Willow Hill School

Summary:

Willow Hill School is an elementary school serving students from kindergarten to 5th grade in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, which is part of the highly-ranked Abington School District. Willow Hill consistently outperforms state and district averages in academic achievement, with particularly strong results for its diverse student population.

Willow Hill School's academic performance is exceptional, with 60.1% of students proficient or better in PSSA Math and 70.7% proficient or better in PSSA English Language Arts, compared to 53.7% and 67.3% for the Abington School District, respectively. The school's performance is especially noteworthy for its African American and multi-racial student subgroups, ranking 38th out of 437 Pennsylvania elementary schools for its African American students and 7th out of 117 for its multi-racial students. This suggests Willow Hill is effectively addressing the needs of traditionally underserved populations.

Despite serving a significant population of students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds, with 45.5% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, Willow Hill School maintains its strong academic performance. This is likely aided by the school's higher per-student spending of $18,775, compared to the state average of $16,902. When compared to nearby elementary schools, such as Roslyn School and Overlook School, Willow Hill generally outperforms its peers in academic achievement, making it an exceptional choice for families in the Willow Grove area.


Detail:

Public K-5

 1700 Coolidge Avenue
       Willow Grove, PA  19090-4439


(215) 657-3800

District: Abington School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
378th of 1,534 Pennsylvania Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $18,775 Help


Students who attend Willow Hill School usually attend:

Middle:    Abington Middle School
High:    Abington Senior High School

Student/teacher ratio:  11.7 Help
Number of students:  411

Racial breakdown:

White:
41.4%
African American:
26.3%
Hispanic:
13.4%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  45.5% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Willow Hill School ranks better than 75.4% of elementary schools in Pennsylvania. It also ranks 6th among 7 ranked elementary schools in the Abington School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 74.98. (See more...)
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Willow Hill School has the smallest elementary school student body size in the Abington School District. Student population at Willow Hill School is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (41.4%), African American (26.3%), Hispanic (13.4%). (See more...)
Help
Compare Details 45.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the highest percentage in the Abington School District. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Willow Hill School is 11.7, which is the 2nd best among 7 elementary schools in the Abington School District. (See more...)
Help
Compare Willow Hill School employs 34.9 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Willow Hill School is $18,775, which is the highest among 7 elementary schools in the Abington School District!
Schooldigger 2023 Rankings:

Willow Hill School:

SchoolDigger ranks Willow Hill School 378th of 1534 Pennsylvania public elementary schools. (See Willow Hill School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
African American students:
White students:


Abington School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Abington School District 90th of 606 Pennsylvania school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Willow Hill School.

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Rank History for Willow Hill School

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Rank History for all students at Willow Hill School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 71.73 397th 1302 69.5%
2004 50.45 773rd 1308 40.9%
2005 54.75 727th 1299 44.0%
2006 50.92 947th 1545 38.7%
2007 53.72 892nd 1555 42.6%
2008 53.27 911th 1551 41.3%
2009 43.94 1101st 1549 28.9%
2010 33.39 1261st 1579 20.1%
2011 57.51 852nd 1597 46.6%
2012 52.37 1007th 1599 37.0%
2013 63.06 696th 1519 54.2%
2014 69.66 510th 1467 65.2%
2015 79.08 281st 1474 80.9%
2016 77.85 324th 1554 79.2%
2017 74.38 400th 1547 74.1%
2018 76.34 353rd 1530 76.9%
2019 79.62 289th 1544 81.3%
2021 57.49 690th 1433 51.8%
2022 73.52 421st 1534 72.6%
2023 74.98 378th 1534 75.4%
See the entire list of Pennsylvania Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Willow Hill School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 94.15 7th 117 94.0%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Willow Hill School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 76.26 253rd 1414 82.1%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for African American students at Willow Hill School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 87.02 38th 437 91.3%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for White students at Willow Hill School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools PA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 71.78 327th 1236 73.5%
See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Pennsylvania Dept of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Willow Hill School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
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District Scores:
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Data source: Pennsylvania Dept of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)
100%

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Reviews:
by a parent
Thursday, March 19, 2015

