John Wister Elementary - Mastery Schools

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR

The Apply Philly Charter website will be inaccessible from January 22 through February 25 for school year 2025-2026 applicants. If you’d like to consult with one of our enrollment specialists about options for your student during this period and be reminded via email, call, or text when the website reopens so that you can complete an application, please complete the form linked below.

If you are looking for a seat for your child for the current school year you can still apply via Apply Philly Charter by selecting school year 2024-2025 on your application during the January 22 through February 25 shutdown.  Please note: Applications for school year 2025-2026 will not be accepted via the 2024-2025 pathway as they must be submitted for the correct school year in order to be eligible.

Your Neighborhood School in East Germantown

Welcome to John Wister Elementary, serving students in kindergarten through fifth grade in the East Germantown community of North Philadelphia.

Wister Elementary offers academic excellence in a joyful environment. From math and art to reading and field trips, students receive a rigorous and well-rounded education from highly-qualified and passionate teachers and leaders.

We focus on approaching everything with equity, excellence, and love at the center.

Wister students have the opportunity to automatically attend our Pickett Campus for 6th – 12th grade, giving them a full K-12 Mastery experience.

500

Students

K-5

Grades

Our School

Academic instruction includes small-group sessions that allow teachers to create a personalized learning experience for each student as they explore the concepts of language arts, math, science, and social studies. Students also receive instruction in art, physical education, and dance as part of our commitment to educating the whole child.

We believe in a holistic approach to education, which helps foster academic excellence, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for knowledge.

For more information about the academics at Mastery Schools, visit our Academic Program page.

Wister Elementary students can enjoy:

  • Free breakfast and lunch
  • Enthusiastic greetings from teachers and staff
  • Morning meetings that set the tone for the day
  • Free play and structured recess

Wister offers a variety of after school activities and clubs.  Aftercare is available through local providers.

Some examples include:

  • Art Club
  • Basketball
  • Book Club
  • Cheerleading
  • Games Club
  • Girls Mentoring Group
  • Homework/Tutoring Club
  • Lego Club
  • Performing Arts
  • Reading Enrichment
  • Step Club

John Wister Elementary serves students in the East Germantown community who live in the school’s attendance zone within the 19144 zip code.

The school cannot enroll students living outside of its attendance zone, even if they reside within the listed 19144 zip code.

Our Principal

Erica Smith

Erica Smith serves as the proud principal of Mastery John Wister Elementary School. Ms. Smith is an active and passionate school leader who believes every child will achieve their goals and dreams with a great school! Prior to being named Principal, Ms. Smith was the Assistant Principal of Specialized Services. Before joining the leadership team at Wister, Ms. Smith served…
Read More

School Leadership

Aaron Rhock, Assistant Principal of Instruction

Ewura-Aba Hartley, Assistant Principal of School Culture

Laura Agosto, Assistant Principal of Specialized Services

Lauren Carter, Assistant Principal of Instruction

Marquise Reynolds, Assistant Principal/Director of Operations

Who to Contact

Staff directory

Our staff is available to support you and your child throughout their school experience. We are available to meet with families and answer questions via the email addresses listed here.