General George A. McCall School

Collage of elementary school students smiling and participating in school life, including using a laptop, wearing school spirit clothing, posing with friends, and visiting a pumpkin patch.
Welcome to
General George A. McCall School

General George A. McCall School, located in the Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, is a public elementary and middle school serving students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, McCall is committed to providing a high-quality education in a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that prepares students for continued academic success.

McCall Bears logo featuring a stylized bear head mascot in blue and gold next to bold “McCall Bears” lettering with a paint splatter background

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Enroll in General George A. McCall School Today!

Join a vibrant school community where students grow and thrive.

Principals Message

Welcome to General George A. McCall School!

Dear McCall Community,

On behalf of the McCall School faculty and staff, we are excited to welcome you and your child to our vibrant and diverse community. Guided by our theme—One School, Many Cultures, One Future—we celebrate the backgrounds, traditions, and perspectives that strengthen our school.

At McCall, our team is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where every student can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

We value strong partnerships with families and look forward to working together to support every child’s success.

In partnership,
Principal Antoinette Powell

Portrait of Principal Antoinette Powell smiling, wearing a black polka dot blouse, pearl necklace, and earrings against a neutral background.
Front entrance of General George A. McCall Public School with bright yellow doors, brick buildings, and the school name displayed above the entryway.

Our School

General George A. McCall School is a welcoming and inclusive community where students are encouraged to grow, explore, and lead. Our educators and families work together to support the academic, social, emotional, and physical development of every child. Through a caring and challenging learning environment grounded in respect, collaboration, and integrity, we prepare students to become confident, compassionate, and lifelong learners.

Attendance & Bell Schedule

Bell Schedule

School Day: 9:00 AM – 3:39 PM
Breakfast: 8:30 AM – 8:55 AM
Lunch/Recess:

  • Grades K, 1, 2: 11:00-11:25 AM/11:25-11:45 AM
  • Grades 3, 4, 5: 12:00-12:25 PM/12:25-12:45 PM
  • Grades 6, 7, 8: 12:45-1:05 PM/1:05-1:30 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. 

Community Partnerships

  • Sunrise of Philadelphia
  • ASAP Philly

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.

  • Academic Enrichment Club
  • Art Club
  • Astronomy Club
  • Chess Team
  • Chorus / Music Club
  • Crochet / Fiber Arts Club
  • Cub Scouts Pack 6601
  • Debate Club
  • Drama / Theater Club
  • Little Medical School
  • Math Team
  • Media Club
  • STEM / Aviation Club
  • Student Ambassadors

Our History

General George A. McCall School is named in honor of General George Archibald McCall, a Philadelphia native, career military officer, and Civil War leader who commanded the Pennsylvania Reserves during the Civil War. Known for his leadership, service, and dedication to the nation, General McCall’s legacy continues to inspire students to lead with integrity and purpose.

The school building was commissioned in 1909 and officially opened in 1911, making it one of Philadelphia’s longstanding neighborhood schools. For more than a century, McCall has served generations of students and families from Society Hill, Old City, Chinatown, and surrounding communities.

Throughout its history, McCall has earned a reputation for academic excellence, strong community partnerships, and a commitment to student success. In 2017, the school was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, one of the highest honors awarded to schools in the United States. Today, McCall continues to build on its rich tradition while preparing students to become thoughtful learners, leaders, and citizens.

Points of Pride

  • National Blue Ribbon School (2017) recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for academic excellence
  • Strong academic performance with students consistently demonstrating high achievement in reading and mathematics
  • A vibrant and diverse multicultural school community representing families from many backgrounds
  • Dedicated educators committed to academic excellence, collaboration, and student success
  • Active Home & School Association that supports strong family engagement and school programs
  • Opportunities for students to participate in arts, athletics, clubs, and enrichment activities
  • A supportive environment where students develop the skills to become confident, compassionate, and lifelong learners

Sports

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

Available Sports

  • Football
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Girls Volleyball
  • Boys Basketball
  • Girls Basketball
  • Softball
  • Baseball

Find Your Team Schedule at arbiterlive.com


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

McCall Parent & Student Handbook
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.

Uniform/Dress Code

To promote a sense of community, uniformity and encourage a more optimistic educational atmosphere, McCall has elected to have a dress code. Students have the option to wear their own brand of clothing or purchase McCall “swag”. Students who continuously violate the dress code will face progressive disciplinary consequences.

Tops

  • white, blue or a McCall shirt
  • Hoodies Navy Blue or a McCall hoodie.
  • McCall logo shirts and school related activity t-shirts are permitted at any time.

Pants/Bottoms:

  • Navy
  • Sweatpants or gym shorts with McCall logo are permitted- and should be worn on the day your child has gym

Footwear:

Shoes Must be closed-toed and closed-back and worn at all times.

Not Permitted:

  • Denim of any color (except on Dress Down Days)
  • Pants worn below the waist
  • Shorts or skirts above knee length
  • Shirts that do not reach the waist
  • Midriff or cropped tops
  • Revealing or torn clothing
  • Slippers, sandals, or Crocs
  • Hats worn inside the building
  • Hoodies worn with the hood up during the school day

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

If you have barriers to obtaining a uniform, contact the main office.

See our uniform policy for more details.

McCall Bears stacked logo with bear head mascot above bold “McCall Bears” text over a blue paint splatter background

At A Glance

Principal:
Antoinette Powell

Grade Levels: K-8
Learning Network: 4
Student Enrollment: 667
School Data & Statistics

Phone: 215-400-7840
Fax: 215-400-7841

Address:
325 S 7th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
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.

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

McCall actively participates in “Students Achieving High Standards” by making a dedicated effort to cater to the individual needs of all our learners. We achieve this through diverse, district-approved programs specifically crafted to enhance and enrich each child’s educational experience.

At McCall, we provide a supportive learning environment where students grow academically and socially. Our curriculum builds a strong foundation in reading, math, science, and social studies, while also offering enriching subjects like music, art, physical education, STEM, socio-emotional learning, and business technology.

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.

Five young students sit around a classroom table painting small pumpkins during an art activity. Paintbrushes, paint palettes, and paper are spread across the table as the students smile and show their work. Backpacks and coats hang on hooks along the classroom wall behind them.
Students wearing safety goggles work together during a science lab activity, mixing materials in trays and recording observations in notebooks while a teacher supervises in the classroom.

Enrollment

Welcome to McCall School! We’re excited to welcome new students in Kindergarten and Grades 1–8.

Not sure if McCall 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.

Student Pathway

McCall students usually follow this path:

K–8: McCall School

9–12: Benjamin Franklin 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

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

Home and School Association

The Home and School Association (HSA) of McCall School Elementary consists of hard-working parents and caretakers who support the school through fundraising and volunteerism. Their goal is to help maintain an exceptional neighborhood school that provides the best possible learning environment for our children. The HSA is always looking for volunteers.

If you are interested in helping, please reach out to VicePresident@mccallschool.org by email.
HSA website
HSA Facebook
HSA Instagram

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

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

Contact Us

Stay Connected

Phone: 215-400-7840
Fax: 215-400-7841

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

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