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Parents and guardians with kids attending school in the Philadelphia school district have been given the unique opportunity to become true partners with teachers in their children's education.

Parent University was started by the School District of Philadelphia to give parents and guardians the opportunity to gain the skills they need to help their children succeed in school. Parent University introduces families to student resources and teaches parents how to provide support to students. There are also refresher courses available in subjects including math. For parents who haven't taken any math in 20 years, this is a way to give them the tools they need to help with homework. Parents also learn how to navigate the education process and learn how to achieve their personal goals--both academic and non-academic.

Parents who attend Parent University have access to the following:

• Classes and workshops
• Information on school district and community resources
• Multilingual programs
• Financial, family, health and wellness, and life-skills coaching
• Cultural enrichment
• Support for parents to earn certificates, professional certification and even college degree attainment

Reaching a vast audience

While Parent University is for families of all socioeconomic categories, it is particularly valuable for low-income families. As school superintendent Arlene Ackerman told CNN, families without access to the resources many of us take for granted, like computers, can be hit especially hard by the gap that often arises between schools and care givers. Throw language and cultural barriers into the mix, and parents become virtually invisible in their children's educational experience.

Parent University hopes to break through those barriers by offering free services to parents and making the services accessible to as many participants as possible by offering classes and workshops near homes and work. A recent workshop, the Technology and Information Expo, gave parents and students the opportunity to explore school technology together. Other courses include:

• Character development
• Computer training
• Getting ready for kindergarten
• High school diploma or GED
• Parenting with purpose
• Career and job readiness

School districts all over the country could benefit from such a service, but budgetary concerns may prevent most from implementing such a program.