Bache Martin Elementary School
1. General Information
About (Overview)
Bache Martin Elementary School, officially known as Bache-Martin School, is a public Pre-K through 8 (PK–8) institution located in the Fairmount neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is part of the School District of Philadelphia and serves a diverse urban community. The school occupies two historically significant buildings: the older Bache building (constructed in 1905–1906 in Romanesque style) and the Martin building (built in 1936–1937 in Georgian Revival style), both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The school offers both elementary and middle school grade levels under one roof, blending traditional academic instruction with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, equity, and community engagement. Bache Martin maintains a focus on academic growth, cultural awareness, and student support, offering special education services, after-school enrichment, a school library, science labs, and community partnerships to support student success. The school, grounded in history and community roots, aims to empower its students to achieve academic potential while cultivating character, social responsibility, and lifelong learning.
Contact Information
- Address: 801 N. 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA (for Bache building) and adjacent addresses for Martin building
- Phone: (215) 400-7550
- School District: School District of Philadelphia
- Office Hours: Standard school district office hours (varies by school year)
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding / Construction Year | Bache building 1905–1906; Martin building 1936–1937 |
| Architectural Styles | Bache: Romanesque; Martin: Georgian Revival |
| School Type | Public (PK–8) |
| Grades Served | Pre-K, Kindergarten through 8th grade |
| Enrollment | Around 530–570 students (PK–8) |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | Approximately 10:1 (or around 11:1) |
| Library Collection | Over 10,000 books (fiction and non-fiction) |
| Historic Status | Both buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places |
Bache Martin Elementary School Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position / Rating |
|---|---|
| School District Academic Rating | Moderate performance in district metrics |
| Niche Overall Grade | C+ (reflects academics, diversity, and teacher ratings) |
| Proficiency – Reading & Math | Reading: ~39% proficient; Math: ~23% proficient |
2. Bache Martin Elementary School Academics
Bache Martin Elementary School Faculties / Departments
- Language Arts / Reading Department
- Mathematics Department
- Science / STEM Department
- Social Studies / Civics Department
- Special Education / Support Services Department
- Library / Media Center
- Enrichment / Gifted & Talented Programs
- Arts / Music / Visual Arts Department
- After-School & Extracurricular Programs
Bache Martin Elementary School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Language Arts & Reading: Focus on literacy development, vocabulary, writing, and comprehension
- Mathematics: Foundational numeracy, arithmetic, pre-algebra, problem solving
- Science / STEM: Inquiry based science, experiments, lab work, engineering challenges
- Social Studies / Civics: Local, state, national history; geography; civic responsibility
- Special Education Programs: Services tailored via IEPs for learners with disabilities
- Gifted & Talented / Enrichment: Accelerated instruction or extension in core areas
- Library / Research Skills Program: Use of library resources, research methodology
- Arts / Music / Visual Arts: Creative expression, general music, performance arts
- After-School Enrichment & Clubs: Programs in STEM, reading, arts, community service
Online Learning
Bache Martin Elementary School does not prominently publicize a full online learning curriculum as part of its regular programming, though during exigent circumstances (such as school closures), the Philadelphia district has utilized remote or digital instructional platforms to support learning continuity. The school’s focus remains on in-person, experiential instruction, laboratory classes, and library usage as cornerstones of the educational environment.
Average Test Scores
| Subject / Metric | Approximate Proficiency / Rate |
|---|---|
| Reading / English Proficiency | ~39% (students meeting state benchmarks) |
| Mathematics Proficiency | ~23% (students meeting state standards) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
As a PK–8 school, Bache Martin does not publish a “graduation rate” in the same way as high schools or universities. Its retention measure more commonly relates to year-to-year student progression through grades. The school endeavors to support students so that attrition is minimized, using targeted interventions, support services, and partnerships to help students continue advancing grade to grade. Data on retention is not broadly published.
3. Bache Martin Elementary School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Because Bache Martin is a public PK–8 school, GPA and standardized tests such as SAT or ACT are not relevant to admissions. Admission is based on the student’s resident assignment zone and availability of spots in the school.
Bache Martin Elementary School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not applicable (public zoned school) |
Bache Martin Elementary School Application Requirements
To enroll at Bache Martin Elementary School, families typically must complete the district’s standard registration process: proof of residence within the school’s attendance zone, birth certificate or proof of age, immunization records, previous school records or transcripts (if transferring), and any special education documentation if applicable. For pre-K placements, additional lottery or priority processes may apply depending on available seats. The registration must be completed before the start of the school year, and documentation must satisfy district requirements to finalize enrollment.
Application Process
- Determine school zone or catchment eligibility
- Submit required enrollment paperwork (residency proof, birth record, immunizations)
- Provide prior academic transcripts or records if transferring
- Complete district registration forms and school-level forms
- For pre-K, complete lottery or application if demand exceeds seats
Bache Martin Elementary School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Timing / Notes |
|---|---|
| Enrollment / Registration Opens | Spring / early summer prior to school year |
| Pre-K Application Deadline | Varies (may use lottery) |
| Final Registration Deadline | Before start of academic year |
Essay Prompt
There is no essay prompt required for admission to Bache Martin Elementary School, as its admission is not competitive but based on district assignment or lottery for Pre-K.
