Bell Schedule

• School Day: 8:45 AM – 3:24 PM
• Breakfast: 8:15 – 8:40 AM
• Lunch and Recess:
  • 1st lunch: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
  • 2nd lunch: 12:15 – 1:00 PM
  • 3rd lunch: 1:00 – 1:30 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

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.

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

Available Sports

• Football (6–8)
• Basketball (6–8)

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

• Taller Puertorriqueño

• Boys & Girls Club
• Clay Studios
• Freedom Church
• Stars of Honor Program

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.

• Student Council
• Safety Patrol
• Lady Jaguars Cheerleading Squad
• Clay Mobile
• Boys & Girls Club

James R. Ludlow School is named in honor of James R. Ludlow (1796–1867), a prominent Philadelphia lawyer, judge, and legal scholar. Ludlow served as a judge of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and was recognized for his contributions to the city’s legal and civic life. His legacy of public service and leadership continues to reflect the values of the school community today.

The James R. Ludlow School building is located at 550 W. Master Street in North Philadelphia. The historic school building is recognized for its Gothic Revival architecture and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, reflecting its architectural and historical importance to Philadelphia.

For generations, James R. Ludlow School has proudly served students and families in North Philadelphia. Today, the school continues its tradition of academic excellence, community partnership, and creating a safe and supportive environment where students can discover their strengths, build lasting connections, and prepare for future success.

• Small, family-oriented K–8 school community where staff know students deeply
• Core values of being Respectful, Responsible, Safe, and Kind
• Academic program focused on data-driven instruction, targeted support, and enrichment
• Extracurricular programs that build confidence, teamwork, and identity
• Schoolwide focus on helping every child find their greatness within

➜ 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: Students may wear any blue, gray or white shirt, sweatshirt, collared shirt, short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirt.

Pants/Bottoms: Students can wear any solid colored pants, jeans (no rips), dresses, skirts, skorts, shorts, or jumpers.

Footwear: Closed-toe shoes, sneakers, boots, or sandals with closed toes and straps around the back. These are safest for walking in the school building and playing in the school yard.

Not Permitted

• No slippers, slides, flip flops, or midriff tops.

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.

➜ 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.
➜ Learn more about Multilingual Curriculum and Programs

• 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.
➜ View Language Access Support Services

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.
➜ Submit a Language Access Concern

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.