Penrose School | K–8 Elementary & Middle School
Penrose School, situated in the Eastwick neighborhood of Southwest Philadelphia, is a public elementary and middle school serving students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, Penrose is committed to providing all students, including those with diverse learning needs, with opportunities to achieve their highest potential—academically and socially—in a safe and nurturing environment.
Principals Message
Welcome to Penrose School!
Dear Penrose Families,
We are honored to serve such an incredible community of students, families, and staff. Together, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and academically engaging environment where every child can thrive.
At Penrose, every student has the potential to achieve greatness. Our dedicated team works hard each day to ensure your child feels valued, supported, and inspired to grow—both academically and personally. We’re not just shaping strong learners; we’re nurturing confident, curious, and compassionate individuals who are prepared to make a meaningful impact in the world.
We know that student success is rooted in strong partnerships between school and home. We encourage you to stay connected—whether by attending school events, volunteering, or staying in close communication with your child’s teachers. Your involvement truly makes a difference.
As we begin this new chapter, we are filled with excitement and hope for all that we will accomplish together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, ideas, or concerns. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
Carol Casciato, Principal
Ryan Sullivan, Assistant Principal
Carol Casciato, Principal
Ryan Sullivan, Assistant Principal
Our School
At Penrose, we create a school community where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Our dedicated team of educators is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares every student for success, both academically and personally.
Points of Pride
- Lindback Distinguished Teachers
- Two National Board Certified Teachers
- 2025 Green Schools Program
- Outside Classroom
- Soccer Field 2026
- Inside Playground for MDS
- Ping Pong Room
- Diverse Academic Programs to support all learning needs
Attendance & Bell Schedule
School Day: 8:15 AM – 2:54 PM
Breakfast: 7:50 AM – 8:15 AM
Lunch: 10:30 AM – 1 PM
Recess: 10:30 AM – 1 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.
Extended School Year(EYS) - Summer Program
- ESY services will generally be provided 4 days per week, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., for a five-week period during the summer.
- Student’s participation is determined by the IEP team;
- Registration is not required.
Visit the District Summer Programs site for additional information.
Community Partnerships
- ADAC Youth & Family Services
- Delaware Valley Fairness Project
- Eastwick United Community
- Eat Right Philly
- First Judicial District
- Hanwha Philly Shipyard
- Jewish Family and Children Services
- John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
- Love.futbol
- Philadelphia International Airport
- PowerCorpsPHL
- Raising Cane’s
- Read by 4th
- ShopRite
- State Representative Regina Young
- The Free Library of Philadelphia
- The Philadelphia Police Department 12th District
- Walls for Justice
- WOAR
Extracurricular Programs, Clubs & Activities
Our School offers several programs during the school day to broaden the horizons of our young scholars. We offer a variety of activities and clubs geared toward student interests and abilities.
🎶 Music
- Penrose Elementary School Band & Drumline, Penrose Choir
🎯 Extracurricular Clubs & Activities
- PAEP STEM Program
- Girls on the Run
- Game Club
- Computer Club
- Puzzle Club
- Homework Club,
- Math Club
- Chess Club
- Arts & Craft Club
Sports
Participation in sports requires a completed physical form signed by a doctor.
Available Sports:
- Basketball
- Track
- Volleyball
- Soccer
- Football
- Cheerleading
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
Student Handbook & Policies
➔ Penrose 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
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
Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing at all times, including shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, and proper footwear.
Grades K-5
- Shirt color: light blue or yellow top with a collar
- Pants/Bottoms: navy blue pants, skirts, or dresses
- Footwear: Closed-toed/heel shoes
Grades 6, 7, 8
- Shirt color: black or white top with a collar
- Pants/Bottoms: black pants, skirts, or dresses
- Footwear: Closed-toed/heel shoes
Not Permitted:
- Clothing should be school-appropriate.
- Avoid revealing attire.
- No offensive or inappropriate graphics/messages.
- Proper footwear is required. Bubble slides and Crocs are not permitted.
- No sleepwear or most head coverings. Pajamas and sleepwear are not allowed.
➜ See our uniform policy for more details.
If you have barriers to obtaining a uniform, contact Dana Horowitz (5-8) or Julia Nagle (K-4) at 215-400-8310.
School Mural
Penrose School by MURAL ARTS artist Ana Uribe
Inspired by students at the school, the murals show a view of the Philadelphia skyline as seen between the trunks and branches of several trees. Each tree represents a different season and creates the illusion of a park extending from the green space on the back side of the school. Over the top of the both the skyline and the trees is a vibrant rainbow set against the blue sky.
At A Glance
Principal
Carol Casciato
Assistant Principal
Ryan Sullivan
Phone: 215-400-8310
Fax: 215-400-8311
Address:
2515 S 78th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19153
➜ SEPTA – Trip Planner
Grade Levels: K-8th Grade
Learning Network: 1
Student Enrollment: 393
➜ 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 Penrose School, we offer a strong, supportive learning environment where Kindergarten through 8th-grade students thrive academically and socially. Our well-rounded curriculum covers reading, writing, math, science, and social studies, alongside music, art, and physical education, to keep learning engaging and fun.
We meet every learner’s needs with personalized support services, including English Language support, reading, math, and writing intervention, counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. Our goal is to help every student grow into a confident, curious, and thriving learner.
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
Penrose 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.
For questions, please contact Laureen Magee at 215-400-8310.
Enrollment
Welcome to Penrose School! We’re excited to welcome new students in Kindergarten and Grades 1–8.
Not sure if Penrose 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 Nurse Jones at 215-400-8310
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
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: 215-400-8310
Fax: 215-400-8311
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.