Penney High School is the public high school in Hamilton, Missouri. The school is named after James Cash "J. C." Penney.
Serving 192 students in grades 9-12, Penney High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-49% (which is approximately equal to the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60-69% (which is higher than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 5% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Missouri state average of 32% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 192 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 5%
- Graduation Rate: 80-89% (Btm 50% in MO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Penney High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Student Attention
School Overview
Penney High School's student population of 192 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 20 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
192 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
20 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Blue, Gold
School Calendar
School Rankings
Penney High School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Penney High School is 0.10, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.51. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#403 out of 2076 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
12:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
2%
Hispanic
3%
8%
Black
n/a
15%
White
95%
68%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
80-89%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
31%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Hornet
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penney High School's ranking?
Penney High School is ranked #403 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are Penney High School often compared to?
Penney High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Braymer High School, Breckenridge High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 60-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Penney High School?
The graduation rate of Penney High School is 80-89%, which is lower than the Missouri state average of 90%.
How many students attend Penney High School?
192 students attend Penney High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Penney High School students are White, 3% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Penney High School?
Penney High School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Penney High School offer ?
Penney High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Penney High School part of?
Penney High School is part of Hamilton R-II School District.
School Reviews
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