John Barry Elementary School
John Barry Elementary School, located in the Carroll Park neighborhood of West Philadelphia, is a public school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, John Barry is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and social growth in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Principals Message
Welcome to John Barry Elementary School!
Dear John Barry Families,
At John Barry Elementary School, we believe that every student has the power to achieve excellence when they are supported, challenged, and valued. Our mission is rooted in strengthening the bond between school and community, creating a culture where every scholar feels safe, respected, and inspired to learn.
As Principal, I am committed to ensuring that our school remains a place where rigorous and relatable instruction prepares students for lifelong success. Together, we will continue to foster educational growth by promoting strong relationships, a positive school culture, and opportunities that empower our scholars to reach their fullest potential.
I encourage families to stay engaged—attend school events, join the School Advisory Council, and maintain open communication with teachers and staff. Your involvement helps us provide the best possible educational experience for every child.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in helping our John Barry scholars shine.
Warm regards,
Dr. Ism’il Ar-Rahman Lamarr
Principal, Commodore John Barry Elementary School
Our School
At Commodore John Barry Elementary School, we believe every student holds the power to shape their own future. Through engaging instruction, character development, and a focus on literacy and leadership, we create learning experiences that empower students to think critically, act with integrity, and contribute positively to their community. From Pre-K through 8th grade, our scholars are encouraged to dream big and achieve with purpose.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
School Day: 9:30 AM–3:30 PM
Breakfast: 8:35–8:50 AM
Lunch: 1:15–2:00 PM
Recess: 1:15–2:00 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.
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 Partners
- APOS Health
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Cramers Uniforms
- Eat Right Philadelphia (nutrition program)
- Grand Canyon University
- Greenlee Home Care (bookbag and coat drive)
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. (Philadelphia Alumni Chapter)
- Mt. Carmel Church
- Office of Councilman Curtis Jones
- Office of the State Rep. Vincent Hughes
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. (Epsilon Pi Chapter)
- Philadelphia Eagles Eye Mobile
- Philadelphia Prince Hall Masonic Order (Phoenix Lodge #3)
- Power Up/Big Brother Big Sister
- WEPAC
- West Philly Panthers youth football
- Zone 6 West Philly youth football
Extracurricular Programs, Clubs & Activities
- Early Morning Homework Club
- Girls Flag Football
- Intramural Basketball
- Chess Club
- Run Club
- Tutoring
- Gardening
Points of Pride
- Purpose-built, environmentally designed school building recognized with the GOLD 2008 Community & Environmental Excellence Award.
- 2021 Lindback Distinguished Teacher Award recipient among Barry’s dedicated staff.
- 2022 Lindback Distinguished Teacher Award recipient among Barry’s dedicated staff.
- 2023 Lindback Distinguished Teacher Award recipient among Barry’s dedicated staff.
- Active partnerships with local universities, fraternities, and community organizations supporting mentorship and enrichment.
- Barry scholars participate in athletics, mentoring, and enrichment programs such as West Philly Panthers and Zone 6 youth football.
Sports
Available Sports
- Girls Flag Football
- Track
- Basketball
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
➔ John Barry Parent & Student Handbook
➔ District – Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Process
Policies
- 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
Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing at all times, including shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, and proper footwear.
Purchase uniforms online ➜ www.cramersuniforms.com
Shirt color:
- Grades K–5: Navy blue polos.
- Grades 6–8: Gold polos.
Pants/Bottoms:
- Khaki or navy blue.
Footwear:
- Closed-toe shoes or sneakers.
Not Permitted:
- Backless Shoes – Flip Flops – Slides – Bare Midriffs – Tank Shirts or Tops – Tee Shirts Containing Inappropriate Messages or Language – Excessively Short Skirts or Shorts
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.
At A Glance
Principal
Dr. Ism’il Ar-Rahman Lamarr
Phone: 215-400-7640
Fax: 215-400-7641
Address:
5900 Race St.
Philadelphia, PA 19139
➜SEPTA – Trip Planner
Grade Levels: PreK-8
Learning Network: 1
Student Enrollment: 493
➜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 Commodore John Barry Elementary School, we provide a strong and supportive learning environment where students in grades PreK–8 grow academically and socially. Our well-rounded curriculum includes reading, math, science, and social studies—alongside art, music, physical education, and technology to keep learning engaging and fun.
We meet the needs of every learner through small-group instruction, intervention, and student support services that help each child build confidence and achieve success.
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 John Barry Elementary School! We’re excited to welcome new students in PreK, Kindergarten, and Grades 1–8.
Not sure if John Barry 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
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: 215-400-7640
Fax: 215-400-7641
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.