The School District of Philadelphia (SDP) intends to eliminate 5th Grade classes at A.S. Jenks (2501 S 13th) starting in the 2027-2028 school year.

Why 5th Grade at A.S. Jenks Matters:

Students who remain at A.S. Jenks for 5th grade demonstrate stronger academic performance and greater social maturity, leading to improved success in middle school.

A.S. Jenks Points of Pride:

Grade 5 accomplishments

The 2025-2026 5th Grade was awarded 1st Place for the Rendell Center 2025 Citizenship Challenge beating both other high performing School District of Philadelphia and suburban schools. Continued instruction at A.S. Jenks produces high performing, confident students.

The 2024-2025 5th Grade won 1st Place in a city-wide solar race car contest.

Siouda Douglas

Our principal won the prestigious Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals in 2020.  She knows all of the students by their name, personality, challenges, and successes.

Supporting Our Students and Families

Everyone's culture is celebrated with school-wide activities, such an Lunar New Year, Black History Month, Italian Heritage Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, St. Patrick's Day, Eid al-Fitr, etc.  Parents are invited to attend or support these events.

Unnecessary School Transitions Burdens Families:
Eliminating 5th Grade classes at A.S. Jenks would put undue stress on students. Those students, and their families, who planned to continue to 5th Grade at A.S. Jenks, would need to find another school earlier than expected. Current options for such a transition are limited, and may not be feasible.

A.S. Jenks is a high performing school:

A.S. Jenks is one of the top ten elementary schools in the School District of Philadelphia. A.S. Jenks students scored above average on their reading and math compared to other elementary schools in the School District of Philadelphia. Schools such as A.S. Jenks exhibit the key qualities needed for continued student success.

Our Demands:

We, the undersigned parents, neighbors, and community leaders, demand that the School District of Philadelphia continue 5th Grade classes at A.S. Jenks.