Penn Alexander School
The Sadie T.M. Alexander UPenn Partnership School, located in West Philadelphia, serves students in grades K-8. Named after a distinguished University of Pennsylvania graduate, our school enjoys a long-standing partnership with the University, including the provision of financial and educational resources. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, Penn Alexander School (PAS) is committed to providing high-quality public education to children through a child-centered, research-based program.
Principals Message
Welcome to Sadie T.M. Alexander UPenn Partnership School!
PAS Families,
At the Penn Alexander School, we believe that every student deserves a rigorous, high-quality education in a safe and supportive environment that values the whole child. We are guided by our Core Values of Learning, Responsibility, Reflection, Equity, and Collaboration. We are deeply committed to open communication and sincerely welcome your questions, feedback, and involvement as essential parts of our partnership.
We invite you to stay connected and engaged by joining the Home and School Association, attending SAC meetings, attending Equity Circle Meetings, and participating in our school events. By working together, we can continue to build a positive, affirming, and enriching experience for every child.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in fostering an exceptional learning environment.
Warm regards,
Dr. Lauren Overton, Principal
Mrs. Tiffany Talbert, Assistant Principal
Our School
Sadie T.M. Alexander UPenn Partnership School – Penn Alexander School (PAS), founded in 2001 through a partnership between the School District of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, and the University of Pennsylvania, is a neighborhood school that reflects the community’s rich diversity. Committed to high-quality, child-centered, research-based education, PAS empowers all students to become successful, life-long learners and engaged citizens in a diverse, tech-driven world.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
School Day: 8:30-3:09
Breakfast: 8:00-8:30
Lunch and Recess
- K-2 – 11:00-11:45
- 3-5 – 11:50-12:35
- 6-8 – 12:45-1:30
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.
Arts, Music, Dance
- K-8 visual art program
- Full-time K-8 music program
- All-City Choir and Instrumental Music
- Annual Musical
- Annual Winter Instrumental Music Concert
Art at Penn Alexander
At PAS, every student is an artist. In our art room, students explore identity, creativity, and problem-solving through a wide range of materials and techniques. They create meaningful work that connects to their lives, while learning art concepts and making cross-curricular connections. Our classroom is a joyful, inclusive space where all voices are valued.
About Our Music Program
At Penn Alexander School, we offer a dynamic and engaging music program that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and confidence in every student.
- Grades K–1 explore music through movement, song, and games using the First Steps in Music curriculum.
- Grades 2–3 build music literacy with Conversational Solfege and begin piano through Music and the Brain.
- Grades 4–5 dive into choral singing, ukulele, and world drumming.
- Grades 6–8 explore music technology, composition, and creative projects.
Students in grades 4–8 are also eligible to apply for the All-City Choir (announced annually).
Explore our music programs:
Community Partnerships
- University of Pennsylvania
- SHARE Foods
- University City Hospitality Coalition
- ASAP
Digital Literacy & Technology
At Penn Alexander School, we prepare students for life in a digital, global community. Technology is integrated into instruction across all grade levels, and students from Kindergarten to 8th grade engage in weekly technology classes.
What Students Learn
In Digital Literacy & Technology classes, students explore:
- Internet Safety & Digital Citizenship
- Computer Science & Coding
- Media & Information Literacy
- Digital Tools: Word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, graphic design, collaboration, and more
- Hands-on Robotics and unplugged learning
- Google Classroom (Grades 1–8) for digital collaboration
- LEGO SPIKE Prime for the PAS Robotics Team
Media & Design Competition
Penn Alexander students in Grades 3–8 compete annually in the Philadelphia Media & Design Competition, with many advancing to the PA State Finals. Categories include Digital Art, Animation, Web Design, Programming, and more.
2025 Winners
4 PAS students advanced to the PA State Finals in 2025!
- 1st Place – 3D Design (Gr. 6–8): Hands-Free Cell Phone Holder — Ava & Hafsa (Gr. 6)
- 1st Place – Animation (Gr. 6–8): The Four Hungry Ninjas — Ian (Gr. 7)
- 1st Place – Programming (Gr. 6–8): Watch Out for the G6PDD Triggers — Khalid (Gr. 7)
- 1st Place – Web Design (Gr. 6–8): FundED — Eli (Gr. 7)
Extracurricular Programs, Clubs & Activities
Penn Alexander provides a wide range of opportunities outside the classroom for academic support, creative exploration, and community building. Extracurricular clubs are offered on seasonal cycles—fall, winter, and spring—and are guided by student interest and teacher availability.
