Robert E. Lamberton School

Students at Robert E. Lamberton School.
Welcome to
Robert E. Lamberton School

Robert E. Lamberton School, located in the Overbrook Park neighborhood of West Philadelphia, is a public school serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. Part of the School District of Philadelphia, Lamberton has a longstanding history of serving students and families in its community. The school is committed to providing every Lamberton Lion with a high-quality education in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Robert E. Lamberton School logo featuring a navy and gold lion inside a circular emblem with the word “Lamberton.”

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Join a safe, nurturing, and inclusive school community where every Lamberton Lion can learn, grow, and thrive.

Principal’s Message

Welcome to Robert E. Lamberton School

Dear Lamberton Families and Community,

At Robert E. Lamberton School, we are dedicated to cultivating an environment where every student is empowered to achieve excellence. As the “Home of the Lions,” our school culture is built on the foundation of respect, academic integrity, and personal growth. We believe that when students arrive on time, engage deeply with their studies, and treat one another with kindness, there is no limit to what they can accomplish.

We recognize that a strong education is a shared journey. We are committed to maintaining an open, transparent partnership with our families and neighbors in Overbrook Park. Your voice and involvement are vital to our success, and we encourage you to stay connected through our School Advisory Council (SAC) and our various school-wide events.

Thank you for being an essential part of the Lamberton family. Together, we are building a bright future for our children, one dream at a time.

Warm regards,

Andrea Surratt
Principal, Robert E. Lamberton School
The School District of Philadelphia

Principal Andrea Surratt smiling outside Robert E. Lamberton Public School.
Exterior of Robert E. Lamberton Public School showing the main entrance and school name above the doors.

Our School

At Robert E. Lamberton School, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover their strengths, pursue their passions, and reach their full potential. Our dedicated educators create engaging learning experiences that challenge students academically through a rigorous core curriculum, including EL Education, IM Math, and Amplify Science, while fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Beyond the classroom, students can explore enrichment opportunities, leadership experiences, the arts, athletics, and community partnerships that support the whole child. Working together with families and our community, we strive to ensure every Lamberton Lion is prepared for future success while embodying our motto: Building Our Future, One Dream at a Time.

Attendance & Bell Schedule

Bell Schedule

  • Morning Arrival: 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
  • Breakfast & Morning Meeting: 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
  • Instruction Begins: 8:30 AM
  • Dismissal: 2:39 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.
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 & Creative Expression

  • Visual Arts & Mural Arts Partnership: Our visual arts program goes beyond the classroom through a prestigious partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia. This collaboration offers students professional mentorship, community-based projects, and exclusive paid opportunities for older students to contribute to the city’s vibrant public art landscape.
  • Music Education: Our music program introduces students to the foundations of rhythm, melody, and performance. Scholars explore various genres and instruments, developing a deep appreciation for the universal language of music and the discipline required for mastery.
  • Dance & Performance: The Lamberton Dance Club and specialized dance instruction provide students with a high-energy outlet for creative movement. From choreography to cultural dance styles, students build physical coordination, confidence, and stage presence.
  • Sewing Club: Teaching the practical art of design and craftsmanship.
  • WEPAC In-House Library: Our dedicated library space for research, reading, and literacy-based activities.

Community Partnerships

At Robert E. Lamberton School, we believe it takes a village to raise a scholar. We are proud to collaborate with prestigious academic institutions, local organizations, and dedicated individuals who provide our students with world-class resources and mentorship.

  • Saint Joseph’s University Partnership: We are proud to host student teachers from Saint Joseph’s University. This collaboration brings aspiring educators into our classrooms to support instruction, providing our scholars with additional small-group attention while helping to train the next generation of high-quality teachers.
  • Retired Educator Volunteer Network: Lamberton is uniquely supported by a network of retired educators who return to our halls to volunteer. Their decades of experience and lifelong commitment to children provide our scholars with invaluable mentorship and academic support.
  • TGR Learning Lab: A premier partnership providing advanced STEM resources, career-readiness programming, and hands-on technology experiences.
  • Mural Arts Philadelphia: A signature collaboration that brings professional artists into our school for after-school programs, offering students creative mentorship and unique paid opportunities.
  • WEPAC (West Philadelphia Alliance for Children): Our literacy partner that manages our in-house library, ensuring every student has access to high-quality books and a vibrant reading environment.
  • Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts of America: Providing on-site character development, leadership training, and civic engagement opportunities.
  • Overbrook Park Community Association: Strengthening our ties to the local neighborhood to ensure Lamberton remains a vital anchor for West Philadelphia families.

