Guion S. Bluford Elementary School | The School District of Phihladelphia
Guion S. Bluford Elementary School, situated in the Carroll Park neighborhood of West Philadelphia, is a public elementary school serving students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, Bluford is committed to providing a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment.
Principal’s Message
Dear Bluford Families and Community,
Welcome to Guion S. Bluford Elementary School, where we are committed to Preparing ALL Students for Legendary Status. We believe every child can achieve at high levels when schools and families work together as partners.
At Bluford, we ask every student to be Safe, Respectful, and Responsible while striving for excellence in academics, leadership, and character. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where every student is challenged to grow and succeed.
We encourage you to stay connected by attending school events, joining family engagement opportunities, communicating regularly with your child’s teachers, and partnering with us throughout the school year. Your involvement plays a vital role in your child’s success.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we will continue launching successful citizens and preparing our students for a legendary future.
With appreciation,
Tangela M. McClam
Principal
Guion S. Bluford Elementary School
Our School
Guion S. Bluford Elementary School is a vibrant K–8 learning community dedicated to Preparing ALL Students for Legendary Status. Through high-quality instruction, strong relationships, and a safe, supportive environment, we empower students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. By partnering with families and embracing a culture of high expectations, we are committed to launching successful citizens who are prepared to lead, achieve, and make a positive impact in their communities.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
- School Day: 8:30 AM – 3:09 PM
- Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 8:20 AM
- Lunch/Recess:
- K–2: 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
- Grades 3–4: 1:02 PM – 1:47 PM
- Grades 5–8: 12:17 PM – 1:02 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
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.
Our OST provider is Sunrise of Philadelphia.
➜ 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.
Sports
Participation in sports requires a completed physical form signed by a doctor.
Available Sports
- Basketball
- Soccer
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
Arts, Music, Dance
- Art and Theater
Community Partnerships
- TGR
- Father’s Day Rallying Committee
- Renegades
- Marsh McLennan Agency
- Father’s Read365
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.
- Math Clubs
- Lego Club
- Father’s Day Rallying Committee (mentorship, arts, drumming)
- Renegades Mentor Program
- Tutoring
Our History
Guion S. Bluford Elementary School is named in honor of Dr. Guion Stewart Bluford Jr., an aerospace engineer, U.S. Air Force officer, and NASA astronaut who made history as the first African American to travel into space. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Bluford completed four Space Shuttle missions and dedicated his life to advancing science, education, and opportunity. His perseverance, excellence, and commitment to service inspire our students to dream boldly, work hard, and believe that there are no limits to what they can achieve.
Guion S. Bluford Elementary School serves students in Pre-K through 8th grade as part of the School District of Philadelphia. Originally opened as the Hannah School in 1929, the building has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly a century. In 2013, the school was renamed in honor of Dr. Guion S. Bluford Jr., celebrating his extraordinary achievements and providing students with a powerful role model whose legacy reflects the values of scholarship, leadership, and perseverance.
Today, Guion S. Bluford Elementary School proudly continues Dr. Bluford’s legacy by Preparing ALL Students for Legendary Status. Through rigorous academics, meaningful relationships, and strong partnerships with families and the community, we are committed to launching successful citizens who are equipped to lead, innovate, and make a positive impact on the world.
Points of Pride
- Proudly named in honor of Guion S. Bluford Jr., the first African American astronaut in space
- Guided by our mission of Preparing ALL Students for Legendary Status
- Schoolwide implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) with a focus on being Safe, Respectful, and Responsible
- A culture grounded in the 7 Mindsets framework to develop leadership, resilience, and positive relationships
- Rigorous academic programs that emphasize literacy, mathematics, science, and critical thinking
- Strong focus on data-driven instruction and targeted interventions to support every learner
- Family and community partnerships that strengthen student success through engagement opportunities and school events
Student Handbook & Policies
➜ 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.
Pants/Bottoms
- All Bluford students wear navy blue bottoms.
Shirt Color
- Rising Legends (Grades K–4) wear navy blue golf shirts.
- House of Legends (Grades 5–8) wear red golf shirts.
Footwear
- Must have a closed toe and heel.
- Should have a rubber bottom.
Not Permitted
- Crocs or sandals
If a student violates the dress code:
- A parent/guardian may be contacted.
- The school may provide loaner clothing or request that a change of clothes be brought to school.
If you have barriers to obtaining a uniform, contact our counseling team.
At A Glance
Principal
Tangela M. McClam
Phone: 215-400-9170
Fax: 215-400-9171
Address:
5720 Media Street
Philadelphia, PA 19131
➜ SEPTA – Trip Planner
Grade Levels: K–8
Learning Network: 3
Student Enrollment: 503
➜ 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 Guion S. Bluford Elementary School, we provide a rigorous and engaging academic experience for students in Pre-K through 8th grade that prepares them for success in high school, college, and beyond. Our comprehensive curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, the arts, physical education, technology, and opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills.
We are committed to meeting the needs of every learner through data-driven instruction, targeted interventions, enrichment opportunities, and a continuum of student support services. By maintaining high expectations and fostering a culture of growth, we empower every student to reach 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 Guion S. Bluford Elementary School! We’re excited to welcome new students in Kindergarten and Grades 1–8.
Not sure if Bluford 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.
Mental Health Resources
Find free support, counseling, and tools to care for your mental well-being.
Vaping/Smoking Resources
Family guides, free tools, and support to help quit vaping or smoking.
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.
Volunteer
We love parent involvement! Make a positive impact at our school by volunteering your time and talents.
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.
Contact Us
Stay Connected
Phone: 215-400-9170
Fax: 215-400-9171
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.