Charles W. Henry School
Charles W. Henry School, situated in the West Mount Airy section of Philadelphia, is a public elementary school serving students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, C.W. Henry is committed to providing a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment.
Principal’s Message
Welcome to Charles W. Henry School!
Since 1908, Charles W. Henry School has proudly served students and families in Philadelphia’s Mount Airy neighborhood. Today, our K–8 school continues that tradition by providing a challenging, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where every child is encouraged to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
At Henry, we believe every student can succeed. Our dedicated teachers and staff work closely with families to create meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and prepare students to become thoughtful leaders and lifelong learners. We are proud of our strong school community, where respect, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence guide everything we do.
Whether you’re a current family or considering Henry for your child, we invite you to explore our website to learn more about our academic programs, student opportunities, and the many ways families can get involved.
Thank you for being part of the Henry community. We look forward to partnering with you and celebrating another year of learning, growth, and success together.
Kristy Len
Principal
Our School
Charles W. Henry School is a K–8 neighborhood school in Philadelphia’s Mount Airy community where students are challenged to learn, grow, and thrive in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Guided by a commitment to personal growth, responsibility to self and others, and lifelong learning, our dedicated educators partner with families to help every student build the knowledge, confidence, and character needed for success in high school and beyond.
Our History
Charles W. Henry School is named in honor of Charles Wolcott Henry (1852–1903), a Philadelphia businessman, civic leader, and longtime chairman of the Fairmount Park Commission. In addition to leading his family’s lumber business, Henry served on Philadelphia’s Common Council, where he worked to improve parks, public spaces, and the quality of life for residents. His dedication to civic service and community leadership continues to inspire the school today.
The original school building was constructed between 1906 and 1908 and designed by renowned Philadelphia architect Henry deCourcy Richards in the Colonial Revival style. As the Mount Airy neighborhood grew, additions were completed in 1949 and 1968 to serve its expanding student population. In 1988, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in recognition of its architectural and historical significance.
For more than a century, Charles W. Henry School has served generations of students and families in the Mount Airy community. Today, the school continues its tradition of academic excellence, community partnership, and preparing students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens.
Points of Pride
- 2026 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Lighthouse School
- 8 Lindback Distinguished Teacher Award winners
- Recipient of Green Schools Sustainability Grant
- 2025 Philadelphia Youth Basketball MSPP Program Champion
In the News
Mission and Vision
Our Vision
The Henry community creates a nurturing environment in which children can grow socially, emotionally, and academically to achieve personal excellence.
Our Mission
Charles. W. Henry School is dedicated to excellence. We are a joyful and inclusive community where all students are empowered to own their learning and celebrate their growth. We support our learners in achieving their full potential so that they can become lifelong learners and responsible members of the community.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
School Day: 8:45 AM – 3:24 PM
Breakfast: 8:15 AM – 8:45 AM
1st Lunch and Recess: 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
2nd Lunch and Recess: 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
3rd Lunch and Recess: 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
4th Lunch and Recess: 1:00 PM – 1:45 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.
Uniform/Dress Code
All students are expected to wear appropriate clothing which includes pants, shorts, shirts, dresses, skirts, blouses, and/or footwear at all times. The following items are not permitted:
- Clothing that does not cover undergarments.
- Clothing that does not cover the torso.
- See-through clothing.
- Headwear other than for religious purposes.
- Clothing with profane writings, insignias, sexual implications, or advertising of drug, alcohol or tobacco products.
- Flip-flops, open-toe shoes, cleats, or roller skate shoes.
The dress code will be enforced in a consistent, equitable, solutions-oriented manner. The student may be provided loaner clothing by the school or the family may be asked to bring an appropriate change of clothes or shoes to school. School administration reserves the right to deem any form of dress unsafe for the school environment.
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
- Spring School Musical
- Instrumental Music
- Choir (children’s choir, upper school choir, advanced vocal ensemble)
Community Partnerships
Partnership Dashboard
Explore programs and opportunities available to students across the School District of Philadelphia, including arts, STEM, wellness, mentoring, and more.
➜ Search the Dashboard
- Urban Youth King and Queens
- Arden For All
- Healthy Newsworks
- Eat Right Philly
- Food Moxie
- History Hunters
- The King’s Mate
- Barnes Foundation School Programs
- Students Run Philly Style
- Spanish Workshop for Children
- Vetri Cooking Lab
- Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs
Extracurricular Programs, Clubs & Activities
Our school offers several programs to broaden the horizons of our students. We offer a variety of activities and clubs geared toward student interests and abilities.
- Debate
- Ethics Bowl
- Robotics
- Henry Broadcasting System (HBS)
- Yearbook
- Students Run Philly Style (SRPS)
- Philly Youth Basketball (PYB)
- The King’s Mate Chess Academy
- Drama – Spring Musical
- Set Design – Spring Musical
- Marketing Club – Spring Musical
- Upper School Choir
- Advanced Vocal Ensemble (AVE)
- Yoga
- Cooking Club
- Spanish Workshop for Children
Sports
Participation in sports requires a completed physical form signed by a doctor.
Available Sports
- Girls Volleyball
- Co-ed Golf
- Co-ed Track and Field
- Co-ed Basketball
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
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.
At A Glance
Principal: Kristy Len
Grade Levels: K–8
Learning Network: 6
Student Enrollment: 575
➜ School Data & Statistics
Phone: 215-400-3480
Fax: 215-400-3481
Address:
601 Carpenter Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19119
➜ 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 Charles W. Henry 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 digital literacy to keep learning engaging and fun.
We meet the needs of every learner through personalized support services like small group instruction, 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
Charles W. Henry 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 Charles W. Henry School! We’re excited to welcome new students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.
Not sure if C.W. Henry 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 Teacher Association
Our PTA invites all families to get involved in building a welcoming school community. From events like Family Fun Nights, book fairs, and dances to days of service and school cleanups, the PTA helps make C.W. Henry shine—inside and out!
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.
➜ Learn more about School Advisory Councils
Contact Us
Stay Connected
Phone: 215-400-3480
Fax: 215-400-3481
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.