John B. Kelly School

Students at John B. Kelly School.
Welcome to
John B. Kelly School

John B. Kelly School, located in Philadelphia’s historic Germantown neighborhood, is a K–5 public school in the School District of Philadelphia. As a safe, nurturing community, Kelly pairs high academic expectations with a deep commitment to student growth and inclusive practices.

John B. Kelly School logo featuring a green and gold eagle with outstretched wings behind a large gold letter K.

Follow Us

Enroll at John B. Kelly

Join a safe, nurturing school community where Kelly Eagles learn, grow, and soar higher.

Fund a John B. Kelly Classroom Today!

Help teachers turn creative ideas into classroom realities.

Principal’s Message

Welcome to John B. Kelly School

Dear Kelly Families,

At Kelly School, we live by our motto: SOARING HIGHER! Every Eagle. Every Day. Always Achieving! To us, “soaring higher” means driving individualized student and staff growth, moving everyone to their personal next level. We foster a warm, welcoming environment where every Kelly Eagle cultivates their limitless potential through high-quality instruction, access, and inclusion every single day.

To help our students reach these heights and keep soaring higher, our community focuses on three core PBIS norms: Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible. We believe all Kelly Eagles can succeed and live up to our motto when they practice these norms, attend school regularly, complete their work, and treat others with kindness.

Every student deserves an excellent education in a safe, supportive, and empathetic environment where they truly belong. Because student success is a team effort, we welcome your partnership, questions, and feedback. We encourage you to stay connected by attending SAC meetings and participating in our school events throughout the year.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create a positive, high-achieving experience for every Kelly Eagle. Let’s keep soaring higher!

Warm regards,

Ms. Alia Dickerson
Principal, John B. Kelly School

Professional headshot of Ms. Alia Dickerson, Principal of John B. Kelly School.
Exterior view of John B. Kelly School in Philadelphia, showing the main entrance, school signage, walkway, and surrounding trees and garden area.

Our School

John B. Kelly School is a joyful community hub where our students love to learn, grow, and lead. Our exceptional educators champion academic excellence and inclusive practices, ensuring every child feels a deep sense of belonging. In close partnership with families, we inspire our K–5 students to become confident, lifelong learners who are constantly soaring higher and achieving their best every single day.

Attendance & Bell Schedule

Bell Schedule

  • School Day: 8:50 AM – 3:29 PM
  • Breakfast: 8:20 AM – 8:45 AM
  • Lunch/Recess:
    • 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: 1st Grade & K4 (Lunch); 2nd Grade & K3 (Recess)
    • 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM: 3rd Grade & K1 (Lunch); 4th Grade & Room 102 (Recess)
    • 1:05 PM – 1:50 PM: Kindergarten & K6 (Lunch); 5th Grade & Room 101 (Recess)

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.

Community Partnerships

  • Arden for All
  • Barnes Foundation
  • Canaan Baptist Church
  • Eat Right Philly
  • Germantown Cricket Club
  • Kelly Garden
  • Kelly Library
  • Smiles PA
  • St. Joseph’s University
  • UYKQ Afterschool Program
  • Vision to Learn
  • Zhang Sah

Our History

John B. Kelly School is named in honor of John B. Kelly Sr. (1889–1960), a prominent Philadelphia businessman, civic leader, and champion rower. Kelly rose from working as a bricklayer to building a successful construction company and became one of the city’s most celebrated athletes, winning three Olympic gold medals in rowing during the 1920s. His achievements, determination, and commitment to Philadelphia left a lasting legacy in the city.

John B. Kelly School has a longstanding presence in Philadelphia’s historic Germantown community, where its campus on Pulaski Avenue has served generations of students and families. Over the years, the school and surrounding community have continued to invest in the campus, including the development of greener outdoor spaces designed to support recreation, environmental learning, and community connection.

Today, John B. Kelly School continues its tradition of academic excellence, community partnership, and providing a safe and nurturing environment where students can learn, grow, and succeed. Proudly known as the Home of the Eagles, Kelly continues to build on its history while preparing each new generation of students for lifelong learning.

