Serving 1,681 students in grades 9-12, William Penn Sr. High 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 5% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 6% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 93% 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: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,681 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 65% (Btm 50% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 6% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 6% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: William Penn SHS's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in York, PA, covering approximately 5.3 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive to the school of about 5-10 minutes, with the furthest edge of the zone located 2.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Overview
William Penn Sr. High School's student population of 1,681 students has grown by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 98 teachers has grown by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,681 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
98 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2025
School Calendar
School Motto
Be Great On Purpose
School Rankings
William Penn Sr. High 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 Sr. High School is 0.62, 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
#2711 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
5%
38%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
55%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
47%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
39%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
7%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
5%
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
65%
87.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)60.9%
23.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
96%
59%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
2%
5%
Showing 2005–2014. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Blue, Orange
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is William Penn Sr. High School's ranking?
William Penn Sr. High School is ranked #2711 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are William Penn Sr. High School often compared to?
William Penn Sr. High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like York Suburban Sr. High School, West York Area High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 6% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of William Penn Sr. High School?
The graduation rate of William Penn Sr. High School is 65%, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 87.5%.
How many students attend William Penn Sr. High School?
1,681 students attend William Penn Sr. High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of William Penn Sr. High School students are Hispanic, 39% of students are Black, 7% of students are White, and 7% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of William Penn Sr. High School?
William Penn Sr. High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does William Penn Sr. High School offer ?
William Penn Sr. High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is William Penn Sr. High School part of?
William Penn Sr. High School is part of York City School District.
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