The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School
General Information
About
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School is a public K-8 institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and operated by the School District of Philadelphia. The school emphasizes inclusive education and serves a diverse urban student population with programs such as Gifted & Talented and enrichment activities spanning athletics and academics. According to data, the school enrolls approximately 700+ students and works to build a learning community that fosters growth, rigorous instruction, and meaningful support for all learners.
The school’s mission reflects a commitment to student success, academic preparedness, and building a strong foundation for future schooling. With a full complement of staff, classrooms, and resources in an urban neighborhood, The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School stands out for its engagement with community, technology integration (library, computer lab) and efforts to meet the needs of students across multiple grade levels. Located on Morrell Avenue in the city of Philadelphia, the school strives to provide a safe, welcoming environment where students from kindergarten through eighth grade receive academic, social, and emotional support as part of their day-to-day schooling.
Contact Informations
Address: 3700 Morrell Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114
Phone Number: (215) 400-3120
Fax Number: (215) 400-3121
Email Address: The specific email address for general inquiries is not publicly listed but contact is typically via the school’s administrative office at the address above.
School Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | Not publicly specified in available sources |
| School Type | Public K-8 School in the School District of Philadelphia |
| Grades Served | Kindergarten through 8th Grade |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | Approximately 13 : 1 |
| Student Enrollment | Approximately 762 students |
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School Rankings
| Ranking Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Overall State/Local Ranking | Niche grade C+ overall; academics grade C+; teachers grade B; diversity grade A for this school in Pennsylvania. |
| Diversity Ranking | Ranked #6 of 193 Most Diverse Public K-8 Schools in Pennsylvania |
| Global Ranking | Not applicable |
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School Academics
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School Faculties / Departments
- Early Elementary (Grades K-2)
- Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5)
- Middle School Division (Grades 6-8)
- Gifted & Talented Program Department
- Special Education / Support Services Department
- Technology & Computer Lab Department
- Physical Education & Athletics Department
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School Courses and Programs / Majors
- Core subjects: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
- Gifted & Talented enrichment courses for qualifying students
- Technology integration through computer lab and library resources
- Middle school level electives (varies by year) in areas such as art, music, physical education
- Support and intervention programs for students with special educational needs
- After-school and sports programs including two sports teams (as indicated)
Online Learning
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School offers access to digital learning tools, student portals and computer lab resources that support blended or supplemental online instruction. Though the primary instruction is in-person at the school’s K-8 campus, technology infrastructure allows for remote assignments, research opportunities via the library and computer lab, and virtual communication tools as needed. During periods of remote learning or hybrid models, the school utilizes its digital platforms to ensure continuity of instruction and student engagement.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average Score / Proficiency |
|---|---|
| State-Required Assessments – Reading | Approximately 54% of students are at least proficient in reading. |
| State-Required Assessments – Mathematics | Approximately 27% of students are at least proficient in math. |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Since The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School serves K-8 rather than high school or university level, conventional “graduation rate” metrics do not apply. However, retention of students through the grade levels and successful promotion into high school are key indicators of the school’s performance. The school works to provide supports and services that help maintain student engagement, reduce absenteeism and support transitions into higher grades. Efforts by the staff include monitoring attendance, academic performance and student readiness for middle school grades so that learners progress smoothly through the entire K-8 continuum.
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As a public K-8 school, The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School does not require SAT or ACT scores nor a high school GPA for admission. Admission is generally based on district enrollment procedures, neighborhood assignment or application to specialized programs within the district (such as the Gifted & Talented program). Thus, typical admission metrics like GPA range or standardized college-entrance tests are not applicable.
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School Acceptance Rate
| Program | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| General Enrollment (K-8) | Not publicly published; enrollment is managed by the School District of Philadelphia and depends on zone eligibility, capacity and district assignment policies. |
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School Application Requirements
Families interested in enrolling at The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School must follow the procedures set by the School District of Philadelphia which typically include verifying residence within the district, submitting required registration forms for new students, providing previous school records (if transferring), meeting age and grade-level requirements (for kindergarten or first grade), and participating in any district or campus screening or placement process for programs such as Gifted & Talented. School registration usually involves completion of enrollment paperwork, submission of proof of residency, health/immunization records, and may include orientation or information sessions for new families.
Application Process
- Submit residency verification and registration forms to the district or campus
- Provide prior school records and age/grade eligibility documentation
- Attend orientation or new student registration meeting (if required)
- Placement into Gifted & Talented or special programs if eligible
- Receive placement notification and confirm enrollment at the campus
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline/Event | Date |
|---|---|
| New student registration for upcoming school year | Typically early spring (exact date varies by district) |
| Gifted & Talented application / placement deadline | Varies by district-wide schedule each year |
| Back-to-School orientation / first day of school | Annually in late August or early September |
Essay Prompt
An essay prompt is not applicable for standard admission into The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School as it is a public K-8 school and does not require written essays for general enrollment. Only specialized programs within the district may require additional statements or assessments.
