Philadelphia school teachers take time to prepare for return of students Philadelphia teachers excited for the return of their pre-K through second grade students Teachers returned to their classrooms at dozens of Philadelphia schools on Wednesday as they prepared for a limited number of young students to return for hybrid learning beginning on Monday. NORTH PHILADELPHIA - In Philadelphia, some parents are getting ready to send their pre-K through second graders back to school on Monday. But, Wednesday belonged to the teachers and their moment to get a head start. "Give yourself a crown and I’m already a king. You’re already a king, you got it," exclaimed teacher Christine Carlin.