The Samuel W. Pennypacker School is an historic, American elementary school that is located in the West Oak Lane neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is a part of the School District of Philadelphia. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Serving 324 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Samuel Pennypacker 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 4% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (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 99% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 324 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 99%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 4% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Samuel Pennypacker School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Samuel Pennypacker School's student population of 324 students has declined by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 27 teachers has grown by 8% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
324 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
School Rankings
Samuel Pennypacker 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 Samuel Pennypacker School is 0.17, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2561 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(22-23)4%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
57%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
6%
15%
Black
91%
14%
White
1%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
60%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (08-09)
11%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Samuel Pennypacker School's ranking?
Samuel Pennypacker School is ranked #2561 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
4% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Samuel Pennypacker School?
324 students attend Samuel Pennypacker School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
91% of Samuel Pennypacker School students are Black, 6% of students are Hispanic, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are White.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Samuel Pennypacker School?
Samuel Pennypacker School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Samuel Pennypacker School offer ?
Samuel Pennypacker School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Samuel Pennypacker School part of?
Samuel Pennypacker School is part of Philadelphia City School District.
In what neighborhood is Samuel Pennypacker School located?
Samuel Pennypacker School is located in the North Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. There are 106 other public schools located in North Philadelphia.
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