Eliza B. Kirkbride School | The School District of Philadelphia
Kirkbride School, located in South Philadelphia, is a public elementary school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, Kirkbride fosters a close-knit learning community grounded in respect, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Principals Message
Welcome to Kirkbride School!
Dear Kirkbride Families,
At Kirkbride, we take pride in creating a nurturing and engaging environment where every student can flourish. Whether you’re a prospective family or a community member learning more about our school, we’re excited to share what makes Kirkbride such a special place to learn and grow.
Our dedicated teachers inspire curiosity and creativity every day, offering a variety of programs—from STEM to the arts—that encourage students to explore their interests and develop a lifelong love of learning.
We believe that a strong sense of community is key to every child’s success. Kirkbride is a place where students feel valued and supported, and where families are welcomed as active partners in their child’s education. Together, we build a foundation for academic achievement, personal growth, and character development.
I feel truly fortunate to be part of this incredible school community. We invite you to visit, meet our staff, and experience firsthand the welcoming spirit that makes Kirkbride shine.
With gratitude,
Rebecca Julien, Principal
Dr. Janis C. Butler, Guest Principal
Our School
Kirkbride School is more than a place to learn—it’s a community where every student is supported to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade, we take pride in our diversity and our commitment to fostering respect, inclusion, and curiosity in every classroom. With dedicated educators, engaging programs, and a strong sense of community, Kirkbride empowers students to reach their fullest potential and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
School Day: 9:00 – 3:39
Breakfast: 8:40 – 8:55
Lunch:
- 1st Period: 11:15 – 12:00
- 2nd Period: 11:45 – 12:30
- 3rd Period: 12:15 – 1:00
- 4th Period: 12:45 – 1:30
- 5th Period: 1:15 – 2:00
Recess: 15 minutes of recess is provided each day at the end of the students’ lunch period.
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.
Extracurricular Programs, Clubs & Music
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.
- Vetri Cooking Club
- Girls on the Run
- Yearbook Club
- Scrabble Club
- Special Olympics
- Chess Club
- Student Stitches
- Peer Mediation Training
Music
Students in grades 5 – 8 can register for string instrument lessons with Mr. Jirar Youssefian. Lessons take place on Mondays.
Sports
Available Sports
- Girls On The Run
- Girls Volleyball
Participation in sports requires a completed physical form signed by a doctor.
Find Your Team Schedule: All school and team schedules can be located at arbiterlive.com
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
Community Partnerships
- Fleisher Art Memorial
- Vetri Cooking Club
- ASAP Scrabble & Chess
- Love.futbol
- Sunrise
- Eat.Right.Now
- Action Karate
- Need In Deed
- Mazzoni Center
- Barrio Ed (Swarthmore College)
- Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia
- SEAMACC
- Juntos
- Special Olympics
- Cosa Cosa Art at Large Inc.
- Christ Church
- Santore Library
- SAAC Philly (Refugee Ministry)
- Fitness Alive
- Tenth (Adult ESL Classes)
Points of Pride
- Great Philly Schools – Top Rated Schools 2020
- Great Philly Schools – High Growth Rating 2020
- Lindback Distinguished Principal’s Award – 2019
- Lindback Distinguished Teacher’s Award – Yoon Byun
- Lindback Distinguished Teacher’s Award – Peter Metcalfe
- Lindback Distinguished Teacher’s Award – Linda Chim
Student Handbook & Policies
➔ Kirkbride Parent & Student Handbook
➔ District – Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Process
Policies
- Attendance
- Dress Code – Uniforms
- Cell Phone Policy
- Report Bullying, Harassment, or Discrimination
- Student Health & Safety
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.
Uniform/Dress Code
It is important that we model professional expectations for our students each day—starting with how our Kirkbride students present themselves. Please support your child in following the school’s uniform policy.
Shirt Color: Royal blue shirts with a collar must be worn each day.
(Shirts with the Kirkbride logo are optional, not required.)
Pants/Bottoms:
- Black pants must be worn.
- Girls may wear black skirts or jumpers with black tights only.
Footwear: Students must wear close-toed shoes. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Not Permitted:
- Denim pants of any color (uniform pants must be comfortable-fit, professional slacks)
- Leggings, jeggings, skinny pants, or other tight-fitting clothing — even on gym days
- Ripped, torn, or cut-off pants or clothing
- Logos (other than the Kirkbride logo), designs, or unapproved colors
- Hooded sweatshirts, sweaters, or jackets (no hoodies)
- Tights with designs or patterns — must be solid black or nude only
Where to Purchase Uniforms:
Kirkbride School uniforms are available at Triple Play Sports,
📍 827 South 9th Street (Corner of 9th & Christian Street)
📞 (215) 923-5466
Uniform shirts can be purchased with our school logo embroidered on them.
If a Student Violates the Dress Code:
- A parent or guardian may be contacted
- The school may provide loaner clothing or request a change of clothes be brought to school
If you have barriers to obtaining a uniform, please contact one of our school counselors, Ms. Carly or Ms. Sparrow, for assistance.
See our uniform policy for more details.
At A Glance
Principal
Rebecca Julien
Dr. Janis Butler, Guest Principal
Phone: 215-400-7980
Fax: 215-400-7981
Address:
1501 South 7th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
➜ SEPTA – Trip Planner
Grade Levels: PreK – 8
Learning Network: 2
Student Enrollment: 489
➜ 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.
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.
Academics
At Kirkbride, we provide a supportive learning environment where students grow academically and socially. Our curriculum builds a strong foundation in reading, math, science, and social studies, while also offering enriching subjects like health, visual arts, physical education, digital literacy, and science enrichment.
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.
Enrollment
Welcome to Kirkbride School! We’re excited to welcome new students in PreK, Kindergarten, and Grades 1–8.
Not sure if Kirkbride is your neighborhood school? Check with the School Finder Tool
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
➜ Log in to the Parent & Family Portal to view school announcements, messages from your child’s teacher, and access grades, test scores, attendance, immunization records, and report cards.
Family Hub
➜ Visit the Family Hub for help with registration, academics, special education, English learner support, student records, transportation, and more.
Google Classroom
➜ Log in to Google Classroom using your student’s Chromebook and District credentials to view classwork and homework. For help, see the Google Classroom Login Directions.
Chromebook Support
➜ Get Chromebook help and support including repair locations, resources, and FAQs.
Transportation
➜ View transportation services for bus routes, bus status, the Flat Rate Program, and support.
Accommodations & Multilingual Support
➜ Request translation or accessibility accommodations for any school or District event.
AHERA Inspection Reports
➜ View AHERA inspection reports for asbestos material status and school-specific details.
Students
Student Hub
➜ Visit the Student Hub for help with academics, athletics, records, college & career planning, CTE programs, and more.
Working Papers
➜ Learn more about how to obtain working papers.
Get Involved
Home and School Association (HSA)
The Kirkbride Home and School Association (HSA) is run and supported by family volunteers. The HSA works to build community by connecting families with the school. They plan and host several community events as well as initiatives and fundraisers to help support the students’ learning. The HSA also sells school swag that can be worn as a school uniform.
➔ Check out their social media account for ways you can get involved.
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: 215-400-7980
Fax: 215-400-7981
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.
Follow Us
➜ Instagram
➜ HSA Instagram
➜ Class Dojo