Open Quote My two sons are currently enrolled at Willow Hill, and as an educator myself, I am really happy with their educational experiences there thus far. Although standardized test scores never tell the whole story, I would say that the most recent PSSA overall scores are quite impressive: Reading 78, Math 83, Science 89, and Writing 89. This is a DRASTIC improvement-- 79 total percentage points over the four subject areas-- over the school's 2010 scores. That's no fluke; that's a five-year trend. Additionally, as calculated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Willow Hill currently has a Building Level Academic Score index of 86.2, which is right in line with its fellow schools throughout Abington School District. With a rigorous curriculum, highly qualified and dedicated staff, strong leadership, and a dynamic and diverse student body, this school is exemplary of how public schools should work. Many other rating and real estate websites rank the school based on outdated test scores, outdated reviews, and limited information. Check out Pennsylvania's DOE website and the school itself for an accurate idea of what the school is all about. I'm really pleased to be part of the school community. Close Quote


by a parent
Friday, January 16, 2015

Open Quote Willow Hill Elementary School consists of exemplary teachers, administrators, and staff who truly care about the welfare of their students. With rigorous academics, great school climate, and wonderful students, this elementary school truly embodies what a great public school is about! Close Quote



Enrollment information for Willow Hill School

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 256 153 16 6 2 n/a n/a 0 433
1989 244 161 22 2 0 n/a n/a 0 429
1990 243 163 12 6 0 n/a n/a 0 424
1991 222 145 16 5 0 n/a n/a 0 388
1992 223 148 15 7 0 n/a n/a 0 393
1993 214 181 11 6 0 n/a n/a 0 412
1994 201 190 13 7 0 n/a n/a 0 411
1995 199 218 8 7 0 n/a n/a 0 432
1996 199 218 8 7 0 n/a n/a 0 432
1997 181 231 13 16 1 n/a n/a 0 442
1998 185 232 14 12 3 n/a n/a 0 446
1999 190 244 14 11 4 n/a n/a 0 463
2000 192 230 16 11 0 n/a n/a 0 449
2001 170 236 11 14 1 n/a n/a 0 432
2002 125 240 14 12 0 n/a n/a 0 391
2003 125 240 14 12 0 n/a n/a 0 391
2004 118 233 16 10 0 n/a n/a 0 377
2005 121 243 11 6 0 n/a n/a 0 381
2006 104 230 10 2 0 n/a n/a 0 346
2007 91 218 10 4 0 n/a n/a 0 323
2008 109 209 12 15 0 n/a n/a 0 345
2009 86 212 14 21 0 n/a n/a 0 333
2010 92 216 12 21 0 n/a n/a 0 341
2011 95 226 15 20 0 0 0 0 356
2012 113 213 14 17 0 0 10 0 367
2013 129 181 10 25 0 0 23 0 368
2014 116 193 11 24 0 0 29 0 373
2015 124 190 11 27 0 0 29 0 381
2016 132 180 14 33 0 0 30 0 389
2017 132 182 18 38 0 0 34 0 404
2018 142 170 14 45 0 0 38 0 409
2019 161 151 18 50 0 0 45 0 425
2020 165 157 22 48 0 0 56 0 448
2021 172 142 28 58 0 0 51 0 451
2022 184 145 25 64 1 0 58 0 477
2023 170 108 25 55 1 0 52 0 411

