Ellwood School
Ellwood School, situated in the East Oak Lane neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia, is a public elementary school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, Ellwood is committed to providing a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment.
Principal’s Message
Welcome to Ellwood School
Dear Ellwood Families,
Welcome to Ellwood School! We are grateful to have you as part of our school community. Whether you are returning or joining us for the first time, we extend a warm welcome to you and your family.
At Ellwood School, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn each day. Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to creating a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to take risks, celebrate their successes, and grow both academically and socially. Together, we work to ensure that every child reaches their fullest potential.
We know that a strong partnership between home and school is essential to student success. We encourage families to stay connected by attending school events, participating in parent organizations, volunteering when possible, and maintaining open communication with teachers and our school team. Your support and involvement make a meaningful difference.
At Ellwood, we foster a culture built on kindness, respect, responsibility, and a love of learning. We ask our students to come to school ready to learn, work hard, and show respect for themselves and others. By working together, we can create a positive and enriching experience where every child feels a true sense of belonging.
Thank you for trusting us with your child’s education and for being an important part of the Ellwood School family. We look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and celebrate student success together.
With appreciation,
Ed Davies
Principal, Ellwood School
Kevin Wilson
Assistant Principal, Ellwood School
Our School
Ellwood is more than a school—it’s a neighborhood anchor where students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. With dedicated educators, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to equity, we prepare students from Pre-K to 5th grade to thrive in high school and beyond.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
School Day: 8:15 AM – 2:54 PM
Breakfast: 8:00 – 8:14 AM
Lunch: 11:00 AM, 11:45 AM, and 12:30 PM
Recess: 20-minute periods
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.
After-School & Summer Programming
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
Arts, Music, Dance
- Art Club
- Instrumental Instruction
Community Partnerships
- Lindley Communities
- Oak Lane Library
Extracurricular Programs, Clubs & Activities
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.
- Glee Club
- Homework Club
- Homework Help
- Knowledge and Vocabulary
- Math Club
- Motivating Mathematicians
- Sewing Club
- Sight Word Club
Our History
Ellwood School takes its name from Ellwood Street, where the school has long been located in Philadelphia’s East Oak Lane community. The school’s name reflects its deep connection to the surrounding neighborhood and the generations of families it has served.
The historic Ellwood School building was designed by noted Philadelphia school architect Irwin T. Catharine and constructed in 1929–1930. Designed in the Art Deco style, the building has served generations of Philadelphia students and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 in recognition of its architectural and historical significance.
For nearly a century, Ellwood School has proudly served students and families in the East Oak Lane community. Today, the school continues its tradition of academic excellence, strong community partnerships, and providing a welcoming environment where students are encouraged to learn, grow, and achieve their goals.
Points of Pride
- Highest year-over-year change in Winter Math data for grades 3–5
- Highest year-over-year change in Winter Math data for grade 3
- Year-over-year increase for cumulative student attendance through February 2026
Sports
Available Sports
- Intramural Volleyball
- Intramural Basketball
Elementary Intramural Sports
Grades K–5 learn fundamentals, good sportsmanship, and team-building skills.
Student Handbook & Policies
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.
For questions, please contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Uniforms/Dress Code
Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing at all times, including shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, and proper footwear.
Shirt/Top: Navy golf shirt
Pants/Bottoms: Navy or khaki pants and skirts
Footwear: Closed-toe sneakers
Gym/PE: Navy blue sweatpants or sweat suit, yellow or navy blue T-shirt, and sneakers of any color
Not Permitted
- Skirts
- Dress pants
- Jumpers
- Jeans
- Shoes, Crocs, or boots
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
➜ See our uniform policy for more details.
At A Glance
Principal
Edward Davies
Phone: 215-400-3540
Fax: 215-400-3541
Address:
6701 N. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19126
➜ SEPTA – Trip Planner
Grade Levels: PreK–5
Learning Network: 6
Student Enrollment: 272
➜ School Data & Statistics
Calendar
School Event Calendar
We maintain a school calendar that highlights important events such as parent-teacher conferences, school performances, testing dates, school activities, and more.
➜ View Our School Calendar
District Academic Calendar
The School District of Philadelphia provides an official academic calendar each year that includes start and end dates, holidays, report card conferences, and more.
➜ View the District Academic Calendar
Academics
At Ellwood School, we offer a strong, supportive learning environment where students in grades K–5 thrive academically and socially. Our well-rounded curriculum includes reading, math, science, and social studies, along with music, art, physical education, and technology to keep learning engaging and fun.
We meet the needs of every learner through personalized support services like reading intervention, counseling, and speech therapy. Our goal is to help every student grow into a confident, curious, and successful learner.
View our full academic overview to learn more about our curriculum and academic programs.
Multilingual Curriculum & Programs/Language Access Support Services/ESOL services
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. - 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.
Special Education/Accommodations/Specialized Services
Our school is committed to providing specialized services to children in the least restrictive environment, as required by the 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
Enrollment
Welcome to Ellwood! We’re excited to welcome new students in PreK, Kindergarten, and Grades 1–5.
Not sure if Ellwood is your neighborhood school? Check with the School Finder Tool
The School District is undergoing changes that will change our school’s grades and/or pathway. Learn more.
Health & Wellness
School Nurse
Our school nurse provides immediate care for health concerns, conducts required screenings, and supports students’ overall wellness.
For details on medication administration, mandated screenings, immunizations, and other health services, please refer to the Parent & Student Handbook.
➜ Need Help? Contact your School Nurse
Immunization Requirements & Health Services
Pennsylvania law requires all students to be fully immunized or officially exempt before attending school. This is mandated by the PA Department of Health, Philadelphia County Board of Health, and the School District of Philadelphia.
➜ Learn about immunizations, physicals, and wellness programs
Mental Health Resources
Find free support, counseling, and tools to care for your mental well-being.
➜ View Resources
Vaping/Smoking Resources
Family guides, free tools, and support to help quit vaping or smoking.
➜ View Resources
Resources
Parent & Family
Parent and Family Portal
View school announcements, messages from your child’s teacher, grades, test scores, attendance, immunization records, and report cards.
➜ Log in to the Parent & Family Portal
Family Hub
Get help with registration, academics, special education, English learner support, student records, transportation, and more.
➜ Visit the Family Hub
Google Classroom
Log in using your student’s Chromebook and District credentials to view classwork and homework.
➜ Log in to Google Classroom
Chromebook Support
Get Chromebook help and support including repair locations, resources, and FAQs.
➜ Get Chromebook help and support
Transportation
View bus routes, bus status, the Flat Rate Program, and support.
➜ View transportation services
Accommodations & Multilingual Support
Request translation or accessibility accommodations for any school or District event.
➜ Request translation or accessibility accommodations
AHERA Inspection Reports
View asbestos material status and school-specific details.
➜ View AHERA inspection reports
Students
Student Hub
Visit the Student Hub for help with academics, athletics, records, college & career planning, CTE programs, and more.
➜ Visit the Student Hub
Working Papers
Learn more about how to obtain working papers.
➜ Learn more
Get Involved
Parent & Family University
Parent & Family University provides free resources, courses, and support to help parents and families engage with their children, schools, and community.
➜ Learn more about Parent & Family University
Volunteer
We love parent involvement! Make a positive impact at our school by volunteering your time and talents.
➜ Find out how to become a volunteer
School Advisory Councils (SACs)
SACs are peer-elected groups of family members, school staff, students in grades 7–12, and community members who work together to support academic success and strengthen school partnerships.
➜ Learn more about School Advisory Councils
Contact Us
Stay Connected
Phone: 215-400-3540
Fax: 215-400-3541
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.