Avery D. Harrington School
1. General Information
About (Overview)
Avery D. Harrington School is a public K-8 institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, operating under the School District of Philadelphia. The school embodies a commitment to academic growth, social engagement, and community partnerships. Serving a diverse urban student population, Avery D. Harrington seeks to inspire excellence, creativity, and intellectual curiosity through intentional instruction and wraparound supports.
The school balances core subject instruction—reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies—with enrichment and support services including gifted & talented programming, special education, and after-school opportunities. In recent years, the school’s focus includes strengthening literacy and numeracy outcomes, bolstering student supports, and leveraging partnerships with local organizations to supplement resources. Despite facing challenges common in urban districts, Avery D. Harrington remains dedicated to equity, striving to meet each student where they are, promote growth, and foster confidence and resilience in its learners.
Contact Information
Address: 5300-34 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Phone: 215-400-7920
Principal / Administrator: Marlita Thorn
District: School District of Philadelphia
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Grades Served | Kindergarten through 8th grade |
| Enrollment | Approximately 340 students (K-8) |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | Around 12:1 |
| Type | Public, Title I urban school |
| District | School District of Philadelphia |
| Free / Reduced Lunch Eligible | Nearly 100% of students qualify |
| Demographic Composition | Majority Black students, small percentage Hispanic, multiracial, others |
Avery D. Harrington School Rankings
| Metric / Ranking | Value / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Niche Overall Grade | C-minus (reflects academics, diversity, teacher quality) |
| Mathematics Proficiency | Approximately 5% of students meet state benchmarks |
| Reading / English Proficiency | Approximately 20% of students meet state benchmarks |
2. Avery D. Harrington School Academics
Avery D. Harrington School Faculties / Departments
- Language Arts / Reading Department
- Mathematics Department
- Science / STEM Department
- Social Studies / Civics Department
- Special Education / Support Services Department
- Gifted & Talented / Enrichment Department
- Electives / Fine Arts / Music / Art Department
- Counseling / Student Support Services
Avery D. Harrington School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Language Arts & Reading: Focus on literacy, comprehension, writing, grammar
- Mathematics: Basic arithmetic, pre-algebra, problem solving
- Science / STEM: Inquiry, experimentation, environmental and physical science
- Social Studies / History / Civics: Local, state, national history, government
- Special Education Services: Differentiated instruction, accommodations, IEP support
- Gifted & Talented Program: Enrichment and extension beyond grade level
- Electives / Arts / Music: Visual arts, general music classes, performance opportunities
- Intervention & Remediation Programs: Targeted support for students below benchmarks
Online Learning
Avery D. Harrington School does not formally operate as an online school, but in response to district needs or emergencies, it may employ digital platforms for supplemental instruction, homework support, or asynchronous modules. Teachers may use learning management systems for assignments, remediation, or enrichment, but the emphasis remains on in-person learning and student interaction.
Average Test Scores
| Subject / Test | Proficiency Estimate |
|---|---|
| Reading / English | ~20% of students proficient |
| Mathematics | ~5% of students proficient |
Retention and Graduation Rates
As a K-8 school, Avery D. Harrington does not publish a traditional graduation rate as secondary schools do. Instead, its success is measured by student progression through grades, reduction in retention, and readiness for high school. The school tracks year-to-year student growth, intervention effectiveness, and aims to minimize grade retention through tutoring and support systems, though formal retention data is not widely publicized.
3. Avery D. Harrington School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Because Avery D. Harrington serves elementary and middle school grades (K through 8), it does not require GPAs or standardized exams like the SAT or ACT for admission. Admission is governed by district assignment and zoning.
Avery D. Harrington School Acceptance Rate
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not applicable (serves local catchment) |
Avery D. Harrington School Application Requirements
Admission to Avery D. Harrington involves standard district enrollment procedures. Families must provide proof of residency within appropriate catchment boundaries, the student’s birth certificate or proof of age, immunization records, and previous school transcripts if transferring. For kindergarten enrollment, readiness documents or assessments may be required. The school and district review eligibility and placement, with priority given to students residing within the attendance zone.
Application Process
- Confirm residence within the school’s attendance zone
- Complete district enrollment or registration paperwork
- Submit birth certificate or proof of age and immunization records
- Provide prior transcripts or academic records if applicable
- School or district officials finalize placement
Avery D. Harrington School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Registration Period Begins | In spring preceding new school year |
| Final Enrollment / Registration Deadline | Before start of new academic year |
| Kindergarten / New Student Orientation | Late summer prior to first day |
Essay Prompt
Avery D. Harrington does not require an essay for admission, as entry is based on district attendance rather than competitive selection.