Bache Martin Elementary School Scholarships
As a public PK–8 school, Bache Martin does not offer scholarships for enrollment. Tuition is not charged; however, extracurricular programs or enrichment may involve fees or fundraising support. The community and “Friends of Bache Martin” may provide resources to subsidize programs or materials for students in need.
Bache Martin Elementary School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Value / Information |
|---|---|
| Tuition | None (public school) |
| Program Material Fees | Limited, depending on special classes or supplies |
| Extracurricular Activity Fees | May vary per club or program |
4. Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Bache Martin Elementary School’s student population is diverse. The gender split is fairly balanced at approximately 52% male and 48% female. In terms of racial and ethnic composition, approximately 42.8% of students identify as Black or African American, about 33.8% as White, around 14.9% as Hispanic or Latino, with smaller percentages identifying as Multiracial or Asian. Some small representation exists of Native American or Pacific Islander categories. A significant share—nearly 100% of students—qualify for free or reduced price lunch, indicating a high level of economic need and low-income status among many families.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Bache Martin serves a population with substantial economic challenges: roughly 95% of its students are eligible for free or reduced cost meal programs, underscoring a high rate of low-income family representation. The school also provides special education and support services through the district to students with disabilities, offering accommodations, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), resource services, and inclusive programming to help ensure that students with diverse learning needs receive equitable access and support.
Student Body
| Category | Value / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~530 to ~567 students (PK–8) |
| Teachers / Staff | Approximately 39 full-time teachers |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~14.5:1 |
| Pre-K Enrollment | Included within total student count |
University Diversity
At Bache Martin Elementary School, diversity is one of the hallmarks of its community. Students come from a broad spectrum of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, enriching the school’s environment with multiple perspectives and cultural experiences. This diversity is actively celebrated and woven into the curriculum through multicultural events, inclusive instructional practices, and responsive teaching strategies. As many students come from economically disadvantaged households, the school prioritizes equity in access to resources, enrichment, and support services. The mix of urban community backgrounds enhances peer relationships, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and prepares students to engage in varied social settings beyond the school walls. Diversity is not just a statistic here but a dynamic part of the school’s identity and mission.
Average Earnings
Being an elementary / middle school, Bache Martin does not track alumni earnings or post-graduation salaries. Its mission is focused on early education foundations rather than postsecondary outcomes. However, by investing in strong literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and support systems, the school aims to prepare its students for advanced education paths—secondary school, college, and eventual careers—that may yield meaningful earnings long term. The quality of early education and equitable support can influence students’ future socioeconomic mobility, though the school itself does not report direct earnings data.
5. Bache Martin Elementary School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Bache Martin Elementary School employs approximately 39 full-time classroom teachers (as recorded by donors / district sources). In addition to classroom faculty, the school is supported by related staff including special education specialists, library/media coordinator, instructional aides, custodial and maintenance staff, administrative leadership, and support staff. The library coordinator works part time across the school buildings. Faculty often collaborate with community groups, non-profits, and “Friends of Bache Martin” to enhance programming, resource access, and enrichment offerings.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
While detailed individual faculty profiles are not broadly published, many teachers at Bache Martin bring specialized training in urban education, differentiated instruction, special education, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Leadership in the school has engaged in restoring the library (bringing over 10,000 books), establishing science labs, offering after-school clubs, and curating enrichment programs. Some faculty may lead district committees, host community partnerships, or mentor new teachers. The school culture emphasizes innovation and community involvement, and faculty are often active in securing grants, managing DonorsChoose projects, and collaborating with external organizations to support students in both academic and extracurricular initiatives.
6. Bache Martin Elementary School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Bache Martin’s campus is composed of two connected buildings, the Bache building and the Martin building, across 22nd Street. The Bache building houses middle grades and features the library, science labs, band room, and classrooms. The Martin building, which is more accessible, houses K–4 and special needs classes, ensuring accessibility. The school hosts a robust student life, with after-school clubs, arts, music, enrichment, and community events. Students engage in library visits, science classes, band, and peer groups. As a public PK–8 school, student housing is not provided; students reside with families in surrounding neighborhoods. The campus is designed for safety, walkable student movement, and access to amenities within school grounds.
Transportation
Students typically travel to Bache Martin via district school buses, public transit, walking, or family drop-offs depending on their proximity and eligibility. The urban location in Philadelphia means public mass transit options may service nearby neighborhoods, enhancing accessibility. On campus, sidewalks, crosswalks, and designated drop-off/pick-up zones ensure safe movement. For extracurricular activities or after school events, the school coordinates transportation or late buses to support student participation.