Serving 452 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, William Penn School 49 ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Indiana for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 14% (which is lower than the Indiana state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 11% (which is lower than the Indiana state average of 41%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the Indiana state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Indiana state average of 37% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 452 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 75%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in IN
- Math Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 11% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
William Penn School 49 ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Indiana for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
William Penn School 49's student population of 452 students has declined by 33% over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has declined by 31% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
452 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
School Rankings
William Penn School 49 ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,763 schools in Indiana (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of William Penn School 49 is 0.65, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.56. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1631 out of 1763 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
38%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
11%
41%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
34%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
51%
15%
Black
17%
13%
White
25%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
61%
43%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), IN Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is William Penn School 49's ranking?
William Penn School 49 is ranked #1631 out of 1,763 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Indiana.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% IN state average), while 11% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 41% IN state average).
How many students attend William Penn School 49?
452 students attend William Penn School 49.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of William Penn School 49 students are Hispanic, 25% of students are White, 17% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of William Penn School 49?
William Penn School 49 has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Indiana state average of 15:1.
What grades does William Penn School 49 offer ?
William Penn School 49 offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is William Penn School 49 part of?
William Penn School 49 is part of Indianapolis School District.
In what neighborhood is William Penn School 49 located?
William Penn School 49 is located in the West Indianapolis neighborhood of Indianapolis, IN. There are 1 other public schools located in West Indianapolis.
School Reviews
Review William Penn School 49. 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

Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.

2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.

Will Single Sex Classrooms Save ÎÛÎÛÂþ» Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.