Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy
Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy is located in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood of South Philadelphia. We are a public elementary school serving students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, Marian Anderson is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, creativity, and community engagement in a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Principals Message
Welcome to Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy!
It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I serve as principal of Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy. I am grateful to work alongside our resilient scholars, dedicated educators, engaged families, and supportive community members who make our school such a special place.
At Marian Anderson, we believe that education is a lifelong journey—one that flourishes through consistency, continuous improvement, and a commitment to uplifting one another. The success of our scholars is a testament to the strength of our collective village and the shared responsibility we embrace in supporting every child’s growth.
The partnerships between our educators, families, and the broader community are essential to ensuring each scholar thrives academically, socially, and emotionally. Together, we foster a safe, nurturing, and inspiring learning environment where all students are encouraged to reach their full potential.
Thank you for your continued trust, collaboration, and commitment to excellence. I look forward to the ongoing journey we share in empowering every Marian Anderson scholar.
Warmly,
Dr. Nicole Patterson
Principal
Our School
Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy is a K–8 school in South Philadelphia where scholars are challenged, supported, and celebrated each day. We focus on strong academics, positive school culture, and meaningful partnerships with families. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, we are committed to helping every student build the skills and confidence needed for lifelong success.
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.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
School Day: 8:45 AM – 3:20 PM (Grades K–5) | 8:45 AM – 3:22 PM (Grades 6–8)
Breakfast: 8:15 AM – 8:40 AM
Lunch: Served during scheduled grade-level lunch periods
Recess: Scheduled during the instructional day 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.
Community Partnerships
We are very fortunate to have the support of an amazing group of community partners and volunteers. Below are just a few of them!
- Astral Artists
- BalletX – Dance eXchange
- Dads on Duty MANA
- Drexel University School of Education
- Girls on the Run Philadelphia
- Fife Penn CS Academy
- I Am Bumi Entrepreneur Program
- Marian Anderson Home and School Association (HSA)
- Marian Anderson Museum and Historical Society
- Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy Supporters (MANAS)
- National History Day Philly
- The Kimmel Center
- Penn Engineering and National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Philadelphia Robotics Coalition
- Raja Yoga
- RISE Tutoring
- Rock Reach
- Sunrise of Philadelphia
- Temple University Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Vetri Community Partnerships
- Walnut Street Theatre
- WHYY Media Labs
Want to partner with the Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy?
Please call the school or email our Principal at npatterson@philasd.org.
Extracurricular Programs, Clubs & Activities
Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy offers a broad range of extracurricular enrichment opportunities throughout the year.
- Activities that run in the Fall start recruitment and sign-ups in early September and run until winter break.
- Activities that run in the spring start recruitment and sign-ups in January and run until May.
- Information and sign-ups for each club will be communicated by each individual facilitator.
Fall After-School Clubs
- Board Games
- Choir
- Civil Engineering
- Math Club
- Ms. Gordon’s Math Geniuses
- Moral Guerilla Troops
- Musical
- NSBE Jr.
- Robotics
- Science Fair
- Soccer
- Volleyball
- WHYY Media Lab
Winter–Spring After School Clubs
- Basketball
- Board Games
- Choir
- Civil Engineering
- Mr. Rodini Math Club
- Ms. Brown ELA PSSA Practice
- Ms. Gordon’s Math Geniuses
- Ms. McCaney Math Prep
- Moral Guerilla Troops
- Musical
- Science Fair
- Scratch Coding
- WHYY Media Lab
Points of Pride
- Student-led renaming of the school to Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy, reflecting strong student voice and community engagement
- Active and supportive Home & School Association that funds enrichment programs, classroom resources, and school improvements
- Teachers consistently secure DonorsChoose grants to enhance classroom learning experiences
- Robust extracurricular offerings, including robotics, performing arts, athletics, and media programs
Student Handbook & Policies
➜ Marian Anderson 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.
Sports
Participation in sports requires a completed physical form signed by a doctor.
Available Sports
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Volleyball
➜ 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
Uniform/Dress Code
The School District of Philadelphia has a mandatory uniform policy. Students must be in uniform each school day unless permission is granted for a special occasion.