Avery D. Harrington School Scholarships
As a public K-8 school, Avery D. Harrington does not offer scholarships for enrollment. The school operates tuition-free under public funding. However, internal programs, clubs, or enrichment materials may sometimes rely on grants or external donations to support students in financial need.
Avery D. Harrington School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Amount / Information |
|---|---|
| Tuition | None (public school) |
| Program or Materials Fees | Dependent on elective supplies or activities |
| Extracurricular / Club Fees | May vary by program |
4. Avery D. Harrington School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Avery D. Harrington School enrolls approximately 340 students across grades K through 8. Approximately 58% of these students are male and 42% female. In terms of racial and ethnic composition, the school is predominantly Black (around 94%), with smaller percentages of Hispanic / Latino (2.4%), multiracial (2.1%), White (0.9%), and Asian (0.3%) students. The student population reflects a high concentration of students from underserved communities and an urban demographic context.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Virtually 100% of students at Avery D. Harrington are eligible for free or reduced price lunch, indicating widespread economic disadvantage among the families served. The school provides special education and support services to students with disabilities, offering accommodations, differentiated instruction, and IEPs to ensure equitable access to education.
Student Body
| Category | Value / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~340 students |
| Full-time Teachers | ~24 teachers |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | ~12:1 |
| Grades Covered | K through 8 |
University Diversity
Avery D. Harrington School exhibits a strong representation of students from minority backgrounds, particularly African American students, which shapes the school’s culture and identity. The diversity, while not broad in racial categories, is significant in terms of lived experiences, socioeconomic status, and community needs. This demographic makeup informs instructional strategies, resource allocations, and support programs. The school places emphasis on culturally responsive teaching, enrichment opportunities tailored to students’ identities, and community partnerships to supplement learning resources. Students benefit from being in an environment where cultural identity is acknowledged and honored, and where equity is a central focus guiding decision-making and support structures.
Average Earnings
Because Avery D. Harrington is a K-8 school, it does not track graduate outcomes or alumni earnings. The school’s mission is to build foundational academic and social skills to set students on pathways toward higher education or vocational success. While it cannot report earnings, by equipping students with literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and resiliency, Avery D. Harrington aims to support long-term potential for socioeconomic mobility—though outcomes depend on later schooling, opportunities, and systemic factors beyond the school’s direct control.
5. Avery D. Harrington School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Avery D. Harrington employs approximately 24 full-time classroom teachers to serve its student body. In addition to instructional staff, the school includes support personnel such as special education specialists, counselors, instructional aides, and administrative staff. Faculty work within the School District of Philadelphia framework, receiving district support, professional development, and collaboration opportunities. The school leadership, including the principal Marlita Thorn, oversees instructional quality, student supports, and community engagement.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Although individual staff profiles are not widely publicized, teachers at Avery D. Harrington typically hold state certification and specialize in subject areas aligned with the K–8 curriculum. Some faculty may lead enrichment or intervention programs, mentor new teachers, or partner with community organizations. Given the school’s reliance on external support and grants, teachers often participate in grant writing, community partnership initiatives, and resource mobilization. The culture of the school suggests that faculty are engaged in student support beyond instruction—mentoring, after-school programming, and creation of classroom resources via donation or community backing.
6. Avery D. Harrington School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Avery D. Harrington does not provide housing since it is a day school for local students. The campus supports student life through extracurricular activities, clubs, assemblies, and cultural events. Students may participate in after-school programs, arts, music, and enrichment initiatives sponsored by the school or external partners. The physical campus is urban, so indoor facilities like classrooms, media center or library, art/music rooms, and perhaps gym or multipurpose space serve as hubs of student activity. Given its size, student life is centered on maximizing engagement in both academic and supportive experiences.
Transportation
Students at Avery D. Harrington typically travel to school via district-provided school buses, walking in the neighborhood, or by family drop-off, depending on proximity. The school’s address on Baltimore Avenue is accessible in the urban grid, and public transit likely serves nearby routes. On campus mobility is organized with safe pathways between classrooms and supervision during transitions. For after-school programming or field trips, the school coordinates transportation or parent pickup to ensure safe access for all participating students.