Paul L. Dunbar School | The School District of Philadelphia
Paul L. Dunbar School is situated on Temple University’s Campus in the Yorktown neighborhood of North Philadelphia. We are a public elementary school serving students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, Dunbar is committed to providing a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment.
Principals Message
Welcome to Paul L. Dunbar School!
At Paul L. Dunbar School, we are dedicated to the belief that every student has the potential to achieve. At Dunbar, Relationships Matter, and Every Student Grows.
Our school community is anchored by our core values:
- Be Responsible
- Be Respectful
- Be Kind
- Be a Problem Solver
- Be a Positive Leader
Every child receives a quality education within a nurturing and safe atmosphere. We believe that a strong bridge between home and school is the key to student achievement. To that end, we maintain an open-door policy and deeply value your insights and partnership.
We invite you to be an active part of our “Dunbar Family” by:
- Joining our Home and School Association.
- Contribute your voice at School Advisory Council (SAC) meetings.
- Celebrating our students at upcoming school-wide events.
Together, we work to ensure that every student at Dunbar transitions to high school with the tools and confidence to succeed. Thank you for your support and for choosing to partner with us in your child’s education.
Warm regards,
Yancy Bright
Principal, Paul L. Dunbar
Justin Hall
Assistant Principal
Kevin Wimberly
Climate Manager
Our School
Paul Dunbar Elementary is more than a school—it’s a neighborhood anchor where students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. With dedicated educators, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to equity, we prepare students from Kindergarten to 8th grade to thrive in high school and beyond.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
School Day: 7:30 AM – 2:09 PM
Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM (served in the classroom)
Lunch: Provided daily (schedule varies by grade level)
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.
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
Dunbar is a proud Community School through the Mayor’s Office of Education. Through strong partnerships with community organizations, Dunbar provides students and families with access to academic support, enrichment programs, wellness services, and extended learning opportunities that help every child thrive.
Extracurricular Programs, Clubs & Activities
As a Community School, we have many after-school programs available for our students. Interested families should reach out to our Main Office for more information.
Points of Pride
- School of the Week: Dunbar builds relationships, offers opportunities for growth
Sports
Participation in sports requires a completed physical form signed by a doctor.
Available Sports
- Track
➜ Find Your Team Schedule at arbiterlive.com
Elementary Intramural Sports
Grades K-5 learn fundamentals, good sportsmanship, and team-building skills.
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
➜ Dunbar 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.
Shirt color: White, navy, or blue collared shirt
Pants/Bottoms: Khaki pants, shorts, or skirt
Gym Days: Navy blue sweats or navy blue shorts
Footwear: Closed-toe shoes appropriate for school activities
Not Permitted:
- Full face masks, also known as “Sheisty” masks, Ski masks or balaclavas that cover the entire face (except the eyes)
- These masks are not allowed because they are a safety concern. Staff must be able to identify all students at all times.
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
If you have barriers to obtaining a uniform, contact our School Counselor, Timothy Adkins at takins@philasd.org
At A Glance
Principal:
Yancy Bright
Grade Levels: K-8
Learning Network: 4
Student Enrollment: 223
➜ School Data & Statistics
Phone: 215-400-7410
Fax: 215-400-7411
Address:
1750 North 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
➜ SEPTA – Trip Planner
Calendar
School Event Calendar
We maintain a school calendar that highlights important events such as parent-teacher conferences, school performances, testing dates, and more.
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 Paul L. Dunbar School, we are committed to providing strong, high-quality instruction for every student in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Our teachers focus on building essential skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies while helping students think critically, solve problems, and grow as confident learners.
As part of the School District of Philadelphia, our academic program aligns with state standards and prepares students for success in high school and beyond. We work to ensure that every child receives the support, challenge, and encouragement they need to achieve their personal best.
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 Paul L. Dunbar School! We’re excited to welcome new students in kindergarten through 8th grade.
Not sure if Dunbar is your neighborhood school? Check with the School Finder Tool
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
➜ 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
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 (grades 7–12), and community members who work together to support academic success and strengthen school partnerships.
➜ Learn more about School Advisory Councils
Contact Us
Stay Connected
Phone: 215-400-7410
Fax: 215-400-7411
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.