Tilden Middle School
Tilden Middle School, located in the Elmwood neighborhood of Southwest Philadelphia, is a public school serving students in grades 5–8. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, Tilden offers rigorous academics, enrichment opportunities, and a welcoming environment where every student is valued.
Quicklinks
Principal’s Message
Welcome to Tilden Middle School
It is my honor to serve as the Principal of Tilden Middle School. Tilden is a school with resilient scholars, enthusiastic educators, passionate parents, and a caring community. Education is a life-long process that requires a mindset of continuous improvement, consistency, and a concern connected to action for those around you. The lifelong success of the scholars we serve is a testament to the commitment from the village of educators, parents, and community members. The relationships between educators, families, and the community are vital to the success of our scholars. I look forward to meeting each one of you and partnering for a successful school year full of learning, joy, events, and growth!
Warm Regards,
Principal Timeka Ford-Smith
Calendar
August
- Aug 14 (Wed): 5th & 6th Grade Orientation @ 1PM
- Aug 15 (Thu): 7th & 8th Grade Orientation @ 1PM
- Aug 20 (Tue): Staff Professional Development
- Aug 21 (Wed): Reorganization
- Aug 22–23: Staff Professional Development
- Aug 26 (Mon): First Day of School
- Aug 28 (Wed): Honors Recognition Ceremony
September
- Sep 2 (Mon): Labor Day – No School
- Sep 3–6: Star Testing ELA
- Sep 9–12: Star Testing Math
- Sep 10 (Tue): Fire Drill (Announced)
- Sep 12 (Thu): Back to School Night @ 5PM
- Sep 15 (Sun): Honduran Independence Day
- Sep 27 (Fri): Half Day – Professional Development
October
- Oct 2 (Wed): National Custodian Appreciation Day
- Oct 3 (Thu): Rosh Hashanah – School Closed
- Oct 8 (Tue): FLC HS Visit @ 8:30
- Oct 10 (Thu): Fire Drill
- Oct 17 (Thu): Motivation HS Visit @ 9:30
- Oct 25 (Fri): Full Day – Professional Development
November
- Nov 5 (Tue): Election Day – No School
- Nov 7 (Thu): Fire Drill
- Nov 11–15: National Kindness Week
- Nov 15 (Fri): Report Card Conferences
- Nov 27 (Thu): Half Day
- Nov 28–29: Thanksgiving Break – No School
December
- Dec 10 (Tue): Fire Drill
- Dec 13 (Mon): Half Day – Professional Development
- Dec 23 – Jan 2: Winter Break – School Closed
January
- Jan 3 (Fri): No School – Professional Development
- Jan 8 (Wed): Fire Drill
- Jan 20 (Mon): MLK Day – No School
- Jan 29 (Fri): Lunar New Year – No School
- Jan 30–31: Half Days – Report Card Conferences
February
- Feb 3–7: Counselor’s Week
- Feb 5 (Wed): Fire Drill
- Feb 7 (Thu): Half Day – PD
- Feb 17 (Fri): Presidents’ Day – No School
March
- Mar 5 (Wed): Fire Drill
- Mar 7 (Fri): Half Day – Professional Development
- Mar 27–28: Half Days – Report Card Conferences
- Mar 31 (Fri): Eid-El-Fitr – No School
April
- Apr 7–11: Assistant Principal’s Week
- Apr 14–18: Spring Break – No School
- Apr 23 (Wed): Admin Professionals Day
May
- May 1 (Thu): Principal’s Day
- May 7 (Wed): Nurse Appreciation Day
- May 9 (Fri): Half Day – Professional Development
- May 13 (Tue): Shelter In Place Drill
- May 20 (Tue): Election Day – No School
- May 21 (Wed): Multicultural Day
- May 26 (Mon): Memorial Day – No School
June
- Jun 6 (Mon): Eid-Al-Adha – No School
- Jun 11 (Wed): Half Day – Staff PD
- Jun 12 (Thu): Last Day of School – Half Day
Our School
Our MISSION at Tilden Middle School is to provide a rigorous and engaging learning environment in every classroom that nurtures leadership, perseverance, integrity, curiosity, and kindness in order for our students to discover, develop, and communicate the skills and content necessary for college and career success in the 21st Century.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Attendance
- Lateness: Students admitted from 8:15 AM or later are considered late
- Half Day: Any school district-initiated half day will begin at 8:15 AM and end at 12:19 PM
For details on early dismissals, inclement weather procedures, delayed openings, and emergency closings, please refer to the Parent & Student Handbook.
