Joseph Pennell Elementary School is named in honor of Joseph Pennell (1857–1926), a Philadelphia-born artist, illustrator, etcher, and author whose work appeared in books and magazines around the world. Known for his creativity, attention to detail, and lifelong passion for the arts, Pennell’s legacy continues to inspire students to explore their talents, think creatively, and pursue excellence.

The current school building was designed by renowned Philadelphia school architect Irwin T. Catharine and constructed in 1926–1927. Designed in the Late Gothic Revival style, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 in recognition of its architectural and historical significance.

For nearly a century, Joseph Pennell Elementary School has served generations of students and families in Philadelphia’s Belfield neighborhood. Today, the school continues its tradition of academic excellence, creativity, and community partnership while preparing students to become confident, lifelong learners.

Bell Schedule

School Day: 8:15 AM to 2:54 PM
Breakfast: 7:50 AM to 8:10 AM
Lunch: K–2: 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM; Grades 3–5: 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Recess: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

For details on early dismissals, inclement weather procedures, delayed openings, and emergency closings, please refer to the Parent & Student Handbook.
Specific student schedules may differ depending on class sections.

Attendance

Attendance matters! The consistency for both students and teachers is critical to success. Consequences can come from excessive or unexcused absences.

• Attendance Policy
• Absence Excuse Form
• Online Absence Excuse Form
• Helpful information, toolkits, and other resources to support your child’s attendance success

Out-of-School Time (OST)
Out-of-School Time (OST) is the time that a child or youth spends in after school or summer programming. In Philadelphia, OST programs are provided for young people in grades K through 12.
➜ Learn more and find a program near you

Summer Programs
Explore free summer programs from the School District of Philadelphia that keep students learning, engaged, and prepared for success.
➜ Learn more about opportunities for your student over the summer.

• Art Show
• The Wiz musical
• Annie musical

Partnership Dashboard
Explore programs and opportunities available to students across the School District of Philadelphia, including arts, STEM, wellness, mentoring, and more.
➜ Search the Dashboard

• Spotlight on Jazz
• Men Who Care of Germantown
• V. Calloway Counseling & Associates
• Writers Matter
• Elwyn
• MET Ballet
• Flyers Alumni Association and Flyers Warriors
• Drexel University
• LaSalle University
• Chestnut Hill College
• Cohen Family
• Operation Warm
• Library
• Fire Department
• CHOP – Friend to Friend
• Einstein Health

Our school offers several programs to broaden the horizons of our young scholars. We offer a variety of activities and clubs geared toward student interests and abilities.

• Tutoring
• Play
• Student Government Association

• +20.9 percentage-point student attendance 3-year progress
• +18.3 percentage-point teacher attendance progress
• +23.8 percentage-point Grade 3 Reading PSSA 3-year progress
• +9.1 percentage-point Grade 3–5 Reading PSSA 3-year progress
• +27.3 percentage-point Grade 3 Math PSSA 3-year progress
• +11.0 percentage-point Grade 3–5 Math PSSA 3-year progress

Please contact the school for current sports or athletics opportunities.

Elementary Intramural Sports
Grades K-5 learn fundamentals, good sportsmanship, and team-building skills.

➜ Parent/Student Handbook & Code of Conduct
➜ District – Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Process

Policies

• Dress Code – Uniforms
• Cell Phone Policy
• Report Bullying, Harassment, or Discrimination
• Student Safety

School Improvement Plan – Title I Documents
➜ View your school’s School Improvement Plan
➜ Request a translation of your school’s plan

If you do not have web access or need additional assistance, please contact planningsupports@philasd.org for support.

Annual Notification of Rights under FERPA
The School District of Philadelphia is required to annually notify parents and eligible students of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These rights include the right to inspect and review education records, request amendments, consent to disclosures, and file a complaint.

➜ View the Annual FERPA Notice
For questions, contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing at all times, including shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, and proper footwear.

Shirt color: Navy, light blue, or white
Pants/Bottoms: Khakis
Footwear: Students must wear closed-toe, secure shoes for safety.

Not Permitted:

• Shorts, skirts, or dresses that do not cover undergarments
• Clothing that exposes the torso or is see-through/revealing
• Muscle shirts, spaghetti straps, or midriff tops
• Headwear, including hats, unless for religious reasons
• Clothing with profane language, sexual content, or drug, alcohol, or tobacco references
• Flip-flops, open-toed shoes, cleats, or roller shoes

If a student violates the dress code:

• A parent/guardian may be contacted
• The school may provide loaner clothing, or request a change of clothes be brought to school

If you have barriers to obtaining a uniform, contact our counselor, Mrs. Joseph, for assistance.

➜ See our uniform policy for more details.

The School District of Philadelphia provides a variety of programs and services in many languages to support our multilingual families. Students whose first language is not English may qualify for ESOL services.

Need Help? Contact your school’s Bilingual Counseling Assistant

Programs & Services

• Multilingual Curriculum and Programs
  Learn more about the different programs and opportunities offered for multilingual students and families, and to get assistance with any District-related questions or processes.
• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Dual Language (Bilingual)
• Newcomer Learner Academy (NLA)
• Language Access Support Services
  Learn more about accessing interpretation/translation services, including Bilingual Counseling Assistants (BCAs) assigned to your school, and other resources.
• Language Access Concern

Your feedback is essential in helping us improve language access within our District. If you’ve encountered a language-related challenge, such as a communication barrier, translation issue, or interpretation challenge, your input helps us improve our services.

Our school is committed to providing specialized services to children in the least restrictive environment, as required by law. Students receive accommodations and modifications as outlined in their Individualized Educational Program (IEP).

The District provides an extensive range of educational services and supports for students with diverse needs within our schools. Learn more about IEPs and Special Education Programs.