Dress Code/Uniforms

Robert E. Lamberton School is a uniform school. We believe that a consistent dress code minimizes distractions, promotes school pride, and ensures that the focus remains on academic achievement. Students are expected to be in full uniform every day.

  • Shirt/Top: Navy Blue or White polo-style shirts (long or short-sleeved).
  • Pants/Bottoms: Khaki (tan) or Navy Blue slacks, skirts, jumpers, or shorts.
  • Footwear: Closed-toe athletic shoes or sturdy loafers. For safety during gym and recess, sneakers are highly recommended.

Spirit Days
On designated School Spirit Days, students are encouraged to wear their Lamberton Lions t-shirts or school colors to celebrate our community pride!

Not Permitted:
To maintain a safe and focused environment, the following items are not allowed:

  • Footwear: No open-toed sandals, flip-flops, slides, or high-heeled shoes.
  • Headwear: No hats, hoods, or bandanas inside the building, except for religious or medical purposes.
  • Clothing: No sagging pants, ripped jeans, or clothing with inappropriate language or graphics.
  • Outerwear: Heavy coats and jackets must be stored in designated areas and are not to be worn in the classroom. We recommend a solid navy blue sweater or fleece for cooler days inside the building.

If a student violates the dress code:

  • A parent/guardian may be contacted
  • The school may provide loaner clothing, or request a change of clothes be brought to school

See our uniform policy for more details.

Extracurricular Programs, Clubs & Activities

At Robert E. Lamberton School, we are committed to providing our young scholars with a diverse array of extracurricular opportunities that spark curiosity, build character, and foster leadership. From high-tech innovation to the fine arts, our programs are designed to meet the unique interests and abilities of every student.

STEM & Innovation

  • Robotics Club: Students learn the fundamentals of engineering, coding, and problem-solving through hands-on challenges.
  • TGR Learning Lab Partnership: An exclusive collaboration providing advanced STEAM resources and career-readiness experiences.
  • Technology Club: Enhancing digital literacy and creative tech skills.
  • Math Club: For students looking to master competitive mathematics and logical reasoning.

Leadership & Wellness

  • Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts: Fostering community service, leadership, and outdoor skills.
  • Girls on the Run (Track): A physical-activity-based program that builds confidence and healthy life habits.
  • Scrabble Club: Sharpening vocabulary and strategic thinking through competitive play.
  • Gym & Athletics: Promoting teamwork and physical fitness across all grade levels.

Academic Support & Extended Day

  • Homework Club: Providing dedicated after-school time and teacher support for academic success.
  • Extended Day Program: Comprehensive after-school care and enrichment available daily until 5:30 PM.

Our History

Robert E. Lamberton School is named in honor of Robert Eneas Lamberton (1886–1941), who served as Mayor of Philadelphia from 1940 to 1941. Lamberton was a longtime Philadelphia civic leader and public servant whose dedication to the city is remembered through the school that bears his name.

The Robert E. Lamberton Public School opened in 1949 in Philadelphia’s Overbrook Park community. For more than 75 years, the school building has served generations of neighborhood students and families, becoming a longstanding center for education and community connection.

Today, Robert E. Lamberton School continues its tradition of academic excellence, community partnership, and creating a safe and nurturing environment where students can learn, grow, and succeed. The school proudly carries forward its history while preparing each new generation of Lamberton Lions for the future.

Points of Pride

  • 2025 Philadelphia Green Grant Award Winner – Personally recognized by Mayor Cherelle Parker
  • SY 25-26 Selected by Mural Arts of Philadelphia for a campus landmark mural commission
  • SY 25-26 100% Free, Fully Funded After-School Program grant recipient
  • SY 25-26 Philadelphia Activities Fund Grant Recipient – Awarded directly via Councilman Curtis Jones Jr.’s 4th District Office
  • SY 25-26 98.8% Suspension-Free Campus Baseline
  • SY 25-26 Shattered District Board Goals – K-3 Early Literacy outpaced targets by nearly six times
  • Elite 15:1 Student-to-Teacher Ratio for personalized, private-school level attention
  • 0% Middle School Dropout Rate across Grades 7-8 schoolwide
  • SY 25-26 Selected Featured Site for the Federal EPA $17 Million Clean School Bus Initiative

Sports

Participation in sports requires a completed physical form signed by a doctor.

