Castor Gardens Middle School
Castor Gardens Middle School, situated in the Castor Gardens neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia, is a public middle school serving students from 6th through 8th grade. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, Castor Gardens is committed to providing a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment.
If you are unable to view the embedded document, you can ➜ Open Announcements in a New Tab .
Principals Message
Welcome to Castor Gardens Middle School!
Dear Castor Gardens Families,
I am Dr. Shawn McGuigan, your Principal, and I am excited for the school year. Our main goal is to make sure our school is a safe place where all students can learn and grow. We focus on helping every middle school student become confident and smart.
We believe teamwork is key! Our school is strong because of our values: Respect, Cooperation, Accountability, Safety, Tolerance, and Ownership. We need your help and involvement to make this a great year. Please check the website and come to our school meetings. If we work together, we can give every student the best possible middle school experience. Thank you for being a part of the Castor Gardens family.
Warm regards,
Dr. Shawn McGuigan
Principal, Castor Gardens Middle School
Assistant Principals
Mrs. Dina Caplan
Mr. Kevin Griffis (He/Him)
Mr. Joacim Fuentes-Rojas (He/Him)
Our School
Castor Gardens Middle School, home of the Wildcats! We offer students an environment where they can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. We are a school filled with dedicated educators, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to equity, and we are dedicated to our mission to prepare students in 6th-8th grade to thrive in high school and beyond.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
School Day: 8:15-3:19
Breakfast: 7:45-8:05
Lunch: 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Perods
Recess: during lunch times, weather permitting
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.
Arts, Music, Dance
- Art Classes
- Instrumental
- Drums
Community Partnerships
- Drexel University’s EAT RIGHT PHILLY Program
- Anti-Gambling Program-Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Greater Philadelphia
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.
- Art Club
- Band
- Book Club
- Chess Club
- Creative Writing / Literary Magazine
- Drama
- Drums
- Girls Self-Empowerment
- Homework Clubs
- Instrumental
- Kiwanis Builder’s Club
- STEAM
- Student Council
- Tutoring Tuesday
- Yearbook
Points of Pride
- International Bachelorette Certified Teachers
- TWO National Board Certified Teachers
- 95% Graduation Rate
- National History Day Winner 2023
- Carver Science Fair Best in Show 2019
Sports
Participation in sports requires a completed physical form signed by a doctor.
Available Sports
- Baseball
- Softball
- Volleyball
- Boys Football
- Flag Football (Intermural)
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Track
➜ Find Your Team Schedule at arbiterlive.com
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
➜ Castor Gardens Parent & Student Handbook
➜ District – Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Process
Policies
- Attendance
- Dress Code – Uniforms
- Cell Phone Policy
- Report Bullying, Harassment, or Discrimination
- Student Health & Safety
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
Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing at all times, including shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, and proper footwear.
Shirt/Top: Navy blue top
Pants/Bottoms: Khaki Pants or Grey Sweatpants for gym day
Footwear: Sneakers
Not Permitted: Open-toe shoes of any kind
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 your counselor.
At A Glance
Principal
Dr. Shawn McGuigan
Phone: 215-400-3190
Fax: 215-400-3191
Address:
1800 Cottman Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19111
➜ SEPTA – Trip Planner
Grade Levels: 6-8
Learning Network: 10
Student Enrollment: 1318
➜School Data & Statistics
Calendar
School Event Calendar
We maintain a school calendar that highlights important events such as parent-teacher conferences, school performances, testing dates, and more.
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.
Academics
At Castor Gardens Middle School, we offer a dynamic, safe learning environment where students in grades 6–8 thrive academically and personally. Our comprehensive curriculum includes English, Math, Science, and Social Studies—enriched by our International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy and Expressive Arts courses to keep learning relevant and global.
We meet the needs of every learner through personalized support systems, including our dedicated grade-level counselors, English Language (EL) support, Special Education services, and our unique House System. Our goal is to empower every student to become a responsible, lifelong learner prepared for success in high school and beyond.
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.
Enrollment
Welcome to Castor Gardens! We’re excited to welcome new students in Grades 6-8
Not sure if Castor Gardens is your neighborhood school? Check with the School Finder Tool
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
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
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
Contact Us
Stay Connected
Phone: 215-400-3190
Fax: 215-400-3191
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.