Serving 419 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Pennoyer Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Illinois for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 24% (which is lower than the Illinois state average of 27%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 37% (which is higher than the Illinois state average of 30%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Illinois state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Illinois state average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 419 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 34%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in IL
- Math Proficiency: 24% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 37% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 35-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Pennoyer Elementary School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Harwood Heights, IL, covering approximately 0.7 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive from the school, with the furthest edge of the zone reaching up to 1.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
School Overview
Pennoyer Elementary School's student population of 419 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 34 teachers has grown by 17% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Total Students
419 students
Total Classroom Teachers
34 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Inspire and empower all students to thrive
School Rankings
Pennoyer Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,542 schools in Illinois (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Pennoyer Elementary School is 0.52, 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
#1242 out of 3542 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
27%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
30%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
50%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
10%
6%
Hispanic
19%
29%
Black
n/a
16%
White
66%
45%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)21%
29.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
14%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IL Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pennoyer Elementary School's ranking?
Pennoyer Elementary School is ranked #1242 out of 3,542 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Illinois.
What schools are Pennoyer Elementary School often compared to?
Pennoyer Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Union Ridge Elementary School, J Leigh Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 27% IL state average), while 37% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 30% IL state average).
How many students attend Pennoyer Elementary School?
419 students attend Pennoyer Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
66% of Pennoyer Elementary School students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 10% of students are Asian, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Pennoyer Elementary School?
Pennoyer Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Illinois state average of 13:1.
What grades does Pennoyer Elementary School offer ?
Pennoyer Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8
What school district is Pennoyer Elementary School part of?
Pennoyer Elementary School is part of Pennoyer SD 79 School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I went to this school from 1973-1977When Dr. Fenelli was the superintendentIt had the best teachers and it was a great school.Thank you Pennoyer
3 10/10/2025
Hi, I would like to write this review as someone who Has attended this school in the last 2 years. First I would like to get started on the actual building. Now recently Pennoyer has been dealing with money problems, due to the referendum of 2018 not passing. Many of the classrooms do not have floors and many of the ceilings are not filled, I have heard that this is trying to be fixed with the money they can put together. Final thoughts, the building is not 21st century learning ready. My next point will be the teachers and staff, which I overall enjoy. You can tell the teachers put more than their all into everything they do, yes there are some teachers style that I do not enjoy overall. However, most of the time if you put effort into your education they can be enjoyable. Next, I will talk about their activities, after school and what not. Now this school tries it''s best with the clubs most of the time though, it''s the teachers who put together the artistic clubs. The sports are apart of a different company that causes the students to pay about $100 to join most sports. Finally to sum it up, this school is and isn''t as bad as everyone makes it. Depending on your interests, it can be enjoyable. That doesn''t mean that there isn''t work to do. For me it was the students who made my experience a bit hard, but I can''t blame that on the school. The school does have to fix some structure parts of it, most of it is out of their control sadly.
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