Serving 408 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Penn Forest Elementary School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Virginia for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 90-94% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 68%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 88% (which is higher than the Virginia state average of 69%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Virginia state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Asian and Black), which is lower than the Virginia state average of 56% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 408 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 33%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5% in VA
- Math Proficiency: 90-94% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 88% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 20%)
- Attendance Zone: Penn Forest Elementary serves the southeast part of Roanoke, VA, covering an area of approximately 6.8 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with an average distance of 1.5 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone, reaching a maximum distance of 2.6 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Penn Forest Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Penn Forest Elementary School's student population of 408 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Primarily virtual)
(Primarily virtual)
Total Students
408 students
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Penn Forest Elementary School ranks within the top 5% of all 1,773 schools in Virginia (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Penn Forest Elementary School is 0.53, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#46 out of 1773 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
90-94%
68%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)88%
69%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)70-74%
59%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
9%
8%
Hispanic
6%
20%
Black
8%
21%
White
67%
44%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
7%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)12.5%
19.1%
Eligible for Free Lunch
24%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
2%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), VA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penn Forest Elementary School's ranking?
Penn Forest Elementary School is ranked #46 out of 1,773 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Virginia.
What schools are Penn Forest Elementary School often compared to?
Penn Forest Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cave Spring Elementary School, Green Valley Elementary School, Oak Grove Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
90-94% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 68% VA state average), while 88% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 69% VA state average).
How many students attend Penn Forest Elementary School?
408 students attend Penn Forest Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Penn Forest Elementary School students are White, 9% of students are Asian, 9% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Black, 6% of students are Hispanic, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Penn Forest Elementary School?
Penn Forest Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Virginia state average of 14:1.
What grades does Penn Forest Elementary School offer ?
Penn Forest Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Primarily virtual).
What school district is Penn Forest Elementary School part of?
Penn Forest Elementary School is part of Roanoke County School District.
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![Penn Forest Elementary School Playground - Roanoke, VA (5/24/1997) [VHS]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/C87KJcajA_U/0.jpg "Our go-to park during our time living in Roanoke. Always on the lookout for Norfolk Southern corn syrup tankers passing by.")
