Serving 218 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Penn Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤5% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 218 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Penn Elementary School serves the northwest part of Chicago, IL, encompassing an attendance zone of approximately 0.2 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 5 to 10 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest edge of the zone located about 0.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Penn Elementary School's student population of 218 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has grown by 26% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
218 students
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Prepare, Persist, Perfect
School Rankings
Penn Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Penn Elementary School is 0.21, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#3352 out of 3542 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
6%
Hispanic
12%
29%
Black
88%
16%
White
n/a
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)44%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (10-11)
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penn Elementary School's ranking?
Penn Elementary School is ranked #3352 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while ≤5% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Penn Elementary School?
218 students attend Penn Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
88% of Penn Elementary School students are Black, and 12% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Penn Elementary School?
Penn Elementary School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Penn Elementary School offer ?
Penn Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Penn Elementary School part of?
Penn Elementary School is part of Chicago Public Schools Dist 299.
In what neighborhood is Penn Elementary School located?
Penn Elementary School is located in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago, IL. There are 18 other public schools located in North Lawndale.
School Reviews
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