Developing Physically Literate Children
From Kindergarten to 8th Grade
Welcome to
Thomas Center.
​At the Thomas Center, we offer more than just a place for kids to go after school — we create vibrant, high-quality learning experiences where students make friends, explore their interests, and have fun every step of the way. Education is important but it doesn't have to be boring!
We’re not your average after-school program—and we’re not a daycare or babysitting service. We like to make it clear for families that hear about us through word of mouth and might get the wrong idea. Because we accept subsidy to help with tuition, people sometimes assume we’re a daycare—but that’s not the case.
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At the Thomas Center, we take learning beyond the classroom—after school and all summer long—helping kids grow, think, move, and thrive in a loving, nurturing environment.
Explore Our Programs & Services
Our programs blend learning and movement to build confident, curious and healthy kids year-round.
Summer Learning
Enrichment Camp
Camp Tuition - $450 / week*
Homework Help
After Care
Extended Day Programs - start at $15.00 / hour*
Transportation
Field Trips
Costs not included in tuition as they may vary by distance/area
Financial assistance may be available to families through the Early Learning Resource Center, which may cover a portion of the program costs. Families are responsible for any remaining tuition balance. Subsidy award amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Our Approach
Play | Move | Learn
The Thomas Center was inspired by a special moment when a student got excited about reading a yoga book with a tutor. They both did the yoga poses as they read. This shared reading experience sparked a commitment to exploring physical literacy as a framework for learning. Our approach is grounded in research that shows how movement-based education helps children build confidence, retain knowledge, feel good about themselves, and stay physically healthy. We believe that when kids move as they learn, both their minds and bodies grow stronger. We also believe that building an active lifestyle starts early—well before kindergarten—and should continue throughout the school age years, but not just during recess or gym class. That’s why we go beyond the traditional classroom: we take engaging field trips, spend time outdoors in nature, and offer hands-on activities that make learning meaningful, fun, and dynamic.
Our Space
Our center is located at the corner of Chew Avenue and Tulpehocken Street in Germantown - Philadelphia. Most of our students attend schools nearby. Our space is set up like a one-room schoolhouse. It's open, inviting, and full of things to explore. The entire center is our classroom, and we’ve created 15 different learning centers that kids can move through freely throughout the day.
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We have big windows that bring in beautiful natural sunlight and camera systems installed for safety and peace of mind. Our learning areas are filled with materials that are just right for our kids’ ages, interests, and hobbies. There’s flexible seating all around so children can sit, stand, stretch, or curl up wherever they feel most comfortable. They get lots of free time to play and explore at their own pace, with a good balance of teacher-led activities too. At our program, the whole child is engaged, creating a full mind-body learning experience. Our students can move around and learn in ways that feel right for them, making each day fun and interesting.