The John D. Philbrick Elementary School is one of Boston’s smallest public schools. The size of our school enables teachers to provide personal attention to all children and establish an environment that is both intimate and nurturing. We believe that our students will learn if provided with a rigorous and well-rounded educational experience. To reach this end, we use a workshop approach to reading, writing, and mathematics instruction; we provide specialty classes in science, music, physical education, art, and dance; and we establish extensive business, community, and family partnerships.
The John D. Philbrick School is a nurturing community that strives to create dynamic learning experiences that challenge, engage and motivate our students to become life-long learners. We value a strong work ethic and a healthy sense of self, balanced with a clear respect for the rights and differences of others. Immersed in this educational environment, our students will become critical thinkers who are responsible, resilient and productive community leaders.
We celebrate the varied backgrounds, experience, talents, and beliefs of our diverse community.
We believe working hard to be the most important ingredient of academic and personal success.
We emphasize the importance of selfless, generous and thoughtful interactions amongst students of all ages and abilities.
- Highly qualified, energetic, and committed teaching staff
- Specialty classes in Physical Education, Art, Science, Technology, Robotics, Music and more
- Monthly community awards celebrations
- Before, after school, and enrichment programs offered daily
- Field trips throughout the year to support learning
- Participant in the superintendent's 'Excellence for All' initiative
- 5th grade overnight trip to Ferry Beach Ecology School
- Philbrick School student musicians participate in the Roslindale Parade
- Active School Site & School Parent Councils
- Funding for field trips, our partnership with the Boston Nature Center, and many other programs thanks to our Parent Council
The Philbrick School has a mandatory uniform policy. Our uniform policy is as follows: navy blue skirt, shorts or pants; plain white or light blue short- or long-sleeve shirt; closed-toe shoes or sneakers.
John Dudley Philbrick was a graduate of Dartmouth College in the 1830s. He served as a teacher at Boston Latin School, and he was founder of the Quincy School. The Quincy School was the first graded school in the country; until then, all schools were one room schoolhouses. In effect, Dr. Philbrick was the designer of the elementary school as we know it today. John Philbrick also served as the superintendent of the Boston Public Schools for 20 years, from 1854 to 1873.
Dolphin (his name - Bubbles!)
From Forest Hills Station: Follow Hyde Park Avenue to Mt. Hope St.(before Cummings Hwy). Make a left onto Mt. Hope and a sharp left onto Philbrick St. The school is on the right. From Roslindale Sq. follow Cummings Hwy. until you reach Hyde Park Ave. Make a left onto Hyde Park Ave., a right onto Mt. Hope St. and a sharp left onto Philbrick St. On public transportation: From Forest Hills T-station take the # 32 bus to the corner of Mt. Hope and Hyde Park Ave. Follow the directions above.