Bayard Taylor School
Bayard Taylor School, in the Hunting Park neighborhood of Philadelphia, is a public elementary school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 5th Grade. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, Bayard Taylor School is committed to providing a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment.

Principal’s Message
Welcome to Bayard Taylor School
Dear Bayard Taylor Families,
Welcome to the Bayard Taylor School community! It is an honor and privilege to serve as Principal of Bayard Taylor School after nine years as Assistant Principal. I am committed to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment and look forward to working alongside our families, teachers, staff, and students to support every child’s success.
Our work is guided by our core priorities—our Taylor ABCs:
Academic Excellence and Attendance: Every Student, Every Day
We want every student to be here, on time, and ready to learn. Consistent attendance is an important part of academic growth and success.
Biliteracy, Bilingualism & Biculturalism
We empower students to achieve at high levels while becoming confident and capable in two languages and developing an appreciation for diverse cultures.
Climate & Culture That Is Positive
We are committed to creating a school community where every student feels safe, valued, respected, connected, and inspired to learn.
Families are essential partners in education, and your involvement and support help our students thrive.
Thank you for being part of the Bayard Taylor family. I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and succeed together.
Claire A. Charles
Principal
Bayard Taylor School


Our School
At Bayard Taylor School, we are intentional about ensuring that our five Core Values—Joy, Integrity, High Expectations, Community, and Compassion—guide the decisions we make as educators each day.
We believe that for a school to successfully fulfill its mission, students and adults must regularly experience joy, connection, and a strong sense of belonging. A positive and joyful school community creates an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
School Day: 9:00 AM – 3:39 PM
Breakfast:
- Grades 1–5: 8:30 AM – 8:55 AM
- Kindergarten: 9:00 AM
Lunch: 1:00 PM and 1:15 PM
Recess: Socialized recess is throughout the day, focusing on positive play and team building.
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! 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
- ArtistYear
- Koresh Dance
- Dancing Classrooms
- Taller Visitenos Art Program
Community Partnerships
- Artist Year
- Boys and Girls Club
- Cousins Market
- Girl’s Inc. of Philadelphia
- Girls on the Run
- Joyful Readers
- Philly Literacy Initiative
- Playworks
- Taller Puertorriqueño
Partnership Dashboard
Explore programs and opportunities available to students across the School District of Philadelphia, including arts, STEM, wellness, mentoring, and more.
➜ Search the Dashboard
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.
- DEA – Dance Educators of America
- Girls on the Run
- Hunting Park Green
- Kensington Soccer
- Musicopia Dancing Classrooms
- My Family Kitchen
- Art
- Dance
- Gardening
- Jump Rope Club
- Music
Our History
Bayard Taylor School is named in honor of Bayard Taylor (1825–1878), a Pennsylvania-born author, poet, journalist, translator, and diplomat. Taylor traveled extensively throughout the world and shared his experiences through his writing, helping introduce American readers to different places and cultures. His lifelong curiosity, creativity, and appreciation for learning continue to reflect the values of the school community today.
The Bayard Taylor School building was designed by renowned Philadelphia school architect Irwin T. Catharine and constructed in 1927–1928. Designed in the Late Gothic Revival style, the historic building has served generations of students and families in North Philadelphia and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 in recognition of its architectural and historical significance.
For nearly a century, Bayard Taylor School has proudly served students and families in the Hunting Park community. Today, the school continues its tradition of academic excellence, community partnership, and providing a welcoming environment where students are encouraged to learn, grow, and achieve their goals.
Points of Pride
- Bilingual Dual Language Program
- Pre-K Program
- Autistic Support Program
- 2025 Mental Health Champion
- Strong teacher retention and veteran staff
- Strong family and community partnerships
Sports
Participation in sports requires a completed physical form signed by a doctor.
Available Sports
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Jump Rope
- Run Club
- Soccer
Elementary Intramural Sports
Grades K–5 learn fundamentals, good sportsmanship, and team-building skills.
Student Handbook & Policies
Policies
- 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.
Uniforms/Dress Code
Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing at all times, including shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, and proper footwear.
- Shirt color: Navy Blue or Yellow
- Pants/Bottoms: Navy Blue, Khaki, or Black
- Footwear: Sneakers
Not Permitted
- Crocs, slides, open-toe shoes, and sandals
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
Claire A. Charles
Phone: 215-400-3880
Fax: 215-400-3881
Address:
3698 N Randolph St.
Philadelphia, PA 19140
➜ SEPTA – Trip Planner
Grade Levels: PreK–5
Learning Network: 8
Student Enrollment: 359
➜ 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, school activities, 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
The Bayard Taylor vision embodies rigorous and intentional instruction in all academic areas with the development of social and emotional skills that prepare children to be successful life-long learners who are kind and thoughtful citizens in our community. Community is a core value that focuses on creating a positive, joyful and collaborative school culture that is student centered. We are a dedicated learning environment focused on specialized student support, including English Language (EL) learners, special education services, dual-literacy development, and trauma-informed care practices.
➜ 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 Bayard Taylor School! We’re excited to welcome new students in PreK, Kindergarten, and Grades 1–5.
Not sure if Bayard Taylor School 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
View school announcements, messages from your child’s teacher, grades, test scores, attendance, immunization records, and report cards.
➜ Log in to the Parent & Family Portal
Family Hub
Get help with registration, academics, special education, English learner support, student records, transportation, and more.
➜ Visit the Family Hub
Google Classroom
Log in using your student’s Chromebook and District credentials to view classwork and homework.
➜ Log in to Google Classroom
Chromebook Support
Get Chromebook help and support including repair locations, resources, and FAQs.
➜ Get Chromebook help and support
Transportation
View bus routes, bus status, the Flat Rate Program, and support.
➜ View transportation services
Accommodations & Multilingual Support
Request translation or accessibility accommodations for any school or District event.
➜ Request translation or accessibility accommodations
AHERA Inspection Reports
View asbestos material status and school-specific details.
➜ View AHERA inspection reports
Students
Student Hub
Visit the Student Hub for help with academics, athletics, records, college & career planning, CTE programs, and more.
➜ Visit the Student Hub
Working Papers
Learn more about how to obtain working papers.
➜ Learn more
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 in 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: 215-400-3880
Fax: 215-400-3881
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office