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
Bell Schedule
Specific student schedules may differ depending on class sections.
| Class Title | Time |
|---|---|
| School Entry Begins | 7:45 AM |
| Breakfast | 7:45 – 8:05 AM |
| Advisory | 8:15 – 8:30 AM |
| Period 1 | 8:32 – 9:17 AM |
| Period 2 | 9:19 – 10:04 AM |
| Period 3 | 10:06 – 10:51 AM |
| Period 4 | 10:53 – 11:23 AM |
| Period 5 | 11:25 AM – 12:10 PM |
| Period 6 | 12:12 – 12:57 PM |
| Period 7 | 12:59 – 1:44 PM |
| Period 8 | 1:46 – 2:31 PM |
| Period 9 | 2:33 – 3:19 PM |
| Lunch Times | |
| 5th / 6th Grade Lunch | 12:27 – 12:57 PM |
| 7th Grade Lunch | 10:55 – 11:23 AM |
| 8th Grade Lunch | 10:40 AM – 12:10 PM |
Programs, Clubs & Sports
Tilden Middle School offers several programs during the school day to broaden the horizons of our scholars. We offer a variety of activities and clubs geared toward student interests and abilities.
Music & Wellness
- Music Program – Students can take lessons in drums, violin, and a variety of wind instruments.
- Social Emotional Learning (SEL) – Small group SEL sessions are available through our Climate Staff, Safety Officers, Counselors, and Behavioral Therapists.
Sports
Participation in sports requires a completed physical form signed by a doctor.
- Basketball
- Track
- Soccer
- Girls’ Flag Football
Extracurricular Clubs & Activities
- Southwest Philly PAL Center
- Project L.Y.F.T
- Hydroponic Gardening
- Crochet Club
- Robotics Club
- Homework Help
- Cycling Club
Community Partnerships
- Southwest Philly PAL Center
- Project L.Y.F.T
- Methodist Services
Student Handbook & Policies
Policies
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.
For questions, please contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Uniforms
The School District of Philadelphia has adopted a mandatory uniform policy for all students in Kindergarten through grade twelve. By fully embracing a uniform policy, we work purposefully to promote a positive school climate and instill self-pride in our students and school community.
Everyday Uniform:
- Black or White shirt
- Khaki pants or skirt
- Black shoes
NOT Permitted:
- Shorts that are more than 3 inches above the knee
- Skirts that are more than 3 inches above the knee
- Clothing with inappropriate sayings or symbols
- Excessively ripped shirts and/or pants
- Crop tops
- Sandals or open-toed shoes
See our uniform policy for more details.
At A Glance
Principal
Timeka Ford-Smith
Grade Levels: 5-8
Learning Network: 1
Student Enrollment: 281
Phone: 215-400-8170
Fax: 215-400-8171
Address:
6601 Elmwood Ave,
Philadelphia, PA 19142
SEPTA – Trip Planner
Academics
Our Vision for Tilden Middle School students is to achieve the highest levels of academic growth, be well-rounded in their interests and abilities, and be recognized in the community for outstanding leadership. To accomplish this, we use a combination of rigorous blended learning academic lessons, Social Emotional Learning techniques, Relationships First restorative justice practices, and Positive Behavior Reinforcement (PBIS).
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
Tilden 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.
Learn more about Parent Information Sessions, Special Education Programs
Summer Programs
Visit the District Summer Programs site for additional opportunities for your student over the summer.
Enrollment
Welcome to Tilden Middle School! We’re excited to welcome new students in Grades 5-8.
Not sure if Tilden is your neighborhood school? Check with the School Finder Tool
Student Pathway
Tilden students usually follow this path:
➔ K–5:
➔ 5–8: William T. Tilden Middle School
➔ 9–12: John Bartram High School
This pathway ensures a continuous educational course within the School District of Philadelphia, providing students with a cohesive academic experience from elementary through high school.
Students can explore alternative school options each fall during the School Selection Process.
Health Services - Nurse
Health Services information is posted on our Class DOJO – log in and check updates regularly for the latest information about community events like Glasses Wagons, immunization updates and more!
School Nurse
Our school nurse provides immediate care for health concerns, conducts required screenings, and supports students’ overall wellness. Need Help? Contact your School Nurse
Mental Health Resources
For mental health resources and support services, visit the District’s Mental Health Resources page.
Health Services & Resources
To learn about immunizations, physicals, and wellness programs, go to the Student Health Services page.
Resources
Parent Portal
→ Log in to the Parent Portal to view your child’s grades, test scores, attendance, immunization records, report cards, and more.
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.
Class Dojo
→ Log in to ClassDojo to get daily updates, school events, announcements, and direct message your child’s teacher.
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.
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
- Staff Directory
- Contact Central Office
Get help with registration, academics, special education, English learner support, student records, transportation, and more. - Parent Portal
View grades, test scores, attendance, immunization records, report cards and more. - Google Classroom
To view your student’s classwork and homework - Class Dojo
Stay updated about school events, announcements, and important information.
Address:
6601 Elmwood Ave,
Philadelphia, PA 19142
SEPTA – Trip Planner
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