Southwark School
Southwark School, located in South Philadelphia, is a multilingual public school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. As part of the School District of Philadelphia and a Community School with an Extended Day/Extended Year (EDEY) model, Southwark provides students and families with access to health and wellness supports, extended learning opportunities, and community partnerships.
Principals Message
Welcome to Southwark School — Home of the Dragons!
Dear Southwark Families,
It is an honor to serve as the principal of a school that is filled with so much energy, pride, and promise. Every day, I see our students striving to do their best, our staff giving their all, and our families showing the kind of support that makes our community truly special.
At Southwark, our mission guides everything we do: to develop leadership in our students and educate them so they are on grade-level and beyond in reading, writing, and mathematics in a safe, clean, equitable, inclusive, and caring environment through the support of staff, families, and community. This mission is not just words on a page; it’s the heartbeat of our daily work.
Our teachers and staff work tirelessly to provide high-quality instruction that engages and supports every learner. We want our Dragons not only to achieve academic success but also to grow as confident, kind, and capable young people. Just as importantly, we prioritize safety and well-being so that every student can learn and thrive in a place where they are valued, cared for, and protected.
We are equally committed to our families. We believe that open and honest communication is essential to our shared success. Whether it’s through ClassDojo updates, accessible language services, or responsive customer care, we strive to make sure every family feels heard, respected, and informed. Your voices help shape our school.
One of the ways we live our values each day is through our Love Your School initiative. This effort reflects our belief that when we take pride in our school — its people, its spaces, and its spirit, we create an environment where everyone can flourish.
Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your ongoing commitment to our students’ growth!
Sincerely,
Andrew Lukov
Principal
Our School
At Southwark School, students learn in a supportive, multilingual environment that values connection, belonging, and growth. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, Southwark partners with families and the community to provide engaging learning experiences alongside health, wellness, and enrichment supports. Through its Community School and Extended Day/Extended Year (EDEY) approach, Southwark creates opportunities for students to learn, explore, and succeed both in and beyond the classroom.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
School Day: 9:00 am – 3:39 pm
Early Dismissal: 12:30 pm
Breakfast: 8:30 – 9:00 am
Lunch: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Recess: 11:00 am – 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.
Arts, Music, Dance
Southwark School offers a robust arts program led by a full-time art teacher, two full-time music teachers, and an additional itinerant music teacher.
Through strong partnerships with Fleisher Art Memorial, Settlement Music Program, and Mural Arts, students have expanded access to high-quality visual arts, music, and creative enrichment experiences that support self-expression, creativity, and learning.
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
Southwark is a proud Community School and Extended Day/Extended Year (EDEY) school through the Mayor’s Office of Education. Through strong partnerships with community organizations, Southwark provides students and families with access to academic support, enrichment programs, wellness services, and extended learning opportunities that help every child thrive.
- Cradles to Crayons
- City Year
- Drexel University’s Incredible Years Program
- East Passyunk Crossing Civic Association
- East Passyunk Recreation Center
- Eat Right Philly
- Fleisher Art Memorial
- Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance
- Jefferson University
- Philadelphia Reading Coaches
- Philadelphia Youth Basketball
- Philabundance
- Puentes de Salud
- Settlement Music School
- Students Run Philly Style
- Sunrise of Philadelphia
- The Bok Building
- The Migrant Education Program
- The Welcoming Center
- WHYY
- …and more
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.
- Art Club
- Burmese Culture Club
- City Year
- Girl Scouts
- Homework Clubs
- Indonesian Culture Club
- Mural Arts
- Philadelphia Youth Basketball
- Puentes de Salud: Puentes Hacia el Futuro
- Scrabble Club
- Settlement Music Program
- STEM Clubs (Garden Club, Robotics Club, Drones Club, E-Sports Club)
- Students Run Philly Style
- Sunrise of Philadelphia Out-of-School Time (OST) Program
Programs that pick students up from Southwark School and provide off-site after-school programming include:
Points of Pride
- Love Your School Initiative
- Meets all School District of Philadelphia academic growth benchmarks
- Multilingual school community with multilingual staff and strong English Learner supports
- Two-Way Immersion (TWI) program
- High-quality teaching staff with strong teacher retention
- Three school counselors and comprehensive wellness supports, including STEP and case management
- Community School and Extended Day/Extended Year (EDEY) programming
- Robust before- and after-school programs in partnership with Sunrise of Philadelphia
- Wide range of extracurricular sports and clubs
- Expressive arts and STEM enrichment opportunities
- Longest-standing City Year partnership in Philadelphia
- University partnerships supporting student teachers and interns from Thomas Jefferson University and the University of Pennsylvania
Sports
Available Sports
- Soccer – Coed
- Volleyball – Girls/Boys
- Flag Football – Girls (MGC)
- Running with Students Run Philly Style – Coed
- Basketball with Philadelphia Youth Basketball (5th-8th grade) – Coed
- Elementary Intramural Sports- Coed
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 3-5 learn fundamentals, good sportsmanship, and team-building skills. Intramural Sports take place before school.
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
➔ Southwark 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
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, 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.
Kindergarten – 5th grade
- Shirt/Top: Solid navy blue or yellow polo shirt or t-shirt
- Pants/Bottoms: Khaki or navy blue pants, shorts, or skirts
- Sweaters: Solid navy blue or yellow sweatshirts or sweaters, or any Southwark School sweatshirt
6th-8th Grade
- Shirt/Top: Official Upper School light blue polo shirt (sold in the Main Office)
- Pants/Bottoms: Student choice of any pants, shorts or skirts. Please note that shorts & skirts must be knee-length.
Not Permitted:
- Hoodies are not permitted to cover the head while in the school building and classrooms
- Hats and other non-religious head coverings are not to be worn in the building at any time
- Open-toe shoes are not permitted due to safety reasons
If a student violates the dress code:
- A parent/guardian may be contacted
- The school may provide loaner clothing, or request that a change of clothes be brought to school
- Students in grades 5-8 may be given a 30-minute detention at the end of the school day each day they are out of uniform.
If you have barriers to obtaining a uniform, please contact the Main Office or your child’s school counselor.
At A Glance
Principal
Andrew Lukov
Phone: 215-400-8280
Fax: 215-952-8670
Address:
1835 S. 9th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
➜ SEPTA – Trip Planner
Grade Levels: PreK-8
Learning Network: 2
Student Enrollment: 889
➜ 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.
➔ 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.
Academics
At Southwark School, we provide a strong, supportive learning environment where students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade thrive academically and socially. Our well-rounded curriculum includes reading, mathematics, science, and social studies, along with music, art, physical education, and technology to keep learning engaging and meaningful.
Southwark meets the needs of every learner through personalized academic supports, including intervention services, multilingual instruction, counseling, and special education services. Our goal is to help every student grow into a confident, curious, and successful learner, prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.
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 Southwark School! We’re excited to welcome new students in PreK, Kindergarten, and Grades 1–8.
Not sure if Southwark is your neighborhood school? Check with the School Finder Tool
Health & Wellness
School Nurse
Our STEP 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
Home & School Association
Southwark HSA is a non-profit 501(3)(c) organization of family volunteers to promote engagement and community among Southwark families and support Southwark teachers and staff.
School Advisory Councils (SACs)
SAC Meetings 3rd Monday of each month at 9:15 am in the Auditorium. This is an important space where families can learn from & provide feedback to school administrators. All are welcome, so please check the school calendar for the next meeting!
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
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
Contact Us
Stay Connected
Phone: 215-400-8280
Fax: 215-952-8670
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.