Serving 239 students in grades Kindergarten-5, William Penn Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-24% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 239 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 70%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
William Penn Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Community Size
School Overview
William Penn Elementary School's student population of 239 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
239 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
School Rankings
William Penn Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of William Penn Elementary School is 0.63, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2128 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
57%
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
5%
Hispanic
51%
15%
Black
15%
14%
White
30%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
60%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is William Penn Elementary School's ranking?
William Penn Elementary School is ranked #2128 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are William Penn Elementary School often compared to?
William Penn Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Clearview Elementary School, Calypso Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend William Penn Elementary School?
239 students attend William Penn Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of William Penn Elementary School students are Hispanic, 30% of students are White, 15% of students are Black, 2% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of William Penn Elementary School?
William Penn Elementary School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does William Penn Elementary School offer ?
William Penn Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is William Penn Elementary School part of?
William Penn Elementary School is part of Bethlehem Area School District.
School Reviews
5 5/20/2020
I am proud and blessed that my grandchildren are in this school. They've had excellent support from their teachers, principal and staff. I bless you all for being excellent teachers. Especially to their 2nd and 4th grade teachers.
1 1/29/2020
The principal and guidance counselor and most teachers are below average.
Review William Penn Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.

Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State’s ºÚÁÏÍø¹ÙÍø School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We’ll look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.

Can Your Child’s School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.