Bell Schedule

• School Day: 8:15 AM – 2:54 PM
• Breakfast: 7:45 AM – 8:15 AM
• Lunch & Recess:
  • K-2: 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
  • 3-5: 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
  • 6-8: 11:30 AM – 12:15 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
• Helpful information, toolkits, and other resources to support your child’s attendance success

• Art Class Weekly
• Optional weekly music strings lessons

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.

• Books in Homes
• Brain Power Wellness
• Coalition of Black Trade Unionist
• EF Tours
• Fairmount Waterworks
• Fox Chase Farm
• Free Library of Philadelphia – Widener
• Global Cities
• Holy Nation Baptist Church
• Honickman Learning Center
• J.C. Price Lodge
• Joyful Readers
• makeSPACE (Children’s First)
• Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church
• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Philly Beatz
• Prince of Peace Church
• Strawberry Mansion Children’s Garden
• Temple University
• The NET Community Care

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.

• Honikman Community Center
• Philadelphia Arts in Education (PAEP)
• YMCA (sign-up posted on Class Dojo)

James G. Blaine School is named in honor of James Gillespie Blaine (1830–1893), an American statesman, educator, and public servant who served in the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, and twice as U.S. Secretary of State. Before entering national politics, Blaine also worked as an educator, including teaching in Philadelphia. His legacy of education, leadership, and public service is reflected in the school that bears his name.

James G. Blaine School has a long history in North Philadelphia’s Strawberry Mansion community. Historical records document the school at 30th and Norris Streets by the late 19th century, when it was known as the James G. Blaine Combined Grammar, Secondary and Primary School. The school has remained an important neighborhood institution, serving generations of Philadelphia students and families.

Today, James G. Blaine School continues its tradition of academic excellence, community involvement, and creating opportunities for every student to succeed. The school proudly builds on its longstanding history while providing a supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to EXCEL, ENGAGE, and demonstrate EXCELLENCE in all they do.

Participation in sports requires a completed physical form signed by a doctor.

Available Sports:

• Fall Sports for 6th – 8th students
  • Volleyball Team (girls)
  • Soccer Team (girls & boys)
• Winter Sports
  • Girls Basketball Team
  • Boys Basketball Team
• Spring Sports
  • Softball Team (girls)
  • Baseball Team (boys)

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

Middle Grades Conference (MGC)
Grades 6-8 are taught the benefits of interscholastic athletics while learning discipline, structure, and competition.
➜ Learn more about MGC

• 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, please 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: White polo; burgundy polo, crewneck, or sweater

Pants/Bottoms: PreK-4th grade: grey bottoms, 5th-8th grade: black bottoms

Footwear: Closed-toe footwear

Not Permitted:

• Hoodies
• Crop tops or tank tops
• Leggings
• Shorts
• Headphones, earbuds, or hats
• Pajamas
• Crocs, slippers, or open-toe 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

➜ See our uniform policy for more details.

6th Grade: Know Your Options

As students move through middle school, families can begin learning about the different high school options available across Philadelphia.

• Citywide Admission Schools: These schools accept students from across Philadelphia through the School Selection process.
• Criteria-Based Schools: These schools have specific admission requirements, which may include grades, attendance, assessment scores, auditions, interviews, or presentations.
• Neighborhood Schools: Every student has a guaranteed place at the school assigned to their home address. Use the District’s School Finder to find your neighborhood high school.
• Explore Schools: Families can use District School Profiles to learn about schools, programs, academics, and other opportunities.

7th Grade: Prepare for High School

Seventh grade is an important year for students who may apply to criteria-based high schools.

• Grades: Work toward earning strong grades in all core subjects. Academic requirements vary by school and program.
• Attendance: Attend school every day and arrive on time. Learn more about the District’s attendance requirements and resources.
• Behavior: Make positive choices and follow school expectations. Review the District’s Student Rights and Responsibilities for information about student expectations and support.
• Assessments: Some schools may consider PSSA scores as part of their admission requirements. Learn more about PSSA assessments.

8th Grade: High School Application Year

During 8th grade, students and families should review their high school options and prepare for the School Selection process.

• Explore available schools and programs.
• Review admission requirements for schools of interest.
• Attend school open houses or information sessions when available.
• Complete the School Selection application during the application period.
• Submit any additional materials required by individual schools or programs.
• Review eligibility, offers, waitlist information, and other updates throughout the selection process.

School Selection Resources

School Selection dates, requirements, and procedures may change from year to year. Families should always visit the District’s School Selection website for the most current information, deadlines, admission criteria, and application instructions.

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