Your Northwest Philadelphia back-to-school guide

 A scene from the first day of school at Martin Luther King High School last year. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)

A scene from the first day of school at Martin Luther King High School last year. (Brad Larrison/for NewsWorks)

Here’s everything you need to know about heading back to school in Northwest Philadelphia this year.

AMY Northwest

Address: 6000 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19128Contact: 215-487-7600Principal: Jodan Floyd

AMY Northwest will be beginning its third year in the former location of William Levering Elementary School.

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A. Philip Randolph Career and Technical High School

Address: 3101 Henry Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19128Phone: 215-227-4407Principal: Darryl Overton

Currently, the school offers several areas of career preparation including: Auto Mechanics, Auto Body, Construction Technology and Building Trades, Culinary Arts, Fire Academy, Health Related Technology, Oral Health Care, Vending Repair and Welding.
Extracurricular activities include Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball, Cheerleading, Co-ed Bowling, Newsletter Staff and Track and Field.Students can partake in Conflict Resolution lessons and counseling.

Blair Christian Academy

Address: 220 W. Upsal St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19119Phone: 215-438-6657Executive Director: Dr. Karen R.S. Jenkins

Extracurricular activities at the school include Choir, Glee Club, Student Government, Community Service, Rocket Club, Yearbook, World Affairs Council, Drama Club, Poetry Club, athletics and more.

Cook-Wissahickon Elementary School

Address: 201 E. Salaignac Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19128Phone: 215-487-4463

A new principal will be coming to Cook-Wissahickon this fall.
Movement breaks will be incorporated into the school day to get students focused.
Lessons have been added to prevent and report bullying.
The curriculum now revolves around the Common Core Standards, which means that teaching is more about depth rather than quantity, mastery rather than test taking.
Monthly School Advisory Council meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of every month at 4:30 p.m. in the library.
Strong vocal music and visual arts programs continue.
Every Tuesday the Home & School Association will be selling soft pretzels.

Jay Cooke Elementary School

Address: 1300 W. Loudon St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19141Phone: 215-456-3002Principal: Dr. Lisa Bell-Chiles

Extracurricular activities include Power Hour, Chess Club, Cooke Museum of Art as well as volleyball, basketball and baseball teams.

Crefeld School

Address: 8836 Crefeld St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19118Phone: 215-242-5545Head of School: George Zeleznik

Crefeld will continue X Block classes that take place once per week. Examples of X Block subjects include SAT Preparation, Sex Education, Cyber Safety and Everyday Survival, among others.

James Dobson Elementary School

Address: 4667 Umbria Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19127Phone: 215-487-4460Principal: Patricia Cruice

The 2014-2015 school year will continue extracurricular programs like student council, school newspaper, performing arts, choir, instrumental music, and intramural and inter-scholastic sports.
Each month Dobson has a Student of the Month (SOTM) assembly. The school continues to participate in programs including Accelerated Readers, FamilyRead, 100 Book Challenge, School Safety Squad.

Eastern University Academy Charter School

Address: 3 Falls Center, Suite 2, 3300 Henry Avenue, Philadelphia Pa. 19129Phone: 215-769-3131Principal: Omar Barlow

The curriculum at EUACS has a focus on student passions and interests.EUACS will continue the “Community Immersion” service learning program.

Eleanor Emlen Elementary School

Address: 6501 Chew Ave. Philadelphia, Pa. 19119Phone: 215-951-4010Principal: Tammy Thomas

Due to a community coalition fundraising effort, 33 new computers will fill the previously outdated computer lab starting this year.

Germantown Friends School

Address: 31 W. Coulter St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19144Phone: 215-951-2300Head of School: Dana Okeson Weeks

Students can partake in the Animal Care Club and learn how to take care of and feed different animals throughout the year.

Green Woods Charter School

Address: 468 Domino Lane, Philadelphia, Pa. 19128Phone: 215-482-6337CEO: Jean Wallace

The school moved to a brand new building in Roxborough over last year’s winter break.

Greene Street Friends School

Address: 5511 Greene St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19144Phone: 215-438-7000Head of School: Edward Marshall

Lower School: Each classroom has a lead teacher and a full or part-time assistant, depending on the age and needs of the group.
Middle School: Students experience a rigorous academic program; athletics and arts programs that focus on participation and growth; transformative and affective education program called Life Skills; and Quaker values and practices.

C.W. Henry School

Address: 601 Carpenter Ln. Philadelphia, Pa. 19119Phone: 215-951-4006Principal: Fatima Rogers

The school continues to have an active PTA and various extracurricular activities.

