The Joseph Pennell Elementary School is an historic, American elementary school that is located in the Belfield neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is part of the School District of Philadelphia. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Serving 301 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Pennell Joseph 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 15-19% (which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 15-19% (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.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 301 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in PA
- Math Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Pennell Joseph School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Pennell Joseph School's student population of 301 students has declined by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
301 students
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
By holding high expectations for all, students will be equipped with the tools required to build a strong foundation, create lifelong learners, and cultivate productive members of society.
School Rankings
Pennell Joseph 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 Pennell Joseph School is 0.22, which is less 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
#2424 out of 2733 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
55%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
5%
16%
Black
88%
14%
White
n/a
60%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
59%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (08-09)
10%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pennell Joseph School's ranking?
Pennell Joseph School is ranked #2424 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Pennell Joseph School often compared to?
Pennell Joseph Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Prince Hall School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
How many students attend Pennell Joseph School?
301 students attend Pennell Joseph School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
88% of Pennell Joseph School students are Black, 5% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Pennell Joseph School?
Pennell Joseph School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Pennell Joseph School offer ?
Pennell Joseph School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Pennell Joseph School part of?
Pennell Joseph School is part of Philadelphia City School District.
In what neighborhood is Pennell Joseph School located?
Pennell Joseph School is located in the Belfield neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA.
School Reviews
Review Pennell Joseph School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
