The William Penn Senior High School is a large, urban, public high school serving York, Pennsylvania in York County, Pennsylvania. There were 876 pupils enrolled in 2014. It is the sole high school operated by the School District of the City of York.
Serving 1,611 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 16:1 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 39% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,611 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- 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%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
School Overview
William Penn Sr. High School's student population of 1,611 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 99 teachers has grown by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
1,611 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
99 teachers
Year Founded
2025
Colors
Blue, Orange
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 0.59. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2711 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
5%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
49%
15%
Black
37%
14%
White
7%
61%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
65%
87%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
60%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
2%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
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%.
How many students attend William Penn Sr. High School?
1,611 students attend William Penn Sr. High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of William Penn Sr. High School students are Hispanic, 37% 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 16:1, 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.
School Reviews
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