Catharine
Joseph W. Catharine Elementary School, situated in the Paschall neighborhood of Southwest Philadelphia, is a public elementary school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th grade. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, Catharine is committed to providing a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment.
Quicklinks
Principal’s Message
Welcome to Joseph W. Catharine Elementary
Dear Catharine Families,
We are excited to partner with our students, families, and community to create a positive and engaging learning environment.
Our dedicated leadership team, teachers, and staff work continuously to strengthen our academic programs and support the success of every student. Our work is guided by several core priorities: ensuring the health and safety of our school community, protecting our mission and vision, remaining adaptable, building strong relationships, and communicating intentionally with families.
At Catharine, we remain focused on two key goals: protecting learning and strengthening home–school connections. We are committed to providing rigorous instruction, engaging learning experiences, and ongoing support for students and teachers. At the same time, we value strong partnerships with families through regular communication, conferences, and updates through our website and social media.
Together, we can ensure every student grows academically, socially, and emotionally. We look forward to working with you throughout the year.
Ms. Lisa Wilmer, Principal
Mrs. Jeanine Wells-Hughes & Mrs. Marianne Kennedy, Assistant Principals
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 & Event 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.
Our School
At Joseph W. Catharine School, we are proud to serve students in grades PreK–5 with a strong focus on academic excellence, inclusion, and community. Located in the Paschall neighborhood of Southwest Philadelphia, we offer a welcoming and supportive environment where every child can grow and succeed.
Our students engage in a well-rounded curriculum that includes Health & Physical Education, Art, STEM, and Writing specials. We’re committed to supporting the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, and socially—through a variety of academic and enrichment opportunities that help every student thrive.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
School Day: 7:30 am – 2:09 pm
Breakfast: 7:10-7:25 am
Lunch:
- Grades K-1: 10:15-11:00 am
- Grades 2-3: 11:00-11:45 am
- Grades 4-5: 11:45 am – 12:30 pm
Recess: 15-minute
For details on early dismissals, inclement weather procedures, delayed openings, and emergency closings, please refer to the Parent & Student Handbook.
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.
Community Partnerships
- ArtWell
- Zhang Sah Karate
- Musicopia
- Ballroom Dancing
- Artist Year Residency
Digital Literacy Lab
Our Digital Literacy Lab helps students build important technology skills for today’s digital world.
Students learn how to:
- Practice digital citizenship and online safety
- Research topics and evaluate online sources
- Create digital projects and presentations
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Lab Features
- iMac desktop computers
- MacBook Air laptops
- Coding robots for hands-on learning
- Flexible seating and collaborative workspace
The lab ensures all students have access to technology while building the skills needed for future learning and careers.
Extracurricular Clubs & Activities
- Homework Help
- Arts & Crafts
- Cheerleading
- Garden Club — Coming Soon!
Music Program
Our 4th and 5th-grade students participate once a week in lessons with our band or orchestra teachers. Students showcase their talents at the winter and spring concerts.
Points of Pride
We are a small school with a strong, positive climate that offers enriching academic and social experiences for all students.
One way we measure our success is through student performance on national standardized tests, and we’re proud to share that our students are making great progress!
Math
- 14% more students scored Proficient or Advanced on the state PSSA math exam compared to last year in grade 3
- 8% more students scored Proficient or Advanced on the state PSSA math exam compared to last year in grades 3-5
- 8.5% more students are now performing at or above grade level on the STAR math assessment year over year.
English Language Arts (ELA)
- 4% more students scored Proficient or Advanced on the PSSA reading exam compared to last year in grade 3-5
- 5% more students are now reading at or above grade level on the STAR assessment year over year in grade 3-5
Attendance
75.1% of our students attend school every day, 90% or more of the time. Increase of 3% from last year.
PBIS | Positive Behavior Intervention and Support
Monthly the school recognizes students who exhibit our 3R’s (Be Ready, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible) in a variety of ways (ex: dances, prize cart, etc.). In order to be recognized, students must earn a certain amount of class dojo points. A list of monthly events are posted on class dojo.
Student Handbook & Policies
- Catharine – Parent/Student Handbook & Code of Conduct
- District – Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Process
Policies
- Attendance
- 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.
For questions, please 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: Yellow shirt
Pants/Bottoms: Navy blue bottoms
Footwear: Black or brown shoes
Not Permitted: Hoodies, Jeans, Open-toed shoes or slides
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 our counselor.
➜ See our uniform policy for more details.
At A Glance
Principal
Lisa Wilmer
Grade Levels: PreK-5
Learning Network: 1
Student Enrollment: 377
➜ School Data & Statistics
Phone: 215-400-8150
Fax: 215-400-8151
Address:
6600 Chester Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19142
➜ SEPTA – Trip Planner
Academics
At Joseph W. Catharine School, we offer a strong, supportive learning environment where students in grades PreK–5 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.
Enrollment
Welcome to Catharine! We’re excited to welcome new students in PreK, Kindergarten, and Grades 1–5.
Not sure if Catharine is your neighborhood school? Check with the School Finder Tool
Health Services - Nurse
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.
Student
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: 215-400-8150
Fax: 215-400-8151
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.
Address:
6600 Chester Avenue,
Philadelphia, PA 19142
SEPTA – Trip Planner
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