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Willow Hill School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 433 24.9 17.3 n/a
1989 429 28.3 15.1 n/a
1990 424 28.5 14.8 0
1991 388 28.5 13.6 n/a
1992 393 27.7 14.1 n/a
1993 412 19.5 21.1 n/a
1994 411 22.0 18.7 n/a
1995 432 23.8 18.2 n/a
1996 432 23.8 18.2 n/a
1997 442 23.8 18.6 n/a
1998 446 24.8 18.0 n/a
1999 463 29.6 15.6 n/a
2000 449 31.8 14.1 18.9
2001 432 32.6 13.3 16.9
2002 391 29.0 13.5 26.9
2003 391 29.0 13.5 26.9
2004 377 24.7 15.3 25.5
2005 381 28.2 13.5 27.6
2006 346 26.2 13.2 29.5
2007 323 23.5 13.7 31.6
2008 345 27.2 12.7 31.9
2009 333 24.8 13.4 31.8
2010 341 22.9 14.8 34.3
2011 356 31.0 11.4 34.3
2012 367 30.3 12.1 36
2013 368 34.0 10.8 38.9
2014 373 31.5 11.8 38.6
2015 381 31.0 12.2 39.6
2016 389 30.0 12.9 38.8
2017 404 31.3 12.9 45
2018 409 34.5 11.8 43.5
2019 425 31.6 13.4 38.8
2020 448 34.3 13.0 38.2
2021 451 35.3 12.7 35.5
2022 477 34.5 13.8 39.8
2023 411 34.9 11.7 45.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Willow Hill School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 433 24.9 17.3 n/a
1989 429 28.3 15.1 n/a
1990 424 28.5 14.8 0
1991 388 28.5 13.6 n/a
1992 393 27.7 14.1 n/a
1993 412 19.5 21.1 n/a
1994 411 22.0 18.7 n/a
1995 432 23.8 18.2 n/a
1996 432 23.8 18.2 n/a
1997 442 23.8 18.6 n/a
1998 446 24.8 18.0 n/a
1999 463 29.6 15.6 n/a
2000 449 31.8 14.1 18.9
2001 432 32.6 13.3 16.9
2002 391 29.0 13.5 26.9
2003 391 29.0 13.5 26.9
2004 377 24.7 15.3 25.5
2005 381 28.2 13.5 27.6
2006 346 26.2 13.2 29.5
2007 323 23.5 13.7 31.6
2008 345 27.2 12.7 31.9
2009 333 24.8 13.4 31.8
2010 341 22.9 14.8 34.3
2011 356 31.0 11.4 34.3
2012 367 30.3 12.1 36
2013 368 34.0 10.8 38.9
2014 373 31.5 11.8 38.6
2015 381 31.0 12.2 39.6
2016 389 30.0 12.9 38.8
2017 404 31.3 12.9 45
2018 409 34.5 11.8 43.5
2019 425 31.6 13.4 38.8
2020 448 34.3 13.0 38.2
2021 451 35.3 12.7 35.5
2022 477 34.5 13.8 39.8
2023 411 34.9 11.7 45.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Willow Hill School

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $578 (3.4%) $16,639 (96.6%) $17,217
2020 $365 (2.2%) $16,537 (97.8%) $16,902
2021 $610 (3.2%) $18,187 (96.7%) $18,798
2022 $767 (4.1%) $18,008 (95.9%) $18,775

Data source: Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Willow Hill School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 289th of 1544 Elementary schoolsRanks 378th of 1534 Elementary schools
 5.9%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Math (Willow Hill School)67.861.7
 6.1%
   3rd Grade Math (Pennsylvania)5651.7
 4.3%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Willow Hill School)79.775
 4.7%
   3rd Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)61.954
 7.9%
4th Grade Math (Willow Hill School)55.573.3
 17.8%
   4th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)46.246.5
 0.3%
4th Grade Science (Willow Hill School)95.585.3
 10.2%
   4th Grade Science (Pennsylvania)77.874.1
 3.7%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Willow Hill School)86.778.6
 8.1%
   4th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)63.651.8
 11.8%
5th Grade Math (Willow Hill School)58.242.9
 15.3%
   5th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)4342.7
 0.3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Willow Hill School)78.257.1
 21.1%
   5th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)58.553.6
 4.9%
6th Grade Math (Willow Hill School)52.745.3
 7.4%
   6th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)3932.2
 6.8%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Willow Hill School)85.465.6
 19.8%
   6th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)6356.1
 6.9%
All Grades Math (Willow Hill School)58.860.1
 1.3%
   All Grades Math (Pennsylvania)42.439.3
 3.1%
All Grades Science (Willow Hill School)95.585.3
 10.2%
   All Grades Science (Pennsylvania)6865.6
 2.4%
All Grades English Language Arts (Willow Hill School)82.270.7
 11.5%
   All Grades English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)60.953.8
 7.1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students425411
 3.3%
African American151108
 28.5%
American Indian01
Asian1825
 38.9%
Hispanic5055
 10%
Pacific Islander00
White161170
 5.6%
Two or More Races4552
 15.6%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients38.8%45.5%
 6.7%


Schools Near Willow Hill School









Frequently Asked Questions about Willow Hill School

In the 2022-23 school year, 411 students attended Willow Hill School.

Willow Hill School ranks 378th of 1534 Pennsylvania elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

Students who attend Willow Hill School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Abington Middle School
High : Abington Senior High School

Students at Willow Hill School are 41% White, 26% African American, 13% Hispanic, 13% Two or more races, 6% Asian.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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