➜ Families can purchase uniforms here
Shirt/Top:
- K–4th grade – Light blue shirts
- 5–8 navy blue shirts.
Light blue or navy shirts with a collar, including long or short sleeve turtlenecks. Navy sweaters, sweatshirts, or vests are acceptable in cold weather. Anderson t-shirts and t-shirts from school-sponsored activities (such as Rock Reach and Dance eXchange) are also considered uniform shirts. Hooded sweatshirts must be blue, black, or tan, and uniform tops must remain fully visible. All tops must extend to the waistline.
Pants/Bottoms:
Tan, blue, or black pants, knee-length shorts, skirts, or jumpers. Pants must be worn at the waist and undergarments may not be visible.
Footwear:
Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes must be worn at all times. Flat-soled shoes that fully cover toes and heels are required for safety. Sneakers are mandatory on physical education days.
Not Permitted:
- Jeans or leggings
- Halter tops, tank tops, tie-strings, or see-through tops
- Jeans worn under skirts or shorts
- Clothing with logos or symbols
- Hats, caps, bandanas, or sweatbands
- Backless shoes
- Heelys
- Backless Crocs (including Crocs with only a strap for the back)
- Wearing hoods inside the building
- Jewelry with suggestive wording or deemed unsafe
If a student violates the dress code:
- Students will be required to borrow a uniform from the school
- Families may be contacted
- Students may be subject to loss of privileges
Wildcat Workshop
The Wildcat Workshop is a K-8 multidisciplinary makerspace at Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy in Philadelphia.
We make things using technology, computer science, and engineering. Along the way, we learn science, social studies, civic argumentation, storytelling, and digital citizenship.
Learn More
At A Glance
Principal
Dr. Nicole Patterson
Phone: 215-400-7940
Fax: 215-400-7941
Address:
2000 Catharine St.
Philadelphia, PA 19146
➜ SEPTA – Trip Planner
Grade Levels: K-8
Learning Network: 4
Student Enrollment: 309
➜ 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.
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 Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy, students in Kindergarten through 8th grade engage in rigorous, standards-based instruction designed to build strong foundations and prepare them for high school success. Our classrooms emphasize critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving across core subjects including literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies.
In addition to academics, scholars participate in enrichment opportunities that support creativity, wellness, and leadership development. Through differentiated instruction and individualized supports, we ensure every student is challenged, supported, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential.
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 Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy! We’re excited to welcome new students in Kindergarten and Grades 1–8.
Not sure if Anderson is your neighborhood school? Check with the School Finder Tool
Health & Wellness
Hazel Health
Free Student Healthcare & Mental Health Support
Virtual doctor visits and therapy—available at school or home via Hazel Health. No cost, insurance, or immigration requirements.
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
Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy Supporters (MANAS)
Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy Supporters (MANAS, formerly Friends of Chester Arthur – FoCA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit formed by parents and community members to support Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy. Through fundraising, volunteer leadership, and close collaboration with school staff and the HSA, MANAS helps fund programming, improve learning spaces, form strategic partnerships, market school successes, and respond to emerging needs across the school.
MANAS funds have been used to support:
- Enrichment Programs: STEM clubs including robotics, arts, dance, and other creative learning experiences
- Academic & Technology Support: supplemental curriculum resources and materials for the Wildcat Workshop
- Capital Projects: desks for upper grades, gym equipment, playground improvements
- Community Engagement: meet-ups, celebrations, family outreach activities (often in partnership with HSA)
- Teacher Support: annual teacher grants, special project mini-grants, and classroom essentials
Want to Learn More and Support Our School?
➜ Follow MANAS on Instagram
➜ Volunteer and/or join our Board of Directors – Email us at arthurschoolgroup@gmail.com.
➜ Donate to MANAS to support school programs and projects
Home and School Association
The Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy Home and School Association (HSA) brings families, teachers, and staff together to build a welcoming and connected school community through events and activities throughout the year.
➜ Follow our HSA on Facebook for updates on school events and activities.
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
➜ View Meeting Calendar & Past Materials
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: 215-400-7940
Fax: 215-400-7941
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.
Follow Us
➜ Facebook
➜ HSA
➜ Instagram
➜ Wildcat Workshop YouTube