Available Sports

  • Dance Club: A high-energy program where students explore rhythm, choreography, and various styles of movement, fostering both physical fitness and artistic confidence.
  • Girls on the Run (Track): A premier program that combines physical training with life-skills development, helping our young female scholars build confidence while improving their endurance.

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

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, please contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Robert E. Lamberton School logo featuring a navy and gold lion inside a circular emblem with the word “Lamberton.”

At A Glance

Principal
Andrea Surratt

Phone: 215-400-7530
Fax: 215-400-7531

Address:
7501 Woodbine Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19151

SEPTA – Trip Planner

Grade Levels: PreK–8
Learning Network: 3
Student Enrollment: 400
School Data & Statistics

Calendar

School Event Calendar

We maintain a school calendar that highlights important events such as parent-teacher conferences, testing dates, school activities, and more.
View Our School Calendar

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.
View the District Academic Calendar

Academics

At Robert E. Lamberton School, we provide a consistent, supportive, and rigorous learning environment that prepares scholars for success from their first day through high school. Our goal is to ensure every Lamberton Lion builds a strong academic foundation and develops the skills needed for lifelong success.

We achieve our goals through a strong partnership between educators, families, and the Overbrook Park community. By combining high expectations with personalized support, a caring environment, and a commitment to the whole child, we help every scholar reach their full potential.

Together, we are building a legacy of academic excellence—one Lamberton Lion at a time.

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.
Learn more about IEPs and Special Education Programs.

Enrollment

We are thrilled to welcome new students and families into our community! Robert E. Lamberton School is currently enrolling scholars for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grades 1–8. Whether you are just starting your educational journey in Pre-K or preparing for the transition to high school in our middle years program, we are excited to have you join our culture of excellence.

Not sure if Lamberton is your neighborhood school? Check with the School Finder Tool

Enroll in Kindergarten

Students must be 5 years of age on or before September 1st to start Kindergarten. You can register online or contact our school for help.

Enroll in Grades 1–8

If you live in our neighborhood (catchment area), you can enroll your child online through the District’s enrollment system.

Enroll in PreK

A child’s success in school begins with PreK. Lamberton provides a PreK program with nutritious meals, a high-quality curriculum, access to nurses, and special needs support.

Student Pathway

Lamberton students usually follow this path:

➜ PreK–8: Lamberton School
➜ 9–12: at Overbrook 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.

School Selection

The School Selection Process allows students in Pre-K through 11th grade to explore and apply to attend schools outside their catchment area each fall, based on available space.

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

View school announcements, messages from your child’s teacher, grades, test scores, attendance, immunization records, and report cards.
Log in to the Parent & Family Portal

Family Hub

Get help with registration, academics, special education, English learner support, student records, transportation, and more.
Visit the Family Hub

Google Classroom

Log in using your student’s Chromebook and District credentials to view classwork and homework.
Log in to Google Classroom

Chromebook Support

Get Chromebook help and support including repair locations, resources, and FAQs.
Get Chromebook help and support

Transportation

View bus routes, bus status, the Flat Rate Program, and support.
View transportation services

Accommodations & Multilingual Support

Request translation or accessibility accommodations for any school or District event.
Request translation or accessibility accommodations

AHERA Inspection Reports

View asbestos material status and school-specific details.
View AHERA inspection reports

Students

Student Hub

Visit the Student Hub for help with academics, athletics, records, college & career planning, CTE programs, and more.
Visit the Student Hub

Working Papers

Learn more about how to obtain working papers.
Learn more

Get Involved

Home and School Association

Our HSA invites all families to get involved in building a welcoming school community. From events like Donuts with Dads and BINGO to food drives and garden cleanups, HSA helps make Lamberton shine—inside and out!

➜ Learn more about how to join the Home and School Association by contacting Mrs. Evans, 3rd Grade HSA Leader, ajordan3@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

School Advisory Councils (SACs)

SACs are peer-elected groups of family members, school staff, students in 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: 215-400-7530
Fax: 215-400-7531

Staff Directory
Parent & Family Portal
Google Classroom
Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.

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