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School Scholarships
As a public K-8 school, The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School does not offer scholarships in the conventional sense. However, students may benefit from supplemental resources, after-school programs, Title I funding, and district-supported initiatives aimed at supporting low-income families, interventions and enrichment opportunities.
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School Tuition and Fees
| Program | Cost |
|---|---|
| General Enrollment | Tuition-free |
| Specialized Programs / Gifted & Talented | No additional tuition; standard public school attendance applies |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade — ages roughly 5 to 14 years. According to recent data, the student population is approximately 46% female and 54% male. The racial/ethnic breakdown is diverse: about 47.5% White, 21.1% Hispanic, 16.8% African American, 10.6% Asian, 3.8% Multiracial, and 0.1% Pacific Islander.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
A significant proportion of students at the school qualify for free or reduced-price lunch indicating economic need; one report notes 100% eligibility for this measure. The school also includes students with disabilities and provides support services and specialized instruction through the district’s special education programs. These supports are embedded within the K-8 environment to ensure equitable access to learning and growth opportunities.
Student Body
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Students | Approximately 762 students |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | Approximately 13 : 1 |
| International Students | Not specifically reported |
University Diversity
While The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School is a K-8 public school rather than a university, diversity is a critical strength of its community. The school is located in a richly diverse urban neighborhood and embraces students from a wide array of racial and ethnic backgrounds. With nearly half of the student body identifying as White and substantial representation of Hispanic, African American and Asian students, the school cultivates a culturally inclusive learning environment where multiple perspectives are present and valued.
This diversity fosters peer interaction across cultural lines, improves students’ awareness of global and local issues, and strengthens social-emotional development by exposing learners to varied lived experiences. Because economic need is high — with nearly all students qualifying for subsidized lunches — the school’s programs are designed to promote equity of access, bridging gaps in opportunity. The presence of a strong diversity rating (A) reflects the school’s success in fostering a welcoming culture, supporting multilingual learners, and enabling students from diverse backgrounds to thrive academically and socially. The environment therefore positions learners not only to acquire academic skills but also to develop empathy, cross-cultural communication and readiness for the heterogeneous world beyond middle school.
Average Earnings
As a K-8 institution, The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School does not provide post-graduation earnings data or long-term income metrics typical of secondary or tertiary institutions. However, the foundational education delivered at this school plays a pivotal role in shaping students’ future academic trajectories, which in turn influence career opportunities and earnings potential. The school’s focus on academic readiness, technology access, support for students with economic disadvantages and early exposure to enriched programs (such as Gifted & Talented) helps to level the playing field. By equipping students with stronger literacy and numeracy skills, exposure to technology and foundational competencies, the school lays the groundwork for improved educational outcomes in high school and beyond — outcomes that correlate with higher earning potential. The benefits of this early investment may manifest later as students access higher education and enter the workforce with stronger credentials, thereby increasing their likelihood of improved lifetime earnings.
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School employs a team of certified K-8 educators, support personnel and specialists in special education, technology, library services and student interventions. With a student-teacher ratio of approximately 13 : 1, the staff is positioned to deliver more individualized attention and tailored instruction than many larger urban schools. The support staff also include administrative leadership, counselors, and after-school program coordinators who manage extracurricular activities and oversee safety, attendance and student well-being.
Faculty Profiles
While specific individual faculty profiles are not widely published, the school’s program offerings and performance indicators suggest a faculty engaged in diverse instructional practices and student support. Teachers work within departments such as Gifted & Talented, special education, and technology integration, demonstrating versatility in their expertise. The school’s recognition for diversity, the provision of technology labs and a library indicate faculty proficiency in instructional technology and literacy development. The principal, Ms. Melissa J. Bragg, for example, is highlighted on the school’s website, pointing to leadership recognition and effective administration. (hancock.philasd.org) Educators at this school are also likely to participate in district-wide professional development and align with the school’s mission to support students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, further indicating a workforce committed to excellence, equity and continuous improvement.
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As a public K-8 day school, The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School does not provide on-campus housing; students commute from the local Philadelphia community. Campus life centers around the school day, after-school activities, athletics and enrichment programs. The facility includes classrooms, a computer laboratory, library, and technology resources. Students engage in school-wide events, sports teams (two sports noted), and extra-curricular clubs that promote student engagement beyond the standard curriculum. The absence of boarding ensures that families are responsible for daily transport but also underscores the school’s integration into the surrounding urban neighborhood. Costs to families are limited to standard public school expectations (supplies, uniform or dress code fees if applicable) rather than residential or tuition charges.
Transportation
The John Hancock Demonstration Elementary School is located at 3700 Morrell Avenue in Philadelphia, giving it convenient access for local families and public transportation. Students likely travel via city bus routes, district-provided transportation or parental drop-off depending on zoning and school policy. On-campus mobility is managed through structured drop-off/pick-up procedures, safe transitions between grade levels and supervision for after-school programs. The school community emphasises punctuality and attendance, aligning with its own stated goals of increasing attendance and minimizing lateness for the 2025-2026 school year.