James Dobson School
James Dobson School, located in the Manayunk and Roxborough neighborhoods of Philadelphia, is a public K–8 school serving students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, Dobson is committed to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Principal’s Message
Welcome to James Dobson School!
Dear Dobson School Community,
James Dobson School is a gem. The small size and diversity of our students create a true family atmosphere where our dedicated staff proudly supports students as they grow and mature. Families also bring an active and energetic presence to our school community. These strong relationships make all the difference for our students.
The Dobson School community believes that focusing on the whole child leads to an upward trajectory in student achievement. We value each student’s individuality, support social-emotional learning, and intentionally foster the habits of Respect, Empathy, and Integrity. Dobson’s success reflects our “small and mighty” identity through positive relationships, collaboration, and shared decision-making that always puts students first.
As an instructional leader, I look forward to continuing to support and collaborate with our teachers, staff, students, and families. I am committed to ensuring we implement equitable and effective practices that meet the needs of all learners, and I am excited for our continued partnership and growth together.
In Partnership,
Khloé Williams-Lawani, Ed.D.
Principal
Our School
James Dobson School 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.
Our History
James Dobson School is named in honor of James Dobson, a member of the prominent Dobson family whose carpet manufacturing business helped shape the growth and industry of the Manayunk community during the 19th century. The Dobson family’s contributions to Philadelphia’s economic development and civic life left a lasting impact on the neighborhood the school continues to serve.
The current school building was designed by renowned Philadelphia school architect Irwin T. Catharine and constructed in 1929–1930. Designed in the Late Gothic Revival style, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988 in recognition of its architectural and historical significance.
For nearly a century, James Dobson School has served generations of students and families in the Manayunk and Roxborough communities. Today, the school continues its tradition of academic excellence, strong community partnerships, and preparing students to become lifelong learners and engaged citizens.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
School Day: 9:00 AM – 3:39 PM
Breakfast: 8:50 AM – 9:00 AM
Please ensure your child arrives on time to start the day successfully. Student supervision is unavailable prior to 8:50 AM.
Lunch/Recess
- Grades 3–5: 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
- Grades K–2: 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
- Grades 6–8: 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Regular Dismissal Time
- Kindergarten: 3:30 PM
- Grades 1–2: 3:33 PM
- Grades 3–5: 3:35 PM
- Grades 6–8: 3:39 PM
Early Dismissal Time
- Kindergarten: 12:30 PM
- Grades 1–2: 12:33 PM
- Grades 3–5: 12:35 PM
- Grades 6–8: 12:39 PM
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.
- Attendance Policy
- Absence Excuse Form
- Helpful information, toolkits, and other resources to support your child’s attendance success
The Importance of Student Attendance
Regular attendance helps students stay engaged, build strong learning habits, and succeed academically. Every school day matters, and arriving on time helps students make the most of their instructional time.
Attendance Benchmarks
- 🟢 100% — 0 Days Missed | Perfect Attendance
- 🟢 99% — 2 Days Missed | Excellent Attendance
- 🟢 97% — 5 Days Missed | Good Attendance
- 🟡 95% — 9 Days Missed | Slightly Below Average Attendance
- 🔴 93% — 12 Days Missed | Poor Attendance
- 🔴 90% — 18 Days Missed | Very Poor Attendance
Our Goal
Dobson School’s attendance goal is 95% or higher. Every day matters — thank you for helping students attend school on time, every day.
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.
Arts, Music, Dance
- Graphic Arts
- Music
- Instrumental Music Program
- Choir
Community Partnerships
- Rendell Center
- Mural Arts
- Schuylkill Center
Partnership Dashboard
Explore programs and opportunities available to students across the School District of Philadelphia, including arts, STEM, wellness, mentoring, and more.
Extracurricular Programs, Clubs & Activities
Our school offers several programs to broaden the horizons of our young scholars. We offer a variety of activities and clubs geared toward student interests and abilities.
- After-School Enrichment
- LEGO Robotics Team
- Gardening Club
- Reading Olympics
- Cultural Arts Club
- Student Leadership: “Dive Into Action”
Points of Pride
- Highly-qualified teachers, including 3 Nationally Board Certified Teachers
- Lindback Distinguished Teacher Award winners
- Algebra 1 offered to 8th Graders
- Annual music concerts
- Operating School Library
Sports
Participation in sports requires a completed physical form signed by a doctor.
Available Sports
- PIAA Sports
- Girls’ Volleyball (Winter)
- Girls’ Softball (Spring)
➜ 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
➜ Parent/Student Handbook & Code of Conduct
➜ District – Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Process
Policies
- Dress Code – Uniforms
- Cell Phone Policy
- Report Bullying, Harassment, or Discrimination
- Student 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.
Dobson School Spirit Wear
The Dobson Home and School Association offers optional uniform and spirit wear items featuring the Dobson logo. Information about purchasing school apparel will be shared at the beginning of the school year.
Grades K–5
- Tops: Solid navy or white collared polo shirt
- Bottoms: Solid khaki or navy pants, shorts, skirts, or jumpers. Shorts and skirts must be mid-thigh length or longer
Grades 6–8
- Tops: Solid maroon/burgundy or navy collared polo shirts. Dobson logo polos are permitted.
- Bottoms: Solid khaki, navy, or black pants, shorts, skirts, or jumpers. Shorts and skirts must be mid-thigh length or longer
Physical Education Uniform
- Tops: Plain white t-shirts, navy Dobson shirts, or Dobson athletic shirts
- Bottoms: Navy sweatpants, jogging pants, or navy shorts
- Footwear: Sneakers are required on gym days
Not Permitted
- Jeans
- Leggings
- Hats or hooded sweatshirts
- Open-toe shoes
- T-shirts that are not Dobson School shirts
- Undershirts worn alone
Jogging pants may only be worn on designated Physical Education days. During colder weather, sweaters and sweatshirts should be solid navy.
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.
At A Glance
Principal: Dr. Williams-Lawani
Grade Levels: K–8
Learning Network: 5
Student Enrollment: 253
➜ School Data & Statistics
Phone: 215-400-3570
Fax: 215-400-3571
Address:
4667 Umbria Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127
➜ 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 James Dobson School, we offer a strong, supportive learning environment where students in grades K–8 thrive academically and socially. Our well-rounded curriculum includes reading, math, science, and social studies—alongside music, art, physical education, and technology to keep learning engaging and fun.
We meet the needs of every learner through personalized support services like reading intervention, counseling, and speech therapy. Our goal is to help every student grow into a confident, curious, and successful learner.
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
James Dobson 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 James Dobson School! We’re excited to welcome new students in Kindergarten and Grades 1–8.
Not sure if Dobson 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
Home and School Association
The Dobson Home and School Association (HSA) brings families, staff, and the school community together to support student success through events, fundraising, volunteer opportunities, and school traditions such as Chalk the Walk, Book Fairs, and Dobson Day.
➜ Learn more about the Home and School Association
➜ Sign up to become part of the HSA
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: 215-400-3570
Fax: 215-400-3571
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.