Juniata Park Academy
Juniata Park Academy is a public school in the Juniata neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia, serving students from Kindergarten through 8th grade as part of the School District of Philadelphia. We are a thriving and diverse learning community dedicated to academic excellence, personal growth, and preparing every child for future success.
Principals Message
Welcome to Juniata Park Academy
At Juniata Park Academy, we are dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive. Our focus is on engagement—building strong family partnerships and supporting student success through positive relationships and high-quality instruction.
We uphold the expectations: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be a Role Model. With Responsive Classroom practices in K–4 and Restorative Justice in 5–8, we foster a school culture rooted in respect and responsibility.
We value our partnership with families and ask for your support in helping students arrive on time in uniform, limit personal devices during school hours, complete assignments, and read daily. Together, we can ensure our children’s success.
Sincerely,
Marisol Rivera Rodriguez, Principal
mcrodriguez@philasd.org
Susan Anderson, Assistant Principal (Grades K-4)
suanderson@philasd.org
Theresa Capecci, Assistant Principal (Grades 5-8)
tcapecci@philasd.org
Our School
At Juniata Park Academy, we believe in creating a vibrant learning community where every student can thrive. Our K–8 school is dedicated to academic excellence, personal growth, and cultural pride. We celebrate the diversity of our students and families, and we partner closely with our community to ensure every child feels supported, challenged, and prepared for future success.
Points of Pride
- Volleyball Boys Championship (2025 & 2019)
- PBIS Model Award School
- Awarded the Elevate 215 Grant (2023)
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
School Day
- Arrival Time: 8:12 AM
➜ Morning admission begins at 8:12 AM for all students.
➜ For safety, students should not arrive before 8:12 AM (no staff supervision). - Official Start: 8:15 AM
- Late Bell: Students are marked late beginning at 8:17 AM
Dismissal
- K–2nd Grades: 2:45 PM (½ day: 11:50 AM)
- 3rd–4th Grades: 2:50 PM (½ day: 11:50 AM)
- 5th–8th Grades: 2:54 PM (½ day: 11:54 AM)
Meals
- Breakfast: 8:15-8:30 AM
- Lunch
- 7 & 8 Grade: 9:55-10:40 AM
- 5 & 6 Grade: 11:34 AM-12:19 PM
- 2 & 3 Grade: 10:47-11:32 AM
- 4 Grade: 1:10-1:55 PM
- K & 1 Grade: 12:22-1:07 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.
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.
- Penn State Virtual Tutoring
- STEAM
- GSA Club
- Robotics
- Art Club
- Girls on the Run
- WHYY Media Lab
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.
- OST programming is provided by the YMCA
- In-person programming, Monday–Friday, 3:00–4:30 PM
- Academic support, enrichment activities, and social-emotional development
- Year-round support, including summer programming
Summer Programs – Visit the District Summer Programs site for additional opportunities for your student over the summer.
Extended Day-Extended Year (EDEY)
Extended Day-Extended Year programming is an initiative from the Mayor’s Office that:
- Closes the opportunity gap citywide with free, quality programs
- Extends learning beyond the school day and year
- Provides safe, enriching spaces for children of working families
- Enables students to explore passions and boost academic success
Program Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Calendar: Follows the regular school calendar
FREE Programs Offered:
- Before and after school care (*Before care is not available at all schools)
- Enhanced enrichment activities
- Winter break camp
- Spring break camp
- Six weeks of summer camp
Extended Day-Extended Year – Visit the EDEY site for additional opportunities for your student.
Sports
Participation in sports requires a completed physical form signed by a doctor.
Available Sports:
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Baseball
- Softball
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
Find Your Team Schedule
All school and team schedules can be located at arbiterlive.com
Arts, Music, Dance
- Visual Arts
- Dance
- Vocal Music
- Instrumental Music (Strings and Woodwind)
Community Partnerships
- YMCA
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- ECO Foundation
- Cade Kids
- Penn State University
- Timoteo Sports
- TD Bank
Student Handbook & Policies
➜ Juniata Parent/Student Handbook & Code of Conduct
➜ District – Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Process
Policies
- Attendance
- Dress Code – Uniforms
- Cell Phone Policy
- Water Bottle Policy
- Chromebook Care and Responsibility
- 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
Uniform items are available for purchase through the school.
Unless a “Dress-Down Day” is announced, students are expected to wear uniforms every day.
- Top: Navy blue collared shirt, sweater, or hoodie (hood down inside)
- Bottoms: Khaki pants with a belt; skirts/shorts must reach fingertip length
- Footwear: Black, blue, or brown shoes/sneakers — no open-toed shoes or Crocs
- Gym Days: Navy blue sweatpants and T-shirt
Not Permitted: Tank tops, torn/revealing clothing, spandex/leggings without skirts/dresses, slippers, sandals, Crocs
➜ See our uniform policy for more details.
At A Glance
Principal
Marisol Rivera Rodriguez
Assistant Principals
Susan Anderson (Grades K-4)
Theresa Capecci (Grades 5-8)
Phone: 215-400-7010
Fax: 215-400-7011
Address:
801 E Hunting Park Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19124
➜ SEPTA – Trip Planner
Grade Levels: K-8
Learning Network: 9
Student Enrollment: 854
➜ 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 Juniata Park Academy, 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
Farrell 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 Juniata Park Academy! We’re excited to welcome new students in Kindergarten and Grades 1–8.
Not sure if Juniata 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
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
➜ To get involved, email Assistant Principal Anderson: suanderson@philasd.org
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: 215-400-7010
Fax: 215-400-7011
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.