Henry H. Houston Elementary

Address: 7300 Rural Ln. Philadelphia, Pa. 19119Phone: 215-248-6608Principal: LeRoy Hall Jr.

School culture is driven by consistent, school-wide expectations, as we refer to “Houston’s B.A.S.E.” (Behavioral, Academic, Social, and Emotional Expectations.)

Hope Church School

Address: 6707 Old York Rd. Philadelphia, Pa. 19126Phone: 215-927-7770Principal: Dr. Suzette Ajedho

The school uses an individual-oriented fully accredited academic Christian curriculum which covers all major subjects including Math, Science, History, English, Social Studies, and Health.

Jenks Academy for Arts and Sciences

Address: 8301 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19118Phone: 215-951-4006Principal: Mary Williams Lynskey

Will be entering its first academic year with the new name, formerly being the John Story Jenks School, to reflect a push for an updated science, technology, engineering and math curriculum. 

Khepera Charter School

Lower School Address: 6610 Anderson Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19119Upper School Address: 926 W. Sedgley Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132Phone: 215-843-1700Principal: Vernon Holmes

Extracurricular activities include Robotics Club, M’Siki Science Club, Dance, Ma’at Sumu Martial Arts, track, basketball, cheerleading and tennis.

Lankenau High School

Address: 201 Spring Lane, Philadelphia, Pa. 19128Phone: 215-487-4465Principal: Karen Dean

The school will continue to participate in Fuel Up to Play 60, which encourages youth to eat healthy and move more.
Youthworks will be offered for service learning and career related opportunities for students.Extracurricular Activities include Grade Recovery, Credit Recovery, Year Book Club, Chess Club, Dance Team and various athletic activities.

Anna L. Lingelbach School

Address: 6430 Wayne Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19144Phone: 215-951-4001Principal: Richard Raisman

Extracurricular activities include basketball, volleyball, instrumental music, inter-generational tutoring, algebra classes, Student Council, track, lacrosse, Ball Room Dancing, Dragon Boat Racing, 24 Challenge, and Project Pride.

John F. McCloskey School

Address: 8500 Pickering St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19150Phone: 215-248-6600Principal: R. Victoria Pressley

Extracurricular activities include Chess Club, Knit and Crochet, Math Club, Reading Olympics, Music Class, Drill Team Squad, Penn Relay Team and more.

Norwood-Fontbonne Academy

Address: 8891 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, Pa. 19118Phone: 215-247-3811Head of School: Sister Mary Helen Beirne

School year activities will include athletics, clubs and service learning.

PA School for the Deaf

Address: 100 W. School House Ln. Philadelphia, Pa. 19144Phone: 215-951-4700Head of School: Marja Brandon

Elementary School: The school will continue “FUN Friday,” a day of fun rewards for good work habits.
Middle School: Interest Groups allow students the opportunity to branch out and learn about various activities, pursuits or pastimes, whether for enjoyment or for possible future employment.
High School: Students will participate in a career development program throughout their high school years.

Parkway Northwest High School

Address: 1100 E. Mt. Pleasant Ave. Philadelphia, Pa. 19150Phone: 215-248-6220Principal: Gina Steiner

Students participate in special projects including, elder outreach, mural painting, a 9th grade mentor program, a service learning trip to South Africa and a Martin Luther King, Jr., day of service.

Samuel W. Pennypacker School

Address: 1858 E. Washington Ln. Philadelphia, Pa. 19138Phone: 215-276-5271Principal: Michelle L. Lutz

Pennypacker will continue to crack down on bullying and cyber-bullying.A partnership with Temple University called the “Temple Experience Corps” is another highlight of the school year.

Project Learn School

Address: 6525 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, Pa. 19119Phone: 215-438-3623

A unique part of the school curriculum is “Group Time.” This consists of regularly scheduled activities that teach students to work together and make decisions, negotiate differences and take responsibility for part of a project.

Promise Academy at Martin Luther King High School

Address: 6100 Stenton Ave. Philadelphia, Pa. 19138Phone: 215-276-5253Principal: William C. Wade

MLK students will continue to participate with Seeds for Learning, a farming and entrepreneurship program. The school also encourages students to participate in their mural arts program and other activities like Project Citizen.

Roosevelt Elementary School

Address: 430 E. Washington Ln. Philadelphia, Pa. 19144Phone: 215-951-4170Principal: Byron Ryan

After converting to a K-8 school last year, Roosevelt will begin their second year as a combined school.

William Rowen Elementary School

Address: 6841 N. 19th St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19126Phone: 215-276-5251Principal: James G. Murray, Jr.

