Edward Gideon School | School District of Philadelphia

Students participating in classroom learning and creative activities at Edward Gideon School.
Welcome to
Edward Gideon School

Edward Gideon School, located in Philadelphia’s Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, is a public school serving students in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. As a designated Community School within the School District of Philadelphia, Gideon provides a safe, nurturing environment where students and families receive the academic, wellness, and community support they need to thrive.

Edward Gideon School crest featuring a shield with books, scales, and the letters E and G in navy, gold, and white.

Enroll at Edward Gideon School

Join a Community School where students and families learn, grow, and thrive.

Principal’s Message

Dear Gideon Tiger Families,

At Edward Gideon School, we believe that engaging families as true “Partners in Education” helps all students to achieve and become lifelong learners. Together, we will work together to provide a quality built-in support system that effectively works to help both students and teachers.

We believe that every student deserves an equitable and high-quality education. Our school theme is all about community: Today We Learn, Today We Grow: Our Story, Our Legacy. We believe that every student’s story is a vital part of our school’s legacy, and we are committed to helping them learn and grow every single day.

We encourage you to stay a part of the Gideon Fam by attending our Community Events, staying connected with your child’s teacher and joining together to participate in school events. Together, we can foster a positive and enriching environment for all students. As always, we love and care about you at the Edward Gideon School.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Warm regards,
Shauneille Taylor, Ed.D
Principal, Edward Gideon School

Assistant Principal
Jean-Pierre Forte

Shauneille Taylor, Ed.D Principal, Edward Gideon School Assistant Principal Jean-Pierre Forte
Main entrance of Edward Gideon School featuring colorful mosaic artwork and welcoming tiger graphics.

Our School

Edward Gideon School is a neighborhood anchor in the heart of North Philadelphia, offering a supportive, close-knit learning community for students in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. As a designated Philadelphia Community School, Gideon extends its support beyond the classroom by connecting students and families with valuable health, wellness, and social services. Our diverse and welcoming school community is committed to helping every child learn, grow, and succeed.

Attendance & Bell Schedule

Full-Day Schedule

  • School Day: 9:00 AM – 3:39 PM
  • Breakfast: 8:30–8:50 AM (3rd–8th); 9:00 AM (K–2nd)
  • Lunch: K–4th @ 11:45–12:30; 5th–8th @ 12:30–1:15

Half-Day Schedule

  • School Day: 9:00 AM – 12:39 PM
  • Breakfast: 8:30–8:50 AM (3rd–8th); 9:00 AM (K–2nd)
  • Lunch: K–4th @ 11:00–11:30; 5th–8th @ 11:30–12:00

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 ProgramsExplore 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

  • Methodist Services
  • YMCA
  • Gardening Club

Extracurricular Programs, Clubs & Activities

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.

Music

  • Brass and String Instrument Program
  • Drumline Program

Extracurricular Clubs and Activities

  • Reading and Math Games
  • Student Council
  • Dance Ensemble
  • Philadelphia Youth Basketball
  • Mural Arts
  • HYPE
  • Girls Inc.
  • Gardening Club
  • Cooking Club

Our History

Edward Gideon School is named in honor of Edward Gideon, a Philadelphia educator and school leader whose work reflected a dedication to public education and the success of Philadelphia’s children. His legacy of education and service continues to reflect the values of the school community today.

The Edward Gideon School has a longstanding presence in Philadelphia’s Strawberry Mansion community, where its building on West Glenwood Avenue has served generations of neighborhood students and families. The school has grown alongside the community while remaining an important place for learning, connection, and opportunity.

Today, Edward Gideon School continues its tradition of academic excellence, community partnership, and supporting the whole child. As a designated Community School, Gideon works closely with families, community organizations, the School District, and the City of Philadelphia to connect students and families with resources and opportunities that help them learn, grow, and thrive.

Sports

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

Available Sports

  • Philadelphia Youth Basketball

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

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, 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.

Shirt/Top: Navy Blue Top; students can wear Navy Sweaters
Pants/Bottoms: Navy Blue
Footwear: Students must wear closed-toe shoes while on school premises.

Not Permitted

  • Thong flip-flops and sandals, CROCS, slides, slippers, or open-toe shoes
  • Hoodies
  • T-shirts, blue jeans, oversized clothes, hoodies or sweatshirts over their uniforms.

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.

Edward Gideon School crest featuring a shield with books, scales, and the letters E and G in navy, gold, and white.

At A Glance

Principal
Dr. Shauneille Taylor

Phone: 215-400-7360
Fax: 215-400-7361

Address:
2817 West Glenwood Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121

SEPTA – Trip Planner

Grade Levels: PreK–8
Learning Network: 5
Student Enrollment: 184
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 Edward Gideon School, we offer a strong, supportive learning environment where students in grades K–8 thrive academically and socially. Our well-rounded curriculum includes reading, math, science, and social studies—alongside music, art, physical education, and technology to keep learning engaging and fun.

We meet the needs of every learner through personalized support services like reading intervention, counseling, and speech therapy. Our goal is to help every student grow into a confident, curious, and successful 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

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 Edward Gideon School! We’re excited to welcome new students in PreK, Kindergarten, and Grades 1–8.

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

Enroll in PreK

A child’s success in school begins with PreK. Our PreK program offers free nutritious meals, a high-quality curriculum, and access to nurses and special needs support.

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 1–8

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

Student Pathway

Edward Gideon School students usually follow this path:

➜ K–8: Edward Gideon School
➜ 9–12: at Strawberry Mansion 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 Pre-K 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

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: 215-400-7360
Fax: 215-400-7361

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