Points of Pride

  • SOARING HIGHER! Every Eagle. Every Day. Always Achieving!
  • Home of the Eagles: Kelly builds a strong sense of school pride, belonging, and student leadership.
  • Inclusive Practices: Kelly pairs high academic expectations with a deep commitment to student growth, access, and inclusion.

Student Handbook & Policies

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

Policies

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, please contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Uniform/Dress Code

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

Need school uniform items? Families can shop our Online School Store for approved clothing that students can wear as part of their school uniform. Orders are placed online and shipped directly to your home.
Visit the Online School Store

Shirt/Top

  • Green polo shirts or white oxford shirts, long or short sleeves
  • Green or green plaid ties or cross ties

Pants/Bottoms

  • Khaki pants, shorts, skirts, or jumpers, knee length or longer
  • Students are permitted to wear pants under their uniform skirts in cold weather.

Footwear: Shoes or sneakers with socks.

Gym Requirements

It is important for students to come prepared for gym class.

  • All students must wear sneakers to participate, along with sweatpants, T-shirts, and/or sweatshirts.
  • Attire: Dark green or black sweatpants, JB Kelly uniform, or gym shirt.

Not Permitted

  • Shorts of mid-thigh or above the knee
  • Jeans of any color or oversized pants
  • Stripes, polka dots, or items with patterns; all items should be a solid color
  • Undershirts/T-shirts with logos, tank tops, or halter tops
  • Midriff tops, crop tops, spaghetti straps, or see-through clothing
  • Sweatshirts other than the official school sweatshirt or hoodies
  • Large or dangling earrings and novelty jewelry, make-up, or body glitter
  • Hard-soled shoes, open-toe shoes, Crocs, slippers, sandals, or flip-flops
  • Headwear other than for religious purposes, including bandanas, scarves, and hats
  • Cold-weather outerwear may not be worn in class.

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.

John B. Kelly School logo featuring a green and gold eagle with outstretched wings behind a large gold letter K.

At A Glance

Principal
Alia Dickerson

Phone: 215-400-3580

Address:
5116 Pulaski Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19144

SEPTA – Trip Planner

Grade Levels: K–5
Learning Network: 5
Student Enrollment: 346
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, 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 John B. Kelly School, we provide a warm, welcoming learning environment where Kelly Eagles in grades K–5 cultivate their limitless potential through high-quality instruction every single day. Our well-rounded curriculum features rigorous instruction in reading, math, science, and social studies—paired with music, art, physical education, and digital literacy to ensure learning is engaging, inclusive, and accessible for all. By focusing on individualized growth and high expectations, we ensure our students are always moving to their personal next level.

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 John B. Kelly School! We’re excited to welcome new students in Kindergarten and Grades 1–5.

Not sure if Kelly is your neighborhood school? Check with the School Finder Tool

Enroll in Kindergarten

Students must be 5 years of age on or before September 1st to start Kindergarten. You can register online or contact our school for help.

Enroll in Grades 1–5

If you live in our neighborhood (catchment area), you can enroll your child online through the District’s enrollment system.

Student Pathway

John B. Kelly School students usually follow this path:

➜ K–5: John B. Kelly School
➜ 6–8: Roosevelt Elementary School
➜ 9–12: Martin Luther King High School

This pathway ensures a continuous educational course within the School District of Philadelphia, providing students with a cohesive academic experience from elementary through high school.

School Selection

The School Selection Process allows students in PreK through 11th grade to explore and apply to attend schools outside their catchment area each fall, based on available space.

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
View Google Classroom Login Directions

Chromebook Support

Get Chromebook help and support including repair locations, resources, and FAQs.
Get Chromebook Support

Transportation

View transportation services for 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 Accommodations

AHERA Inspection Reports

View asbestos material status and school-specific details.
View AHERA Inspection Reports

Students

Student Hub

Get help with academics, athletics, records, college & career planning, CTE programs, and more.
Visit the Student Hub

Working Papers

Learn how to obtain working papers.
Learn more about Working Papers

Get Involved

Home and School Association

Our HSA invites all families to get involved in building a welcoming school community.

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 (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: 215-400-3580
Staff Directory
Parent & Family Portal
Google Classroom
Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.

Follow Us