Serving 512 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Penn Elementary School ranks in the top 10% of all schools in Iowa for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 86% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 82% (which is higher than the Iowa state average of 70%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the Iowa state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is lower than the Iowa state average of 30% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 512 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 24%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 10% in IA
- Math Proficiency: 86% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 82% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Penn Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Penn Elementary School's student population of 512 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 33 teachers has grown by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
512 students
Total Classroom Teachers
33 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Penn Elementary School ranks within the top 10% of all 1,223 schools in Iowa (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Penn Elementary School is 0.41, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.48. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#120 out of 1223 schools
(Top 10%)
(Top 10%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
86%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
82%
70%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
14:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
9%
14%
Black
8%
7%
White
76%
70%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)6.3%
24.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
11%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penn Elementary School's ranking?
Penn Elementary School is ranked #120 out of 1,223 schools, which ranks it among the top 10% of public schools in Iowa.
What schools are Penn Elementary School often compared to?
Penn Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like North Bend Elementary School, Buford Garner Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
86% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% IA state average), while 82% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 70% IA state average).
How many students attend Penn Elementary School?
512 students attend Penn Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
76% of Penn Elementary School students are White, 9% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Penn Elementary School?
Penn Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Iowa state average of 14:1.
What grades does Penn Elementary School offer ?
Penn Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Penn Elementary School part of?
Penn Elementary School is part of Iowa City Comm School District.
In what neighborhood is Penn Elementary School located?
Penn Elementary School is located in the Penn neighborhood of North Liberty, IA. There are 3 other public schools located in Penn.
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