Overbrook Educational Center
Overbrook Educational Center (OEC), located in West Philadelphia, is a public school serving students in Kindergarten through 8th grade from across the city. As the School District of Philadelphia’s only program for Visually Impaired/Blind (VIB) students and a designated Community School, OEC is committed to inclusivity, strong partnerships, and supporting the success of every child.
Principals Message
Welcome to Overbrook Educational Center
Greetings Jaguar Families,
I hope your summer was filled with rest, joy, and time with loved ones. As we begin this exciting new chapter, I want to express my deep gratitude for your continued trust in our team.
Each year we look forward to welcoming students, and are also happy to receive new staff members. Each of these educators brings valuable experience, a strong instructional background, and a deep belief in our school vision.
As we begin this year, our focus will be on deepening academic rigor, expanding enrichment, and ensuring every Jaguar is known, challenged, and supported.
Our school goals are:
- At least 43.62% of grade 3-8 students will score Proficient/Advanced on the ELA PSSA.
- At least 17.52% of grade 3-8 students will score Proficient/Advanced on the Math PSSA.
- At least 81.1% of all students will attend school 90% of days or more.
We are excited for the journey ahead and honored to partner with you in your child’s education. Together, we will nurture curiosity, build confidence, and foster a community where every Jaguar thrives. Thank you for your continued support and for being an essential part of what makes OEC such a special place. Here’s to a joyful, productive, and successful school year!
With appreciation and high hopes,
Olivia Jones
Principal
Our School
Overbrook Educational Center (OEC) is a K–8 public school within the School District of Philadelphia. We provide one homeroom per grade along with specialized Autistic Support, Life Skills Support, and Learning Support programs. As the District’s only site for Visually Impaired/Blind (VIB) students, OEC offers vision services from certified specialists. With a focus on inclusivity and educating the whole child, OEC fosters a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for all learners.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
School Day: 8:15 AM – 2:54 PM
Breakfast: 7:45 AM
Lunch & Recess:
- K–2: 11:05 – 11:50 AM
- 3–5: 11:50 AM – 12:35 PM
- 6–8: 12:35 – 1:20 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.
After-School & Summer Programming
Summer Programs – Visit the District Summer Programs site for additional opportunities for your student over the summer.
Points of Pride
- Exceeded standards for PA Academic Growth in Mathematics (2024 PSSA)
- Second Place – 2024 ASAP Scrabble Winter Classic
- Second Place – 2023 Accessible Home Design Contest (CCP’s STEM Academy – Introduce a Girl to Engineering)
- Designated a City of Philadelphia Community School in 2019
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.
Music
- Instrumental String instruction
- Instrumental Band instruction
Extracurricular Clubs & Activities
- Student Council
- Cheerleading & Color Guard
- Drumline
- Drama Club – Annual musical production
- Scrabble Club
- Girls on the Run
- Black History Club
- STEAM Club
Sports
Participation in sports requires a completed physical form signed by a doctor.
Available Sports:
- Soccer
- Basketball
Find Your Team Schedule: All school and team schedules can be located 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
Community Partnerships
- Legacy Youth Tennis and Education
- Methodist Services
- West Philadelphia Alliance for Children
- SquashSmarts
- The Rock School for Dance Education
- Eat Right Philly
- Bryn Mawr College
- Villanova University
- Foster Grandparents
Student Handbook & Policies
➔ OEC 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
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
Overbrook Educational Center (OEC) upholds a dress code to ensure students are comfortable, focused, and dressed appropriately for school while maintaining an equitable environment. Families should use this guide and apply common sense for any situations not specifically listed. Final decisions rest with the school administration.
General Guidelines
- Shirts must have sleeves (short or long).
- Stomachs and backs must be fully covered.
- Skirts, skorts, and shorts must reach the student’s fingertips when arms are extended at their sides.
- Undergarments must not be visible.
- Transparent clothing must be worn with adequate undergarments.
- Pajamas are only allowed on designated theme days.
- Shoes must be closed-toe and closed-back.
- Hats, bandanas, hoods, and sunglasses must be removed upon entering the building.
- Any wording, graphics, or brands on clothing must be school-appropriate.
Optional Uniform Colors
(Some families choose to follow these.)
- Khaki or black bottoms
- Red, gray, black, or white polo shirts
- Black rubber-soled shoes
Not Permitted
- Tops with spaghetti straps
- Clothing with tears or holes
- Crocs, clogs, slides, or sandals
➔ See our uniform policy for more details
At A Glance
Principal: Olivia Jones
Grade Levels: K-8
Learning Network: 3
Student Enrollment: 265
➔ School Data & Statistics
Phone: 215-400-7540
Fax: 215-400-7541
Address:
6722 Lansdowne Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19151
➔ 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 OEC, we provide a dynamic and supportive learning environment grounded in the District’s curriculum for core subjects, while students also enjoy Art, Music, Physical Education & Health, and Digital Literacy. We offer a variety of support services—including Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy—along with dedicated Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments to ensure access for all learners. Specialized programs include Autistic Support, Life Skills Support, and a developing program for Gifted students.
Teachers use small group instruction to meet each child’s individual needs, and support the whole child. Our mission is to give every child the support and opportunities they need to grow into confident and capable learners.
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 our ESOL Teacher at lmfunchess@philasd.org
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 Overbrook Educational Center! We’re excited to welcome new students in Kindergarten and Grades 1–8.
Not sure if OEC 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: 215-400-7540
Fax: 215-400-7541
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.