About Our School
Frederick Douglass Elementary serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade in North Philadelphia. Students at our school have the opportunity to advance to Simon Gratz High School, offering them a comprehensive K-12 experience within Mastery Schools. Explore the information below to discover how we ignite students’ enthusiasm for learning while supporting their holistic development in a safe and secure school environment.
550
K-8
We offer a rigorous academic curriculum that includes subjects such as math, science, reading, music, art, and more. Our dedicated and highly qualified teachers and staff ensure that all students receive a well-rounded education in a fun and joyful environment. To learn more about Mastery’s academic approach and the range of student supports available, please visit our Academic Program page.
Every Mastery school has a dedicated school culture team that is responsible for ensuring a positive and safe school community. Our schools observe common rituals, such as morning circles, community meetings, and school events that celebrate the school community and the joy of learning. We also ensure that school rules and values are consistently supported and enforced. Our teachers adopt standard school-wide classroom behavior systems, ensuring that students are held to consistently high expectations. We intentionally create a community that strikes a balance between structure and student independence, allowing schools to feel both orderly and joyful. To learn more about school culture, visit our Student Life page.
We offer enriching extracurricular and athletic programs to support student growth outside of the classroom. Offerings include:
- Academic Enrichment
- Boys and Girls Basketball
- Book Club
- Co-ed Bowling
- Co-ed Cheer
- Chess
- Competitive Dance
- Co-ed Flag Football
- Homework Support
- Music Production
- Co-ed Outdoor Track + Field
Mastery’s student uniform consists of a Mastery logo collared shirt, solid-colored pants, Mastery logo sweaters/sweatshirts, closed-toe, flat-soled shoes, and head coverings for religious purposes. Hoodies and t-shirts, regardless of logo, are not permitted.
For information on purchasing uniforms, please contact the main office at 215-684-5063.
Being prepared for school each day is vital to student success. To ensure your student is ready from day one, please review the list of required school supplies.
How to Apply
Now accepting applications for school year 2026-2027
Frederick Douglass Elementary serves students in the North Philadelphia area who reside within the school’s attendance zone, which is located in the 19121 zip code. Preference is given to students with siblings currently attending the school. Students living outside of the attendance zone are not eligible to enroll, even if they reside within the listed 19121 zip code. Please review the attendance zone map below to determine your student’s eligibility for enrollment, or use our school finder to identify the Mastery schools to which your child is eligible to attend.
- Apply today: Interested families can apply online through the Apply Philly Charter website. Simply sign in or create an account and submit your application by January 20, 2026.
- Have questions about our school or need help navigating the process? Please complete and submit this form, and a Mastery enrollment specialist will contact you to answer your questions and assist with your application.
- Looking for a seat for the current school year (2025-2026)? You can still apply online today using Apply Philly Charter. Just click on the “Apply for Current Year” button to start your application once you’ve logged in.
Frederick Douglass elementary in the news
Pages of possibility: Mastery Schools embarks on literacy journey in K-3 classroom libraries
Learn MoreOur Principal
Monique Dolcy
Additional School Leadership
Audrea Wright, Assistant Principal of School Culture
Ian Krouse, Assistant Principal of Instruction
Josiah Carden, Assistant Principal of Specialized Services
LaTanza Humphrey, Assistant Principal/Director of Operations
Nicole Cooper, Assistant Principal of Instruction
“As a parent volunteer, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand how strong partnerships between families and school benefit everyone. I’ve been able to support the school dances, graduations, and in the classroom. The teachers and staff welcome parent involvement, value our input, and create opportunities for us to contribute in a meaningful way. This kind of collaboration strengthens the school community, enriches student learning, and ensures that every child has the best experience possible. I am grateful for the chance to be involved at Frederick Douglass Elementary because they truly value family.”- Nikki Hampton, Parent
“I can confidently say that Frederick Douglass Elementary has been everything we hoped for and more. The teachers truly care- not just about academics, but about the whole student. They know my child’s strengths, they encourage her curiosity, and they support her in areas where she needs to grow. My child comes home excited to tell me about her day, whether it’s a science experiment, a book she’s reading, or even just a fun moment with a teacher or a friend. But what stands out the most is the sense of belonging. Frederick Douglass Elementary isn’t just a place where my daughter learns. It’s a second home.”- Sydia Bagley, Parent
Life at Frederick Douglass Elementary
View GalleryWho to Contact
| If you have questions about: | School contact person | Contact information |
|---|---|---|
| My child’s academic performance | APs of Instruction Ian Krouse K-4 Nicole Cooper 5-8 | Ian[dot]Krouse[at]masterycharter[dot]org 215-809-0613 [email protected] 267-638-1671 |
| Attendance, early dismissals, lateness | Ashley Price-Johnson | [email protected] 215-684-5063 |
| Health and medical concerns | LaTanza Humphrey, AP of Operations | [email protected] 267-443-9107 |
| Arrival or dismissal/lunch | Lower School Grades 4-8: Audrea Wright, AP of School Culture | Audrea[dot]Jordan[at]masterycharter[dot]org 215-510-8340 |
| Discipline concerns/uniforms | Audrea Wright, AP of School Culture | Audrea[dot]Jordan[at]masterycharter[dot]org 215-510-8340 |
| Wellness/social work supports | Josiah Carden, AP of Specialized Services | Josiah[dot]Carden[at]masterycharter[dot]org 215-370-3612 |
| Events and trips | Audrea Wright, AP of School Culture | Audrea[dot]Jordan[at]masterycharter[dot]org 215-510-8340 |
| Transportation | LaTanza Humphrey, AP of Operations | [email protected] |
| Supports for a student with an IEP | Josiah Carden, AP of Specialized Services | Josiah[dot]Carden[at]masterycharter[dot]org 215-370-3612 |
| Scheduling | LaTanza Humphrey, AP of Operations | [email protected] 267-443-9107 |
| Registration | LaTanza Humphrey, AP of Operations | [email protected] 267-684-5063 |
| Athletics and after-school programs | Sonni King, Physical Education Teacher Barbara Medley | Sonni[dot]King[at]masterycharter[dot]org 215-684-5063 Barbara[dot]Medley[at]masterycharter[dot]org 215-684-5063 |
Attendance Zone