Serving 242 students in grades Kindergarten-5, William Penn Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-24% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 242 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: William Penn El Sch serves the southwest part of Bethlehem, PA, covering an area of approximately 0.7 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5 to 10 minutes to the school, with an average distance to the zone's edge of about 0.5 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Overview
William Penn Elementary School's student population of 242 students has grown by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
242 students
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Rankings
William Penn Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of William Penn Elementary School is 0.61, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2128 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
38%
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
55%
Showing 2012–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
2%
5%
Showing 2013–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Hispanic
54%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
15%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
29%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.6%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
73%
59%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 26-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
2%
Showing 2016–2025. View full 26-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is William Penn Elementary School's ranking?
William Penn Elementary School is ranked #2128 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are William Penn Elementary School often compared to?
William Penn Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Clearview Elementary School, Calypso Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend William Penn Elementary School?
242 students attend William Penn Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
54% of William Penn Elementary School students are Hispanic, 29% of students are White, 15% of students are Black, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of William Penn Elementary School?
William Penn Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does William Penn Elementary School offer ?
William Penn Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is William Penn Elementary School part of?
William Penn Elementary School is part of Bethlehem Area School District.
School Reviews
1 10/10/2025
The principal and guidance counselor and most teachers are below average.
5 10/10/2025
I am proud and blessed that my grandchildren are in this school. They've had excellent support from their teachers, principal and staff. I bless you all for being excellent teachers. Especially to their 2nd and 4th grade teachers.
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