William Penn High School, also known as William Penn or simply Penn, is a four-year comprehensive, coeducational public high school located in unincorporated New Castle County, Delaware, United States. It is adjacent to the New Castle city limits and has a New Castle postal address.
Serving 2,069 students in grades 9-12, Penn (William) High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Delaware for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 11% (which is lower than the Delaware state average of 31%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 32% (which is lower than the Delaware state average of 42%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Delaware state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 79% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Delaware state average of 62% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,069 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 84% (Btm 50% in DE)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 11% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 16% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Penn High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in New Castle, DE, covering approximately 80.8 square miles, with most students living within a 10-15 minute drive from the school. The average distance from the school to the edge of the zone is about 6.1 miles, reaching a maximum of 12.1 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DE Dept. of Education
School Overview
Penn (William) High School's student population of 2,069 students has declined by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 117 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,069 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
117 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1921
School Calendar
School Rankings
Penn (William) High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 199 schools in Delaware (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Penn (William) High School is 0.66, 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
#157 out of 199 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
11%
31%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
42%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
21%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
2%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
23%
20%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
50%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
21%
38%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
84%
88.9%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)40.9%
24.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
34%
33%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
8%
5%
Showing 2004–2013. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Colonial
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DE Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penn (William) High School's ranking?
Penn (William) High School is ranked #157 out of 199 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Delaware.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
11% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 31% DE state average), while 32% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 42% DE state average).
What is the graduation rate of Penn (William) High School?
The graduation rate of Penn (William) High School is 84%, which is lower than the Delaware state average of 88.9%.
How many students attend Penn (William) High School?
2,069 students attend Penn (William) High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of Penn (William) High School students are Black, 23% of students are Hispanic, 21% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Penn (William) High School?
Penn (William) High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Delaware state average of 15:1.
What grades does Penn (William) High School offer ?
Penn (William) High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Penn (William) High School part of?
Penn (William) High School is part of Colonial School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
New the area 7 years ago, many neighbors told me how 'bad' it is at WP. We decided to see for ourselves, and we're glad we did. The staff and faculty are very responsive and helpful. My children both did very well academically and socially. Both were (are) involved in both the music program and sports. The facilities are a matter of pride. You will not find a dirty bathroom, hallway, or classroom at Penn. Coaches, teachers, administrators should all be recognized for all they do at William Penn.
5 10/10/2025
I have to echo the sentiments of the previous parent. I too was new to the area and heard many negative things about WP. My daughter in graduating this year and has had a very positive experience at WP. The school has a very good acdemic program. The Teachers and Staff are very responsive and the facility is well maintained inside and out. This school rivals any of the charter schools in the area. I think we need to support our public schools and the teachers and staff there. They do a wonderful job.
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