Children (VCF) Program:

  • The VCF program offers no-cost vaccines through the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
  • Children under the age of 18 must meet one of the following requirements: American Indian or Alaska Native, Medicaid-eligible, uninsured or are underinsured.
  • The program does not require proof of a child’s eligibility.
  • VCF offers a map of sites in Philadelphia that offer vaccines.

Visit the VCF website to see the extensive list of provided vaccines for children.

CityLife Health

  • CityLife Health offers vaccine and physical appointments at its clinics across Philadelphia.
  • All students of the Philadelphia School District are eligible.
  • Walk-in appointments are welcome, but appointments are recommended.

Visit the CityLife Health website to find the clinic closest to you.

Immunizations in Bucks County

  • There are several clinics in Bucks County that offer back to school vaccinations for children and adults who are uninsured, underinsured or covered by medical assistance.
  • If you qualify, call the Bucks County Department of Health (BCDH) clinic in your area to make an appointment.

Visit the BCDH website to view the clinic locations near you.

The School District of Philadelphia

  • The Philadelphia School District is offering free immunizations and physicals at select locations during their “All Bus Tour” stop, a bus tour that is offering free school supplies before the first day of school
  • All bus tour stops are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and stop at various locations

Here is the list of stops doing vaccinations and physicals:

Click here to see the other stops on the Back to School Bus Tour.

Free haircuts for students in Philadelphia:

Barbers Who Care Inc.

  • During their Back to School event, Barbers Who Care is hosting a free haircut and school supply giveaway for all students.
  • The event is located at the YMCA in West Philly at 5120 Chestnut Street on Aug. 24, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Intercultural Family Services

MomCode & KiddieVents

  • MomCode & KiddieVents are offering a free kids braids and backpack giveaway for students going back to school.
  • The event is location at The Clubhouse Suite, 3525 Street Suite 405 in Philly on Aug. 17, 2025 at 1 p.m.
  • Students must show their school ID to participate in this event.

For more information, visit the Momcode flyer here.

Freebies of parents and teachers

Freebies and discounts for teachers:

Canva

  • Canva for Education is 100% free for teachers and students and allows them to create personalized lesson plans, posters, graphics and more.

Colgate

  • Kindergarten and 1st Grade teachers can get a headstart on dental hygiene in this years classrooms with the free Bright Smiles, Bright Futures classrooms kit.
  • The kit provides classroom materials that support curriculum standards.
  • Additionally, Colgate provides toothpaste and toothbrush samples for up to 72 students.

QuickBooks

  • Current educators, staff and students at U.S. educational institutes that are accredited can have a free trial of Intuit software.
  • Additionally, students can take an Intuit Entrepreneurial Finance course and become certified as a bookkeeping professional and more.

Freebies and discounts for parents:

Instacart Back-to-School Deal Week

  • From Aug. 11, 2025 to Aug. 17, 2025, families are eligible to save on lunches and after school snacks when ordering on Instacart from top retailers like Publix, Wegmans, Krogers and more.

Staples

  • The popular office supplies store, Staples, is offering back-to-school deals with supplies like folders and notebooks being as low as 25 cents.

Amazon

  • The big chain online retailer is offering deals on school supplies, tech accessories and much more with some items as low as $4.