- Annual Musical
- Debate Club
- GSA Club
- Instrumental Music and Choir
- Math Counts
- Need in Deed Club
- Penn-Fife Coding Academy Club
- Ping Pong Club
- Student Council
- WHYY Media Lab Club
Annual School Traditions
Throughout the year, students and families enjoy many beloved PAS traditions, co-created by staff and parents:
- Annual Musical
- Author Celebration
- Fall Festival
- Pancake Breakfast
- PAS 5K Run for Art & Science
- Science Fair
- Talent Show
- Welcome Back Ice Cream Social
- Winter Concert
Points of Pride
- National Blue Ribbon School for narrowing the achievement gap 2021 and 2016
- Three National Board Certified Teachers
- Middle School is ranked #5 in Pennsylvania by US News and World Reports
- Partnership with the University of Pennsylvania
- Active parent groups
Sports
Available Sports
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Track
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
Student Handbook & Policies
➔ Penn Alexander 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
Title I Right to Know
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: Solid-colored shirts (Only navy blue, light blue, white, or black). Any official Penn Alexander shirts/t-shirts, including shirts from school-sponsored events.
Pants/Bottoms: Navy blue or black solid-colored pants, shorts, skorts, capris, or skirts. Solid black jeans are the only permitted jeans.
Footwear: Closed-toe shoes, sneakers, or boots – toes and heels must be covered.
Not Permitted: Ripped or intentionally distressed bottoms; any non-PAS logo exceeding 1 inch in length/height; strapless, halter, or tube top dresses.
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
If you have barriers to obtaining a uniform, contact Mrs. Knight, PAS counselor.
➔ See our uniform policy for more details.
At A Glance
Principal
Dr. Lauren Overton
Grade Levels: K-8
Learning Network: 1
Student Enrollment: 602
➜ School Data & Statistics
Phone: 215-400-7760
Fax: 215-400-7761
Address:
4209 Spruce St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
➜ SEPTA – Trip Planner
University of Pennsylvania Partnership
The Penn Alexander School is the result of a unique and ongoing partnership between the School District of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania.
Through this collaboration, Penn provides annual financial support to help maintain small class sizes and enhance educational resources. The partnership also brings Penn student teachers, professional development opportunities for staff, and expanded programming in math, science, and enrichment.
Penn’s Graduate School of Education, School of Social Policy and Practice, and other University departments contribute to the school community through teaching, mentoring, and social work services. The University also maintains the green spaces surrounding the school, ensuring they remain welcoming areas for both students and West Philadelphia families.
Our Namesake: Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander
The Penn Alexander School proudly honors Dr. Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander (1898–1989), a trailblazing scholar and civil rights leader. A lifelong Philadelphian, Dr. Alexander earned five degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and achieved a series of historic firsts.
She became the first African American in the nation to earn a Ph.D. in Economics (1921) and later, the first African American woman to graduate from Penn’s Law School (1927) and pass the Pennsylvania Bar Examination. Her academic excellence and advocacy for equality left a lasting impact on education, law, and public service.
In recognition of her remarkable contributions, Penn awarded her an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 1974, the first of seven honorary degrees she would receive throughout her lifetime.
Enrollment
Welcome to Sadie T.M. Alexander UPenn Partnership School! We’re excited to welcome new students in Kindergarten and Grades 1–8, as space allows*.
Not sure if Penn Alexander is your neighborhood school? Check with the School Finder Tool
Penn Penn Alexander is currently experiencing a period of oversubscription; there are waitlists for grades 1-8.
Enrollment Information & Waitlist Process
- Enrollment for grades 1-8 is first-come, first-served based on the date your registration documents are submitted.”
- If a seat is not available, your child will be placed on the waitlist in the order of submission.
- The District’s Office of Student Enrollment & Placement will offer placement at another school while you wait.
Waitlist Process
- As seats become available, families on the waitlist will be contacted by phone.
- You’ll have 2 days to accept the seat before it is offered to the next student.
- The waitlist is updated year-round, and families are periodically contacted to confirm interest and update contact information.
- You do not need to re-register each year to stay on the waitlist.
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
➜ Read current & past editions of ePony, Penn Alexander’s weekly newsletter for families
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 Penn Alexander, our academic program encourages learning that develops children’s competence, confidence, and enthusiasm for independent, reflective, life-long learning. Teaching strategies focus on student-centered learning and are based on current educational research. Classroom teachers provide instruction in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. Specialized teachers provide instruction in science, technology, library, physical education, music, social-emotional learning, and art.
View our full academic overview to learn more about our curriculum and academic programs.
Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
The School District of Philadelphia believes that social and emotional learning (SEL) is essential for student well-being, academic achievement, and lifelong success. SEL helps students develop self-awareness, manage emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
➔ Learn more about the District’s approach to SEL
➔ Learn more about Penn Alexanders’ SEL curriculum
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.
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. - 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.
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
Get Involved
Home and School Association
Our HSA invites all families to get involved in building a welcoming school community.
The Home and School Association of the Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander University of Pennsylvania Partnership School (HSA of PAS), an unincorporated 501(c)(3) organization, is made up of you: hard-working parents, caretakers, and educators who support the school through fundraising and volunteerism. All current parents, guardians, faculty, and staff are voting members of the HSA. The HSA is run by its Board of Directors. Members of the Working Groups contribute and support the Board. The HSA is a dues-paying member of the Philadelphia Home and School Council.
The HSA’s goal is to help maintain, empower, and further enhance Penn Alexander School in order to provide the best possible learning environment for our children.
➜ Learn more about the Home and School Association
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 about the SAC at Penn Alexander
➜ Learn more about School Advisory Councils
Equity Circle
The Penn Alexander Equity Circle shares values, stories, and truths, taking concrete action to build a strong, inclusive community that welcomes and supports all families, all religions, all races, all genders and sexual identities, all abilities, and all cultural and economic backgrounds.
What We Have Done in Past Years:
- Supported Affinity Dinners
- Summer Reading & Book Discussions w/ books such as Just Mercy, How We Fight White Supremacy, The 57 Bus, Homegoing, etc.
- Workshops with speakers like Caroline Hill, Ali Michaels, Al Vernacchio, etc.
- Issue Advocacy & Solidarity Events
- Community Potlucks
➜ Find out about the next Equity Circle meeting, or our upcoming events, book clubs, and actions, by emailing
- Matt Kelley: mattkelley@gmail.com
- Jess Villanueva-McCollum: jkvmccollum@gmail.com
- Hannah Sassaman: hannah.sassaman@gmail.com
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
WHYY MEDIA LABS
WHYY’s Media Labs program is a creative partnership between the School District of Philadelphia and WHYY, providing students and educators with hands-on training in media production, digital storytelling, and journalism.
Through this program, students gain experience in video and audio production, research, problem-solving, and STEM-related skills. They also develop confidence, teamwork, and project-planning abilities that prepare them for future academic and career success.
Teachers who participate in Media Labs training learn to integrate media arts into their classrooms—enhancing student engagement, supporting project-based learning, and strengthening cross-curricular connections through STEM-focused instruction.
WHYY News Team at PAS!
Students in grades 5–8 can join the WHYY News Team, an after-school club where they create news stories about events and topics that matter to our school community.
Check our latest episode below!
Re-Imagining Our Schoolyard
Project Overview
Penn Alexander School is embarking on an exciting, community-centered initiative to transform its 3.5-acre schoolyard into a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable space for both students and neighbors. This reimagined outdoor area will support learning, play, creativity, and wellness—ensuring that every part of the schoolyard is purposeful and welcoming.
The project reflects PAS’s commitment to innovation and leadership in education by enhancing outdoor learning environments that promote physical activity, social connection, and environmental awareness.
This is a multi-year effort, beginning with Early Action Projects launching soon. Fundraising and community engagement will be key to bringing the full vision to life.
📅 Project Planning & Process
- Project Schedule & Stakeholder Outreach
Timeline and input from students, staff, families, and community members. - Site History & Analysis
Assessment of the current outdoor space to identify needs and opportunities. - Cost Estimates
Transparent planning around funding needs and estimated expenses.
🛠️ Early Action & Implementation
- Early Action Projects
Initial improvements will begin soon while long-term planning continues.
🌱 Conceptual Design Elements
- Playground Areas
Inclusive and age-appropriate play spaces for active movement and joy. - Outdoor Classrooms
Flexible learning spaces that blend academic instruction with the outdoors. - Social Seating Zones
Comfortable, shaded areas for rest, reflection, and socializing. - Rain Garden & Nature Area
Supports sustainability, stormwater management, and environmental learning. - Knoll Above Rain Garden
A quiet, elevated green space for observation and connection to nature. - Field & Fitness Equipment
Multi-use spaces and equipment for PE, recess, and after-school activities
Resources
Parent & Family
PAS Family Resources & HSA Membership
Becoming a member of our HSA is easy and free! Gain access to our weekly e-newsletter, resources, volunteer sign-ups, special announcements, and more.
➜ Learn more and sign up today!
ePony Newsletter
Penn Alexander’s weekly newsletter for families
➜ Read current & past editions
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.
Contact Us
Stay Connected
Phone: 215-400-7760
Fax: 215-400-7761
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.