Roxborough High School

Address: 6498 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19128Phone: 215-487-4464Principal: Dana Jenkins

Extracurricular activities include: RHS Choir, Anime, Chess Club, Robotics Club, Debate/Mock Trial Club, School Beautification Club, Fitness Club, Drama Club, Science Club, Yearbook, Student Government and National Honors Society and various sports.

W.B. Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences

Address: 7100 Henry Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19128Phone: 215-487-4467Principal: Tamera Conaway

Saul continues to boast one of the largest FFA chapters in the country.
Multiple internship opportunities are offered each year with community organizations such as Longwood Gardens.
Students have the opportunity to participate in activities like Philadelphia Flower Show exhibits, Students Run Philly Style, Horse Club, Meat Judging, Livestock Judging, Landscape/Nursery Club and more.

Shawmont School

Address: 535 Shawmont Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa 19128Phone: 215-487-4466Principal: Eileen Hoffman

The school continues to pursue a strong sustainability program via “The Green Team,” a collaborative of teachers and students.
The school operates a paper recycling program and hopes to improve the school garden, reduce energy consumption and recruit community members.

Springside Chestnut Hill Academy

Address: 500 West Willow Grove Ave. Philadelphia, Pa. 19118Phone: 215-247-4700 (Willow Grove Campus), 215-247-7200 (Cherokee Campus)President: Dr. Priscilla SandsHead of School: Frank Steel

The school is divided into five divisions: Lower School for Girls, Lower School for Boys, Middle School for Girls, Middle School for Boys, and the Upper School.SCH Academy continues a commitment to sustainability.

St. James School

Address: 3217 West Clearfield Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19132Phone: 215-226-1276Head of School: David KasievichPrincipal: Laura Hoffman-Dimery

The school continues to partner with Urban Blazers, a non-profit organization which encourages science, education, teamwork, and leadership through adventure-based trips and classes.
This year marks the first time St. James will welcome student from all four grades, fifth through eighth.
St. James School supporters are looking forward to the school’s second 5K fundraiser, scheduled for Sept. 6 on Boathouse Row.
St. James partnered with DiBruno Brothers to get their new kitchen up and running for this school year.

Thomas Mifflin Elementary School

Address: 3624 Conrad Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19129Phone: 215-951-4007Principal: Leslie Mason

In addition to the core curriculum, students take classes in Physical Education, Health, Visual Arts, Instrumental Music, Library Sciences, and Computer Technology.
Currently the school has two full day Kindergarten classes, a learning support program, a school wide behavioral program, a recycling program, sports teams and extracurricular clubs.
Mifflin also has a relationship with the East Falls Community Council, Philadelphia University, The Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program, Intercommunity Action Inc., Tree Tenders, and Evangelical Lutheran Church and Sycamore After-School program.

William Penn Charter School

Address: 3000 West School House Lane, Philadelphia, Pa. 19129Phone: 215-844-3460Head of School: Darryl Ford

The school continues Service Learning with experiences ranging from conducting food drives to visiting the elderly.Students will have the opportunity to partake in the Arts + Re-Creation invitational arts show, which focuses on recycling.

Wissahickon Charter School

Address: 4700 Wissahickon Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19144Phone: 267-338-1020CEO: Kristi LittellCOO: Jamal Elliott

WCS curriculum makes extensive use of the natural, historical and cultural resources in the Wissahickon Valley of Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. The outdoor program introduces students to the natural world.
The school offers several specials that students have one to two times each week including Physical Education, Art, Library, Discovery (an Environmental class), Technology and Information Management (3rd to 8th), Guidance (6th to 8th), and self -selected electives (7th and 8th).
WCS will open a second site starting this year which will eventually encompass kindergarten through eighth grade.

John Wister Elementary School

Address: 67 E. Bringhurst St. Philadelphia, Pa. 19144Phone: 215-951-4003Principal: Donna Smith

Wister boasts new state of the art playground facilities, exercise equipment, basketball courts, patio with game board table tops, two beautiful gardens and Eagles Turf Field.Wister also has Mural Art Designs covering the front of back of their facility with beautiful pictures.

West Oak Lane Charter School

Address: 7115 Stenton Ave. Philadelphia, Pa. 19138Phone: 215-927-7995CEO: Dr. Debbera Peoples-Lee

West Oak Lane Charter School offers online resources like First in Math, Study Island, Tumble Book Library and Tumble Book Cloud.
The school also offers a variety of athletic programs including basketball, cheerleading, volleyball and track and field.

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