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 2,077 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 17:1 is higher than the Delaware state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Delaware state average of 61% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,077 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 76%
- 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%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DE Dept. of Education
School Overview
Penn (William) High School's student population of 2,077 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 119 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,077 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
119 teachers
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 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#157 out of 199 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
11%
31%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
42%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
16%
21%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
23%
20%
Black
48%
31%
White
24%
39%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
84%
88%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
34%
33%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (12-13)
8%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), DE Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Colonial
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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%.
How many students attend Penn (William) High School?
2,077 students attend Penn (William) High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
48% of Penn (William) High School students are Black, 24% of students are White, 23% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Penn (William) High School?
Penn (William) High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Delaware state average of 14:1.
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 10/20/2008
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.
5 6/23/2008
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.
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