Carnell Laura H School

Located in one of the most diverse neighborhoods of Philadelphia, Carnell school serves nearly one thousand K-5 students every day. At least 16 different languages are spoken. The rich diversity we enjoy at Carnell grants the community a wealth of resources, though these resources are not always effectively utilized. We are committed to connect these resources and the school, to maintaining ongoing dialogue with the community, and to ensure that we are accurately addressing and responding to both the strengths and challenges faced.

One such challenge Carnell’s community faces is economic. The district has identified every single one of our students comes from an economically disadvantaged family. Though not a community school, Carnell has formed a partnership with the Mayor’s Office on Education’s Community Schools Initiative thanks to a request by councilwoman Cherelle Parker. Through our community partnerships, Carnell aims to act as a resource hub for the families of Oxford Circle.

Chosen among the first 4 schools in the district to undergo the School Redesign Initiative, Carnell is entering the fourth year of its project-based learning redesign process. The curriculum now focuses on student engagement and building student ownership of learning through real-world connections. Again, this ambitious undertaking is only made possible through the vital relationships with our community partners.