Bell Schedule

• School Day: 8:45 AM – 3:24 PM
• Breakfast: 8:15 AM – 8:40 AM
• Lunch/Recess: Kindergarten: 10:40 AM – 11:25 AM
• Lunch/Recess: Grades 1–2: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
• Lunch/Recess: Grades 3–5: 12:20 PM – 1:05 PM

Specific student schedules may differ depending on class sections.

For details on early dismissals, inclement weather procedures, delayed openings, and emergency closings, please refer to the Parent & Student Handbook.

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
• 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.

• 39th Police District
• Allegheny West
• District Council 33
• Dobbins High School
• Educational Advocates (E.A.R.T.H.S.)
• Free Library of Philadelphia
• Mayor’s Office of Education
• Mother’s In Charge
• PA State Representative Roni Green Office
• PA State Senator Sharif Street Office
• Parent Leaders Advisory Network
• Parent Power
• Philadelphia Councilperson Cindy Bass Office
• Pink Ladies
• Purple Gloves Cleaning Company
• Simon Gratz Alumni Association
• STARS
• Steamworks
• Temple University College of Education and Human Development

Thomas M. Peirce Elementary School is a participating Extended Day, Extended Year school. The program offers free before- and after-school care, enrichment activities, winter and spring break camps, and six weeks of summer camp. Separate registration is required for each program.
➜ Learn More About Extended Day, Extended Year

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.

• Extended Day-Extended Year
• Building Stars
• STEAM
• Step Team
• Cheer/STEP
• Basketball

Thomas M. Peirce Elementary School is named in honor of Dr. Thomas May Peirce (1838–1896), a Philadelphia educator and pioneer in practical education. Peirce began his career teaching in Philadelphia’s public schools and later founded Union Business College, which became Peirce College. His commitment to education, innovation, and creating opportunities for students continues to reflect the values of the school community today.

The original Thomas M. Peirce School building was constructed in 1908 and served generations of North Philadelphia students for more than a century. In 2024, students moved into a new state-of-the-art, 77,000-square-foot facility at 23rd and West Cambria Streets. The new school was the first public elementary school built in North Philadelphia in more than 70 years and was designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, with modern classrooms and spaces created to support collaboration, creativity, and student learning.

Today, Thomas M. Peirce Elementary School continues its longstanding tradition of serving North Philadelphia students and families. The new campus represents an exciting new chapter in the school’s history while carrying forward its namesake’s legacy of education, innovation, and opportunity for future generations.

• Three National Board-Certified Teachers
• Extended Day-Extended Year

➜ 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/Top: Light blue top
• Pants/Bottoms: Dark blue/navy
• Footwear: Closed-toe shoes, sneakers, or boots

Not Permitted

• Crocs
• Biker shorts
• Crop tops
• Spandex leggings
• Mid-thigh shorts
• Jeans or shorts with cuts in them

If a student violates the dress code:

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

➜ 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 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.