Bayard Taylor School

Students at Bayard Taylor School.
Welcome to
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.

Bayard Taylor School logo featuring a blue, gold and white tiger head inside a circular gold badge.

Follow Us

Enroll at Bayard Taylor

Join a safe, nurturing school community where students learn, grow, and thrive.

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

Principal Claire A. Charles with Bayard Taylor Students
Bayard Taylor School playground featuring colorful play equipment, a running track and a large mural of children, nature and baseball players.

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

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, 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.

Bayard Taylor School logo featuring a blue, gold and white tiger head inside a circular gold badge.

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.

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

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

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

Enroll in Grades 1–5

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

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 PreK

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

Student Pathway

Bayard Taylor students usually follow this path:

➜ K–5: Bayard Taylor School
➜ 6–8: Roberto Clemente Middle School
➜ 9–12: Edison 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 PreK 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

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