Is Walnut Street Elementary School a good school?

Walnut Street Elementary School ranks in the bottom 8.4% of Pennsylvania elementary schools.

How many students attend Walnut Street Elementary School?

In the 2022-23 school year, 303 students attended Walnut Street Elementary School.

What is the racial makeup of Walnut Street Elementary School?

Students at Walnut Street Elementary School are 89% African American, 5% Two or more races, 4% Hispanic, 2% White.

What schools do graduates of Walnut Street Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Walnut Street Elementary School usually go on to attend: Middle : Penn Wood Middle School High : Penn Wood High School

Walnut Street Elementary School

Summary:

Walnut Street Elementary School is a public elementary school serving grades K-6 in the William Penn School District in Darby, PA. With 303 students, the school has consistently ranked in the bottom 10% of Walnut Street Elementary School has struggled with low academic performance, with only 10.3% of students proficient or better in Math and 14.6% proficient or better in English Language Arts, far below state and district averages.

Despite spending significantly more per student ($18,608 in 2021-2022) compared to the state average, the school's performance has not improved. The school's high-poverty student population, with 100% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, likely contributes to the academic challenges. Interestingly, the other elementary schools in the William Penn School District, such as Park Lane Elementary School and Bell Avenue School, perform slightly better than Walnut Street but still lag well behind state averages, suggesting the challenges may be specific to the district.

The persistent underperformance of Walnut Street Elementary School, with its statewide ranking consistently in the bottom 10% of Pennsylvania elementary schools, indicates that the school and district have struggled to implement effective strategies to improve student learning and achievement. Addressing the systemic challenges facing the school and its high-poverty community will be critical to driving sustainable academic progress.

Detail:

Public K-6

224 South Sixth Street
Darby, PA 19023-2499

(610) 534-5660

District: William Penn School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
1398^th of 1,526 Pennsylvania Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $18,608

Students who attend Walnut Street Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	Penn Wood Middle School
High:	Penn Wood High School

Student/teacher ratio: 11.2

Number of students: 303

Racial breakdown:

African American:

89.4%

Two or more races:

4.6%

Hispanic:

3.6%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 100%

See top rated Pennsylvania elementary schools

Compare Walnut Street Elementary School to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Walnut Street Elementary School ranks worse than 91.6% of elementary schools in Pennsylvania. It also ranks last among 8 ranked elementary schools in the William Penn School District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 7.65. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: African American (89.4%), two or more races (4.6%), Hispanic (3.6%). (See more...)

Compare Details 100% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the William Penn School District. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Walnut Street Elementary School is 11.2, which is the lowest among 8 elementary schools in the William Penn School District! (See more...)

Compare Walnut Street Elementary School employs 27 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Walnut Street Elementary School is $18,608. 4 elementary schools in the William Penn School District spend more per student.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Walnut Street Elementary School:

SchoolDigger ranks Walnut Street Elementary School 1398^th of 1526 Pennsylvania public elementary schools. (See Walnut Street Elementary School in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Disabled students:

Male students:

African American students:

William Penn School District:

SchoolDigger ranks William Penn School District 533^rd of 610 Pennsylvania school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Walnut Street Elementary School.

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Rank History for Walnut Street Elementary School

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Rank History for all students at Walnut Street Elementary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	PA State Percentile
2010	7.85	1491^st	1579	5.6%
2011	2.58	1564^th	1597	2.1%
2012	7.76	1485^th	1599	7.1%
2013	2.80	1447^th	1519	4.7%
2014	1.87	1416^th	1467	3.5%
2015	7.02	1354^th	1474	8.1%
2016	5.48	1450^th	1554	6.7%
2017	6.36	1421^st	1547	8.1%
2018	4.89	1444^th	1530	5.6%
2019	7.38	1400^th	1544	9.3%
2021	7.32	1302^nd	1433	9.1%
2022	6.20	1439^th	1534	6.2%
2023	6.93	1427^th	1534	7.0%
2024	7.65	1398^th	1526	8.4%

See the entire list of Pennsylvania Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Walnut Street Elementary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	9.74	1314^th	1414	7.1%
2024	11.60	1300^th	1432	9.2%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Walnut Street Elementary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	8.42	1349^th	1488	9.3%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Walnut Street Elementary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	11.96	1014^th	1043	2.8%
2024	17.73	948^th	1084	12.5%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Walnut Street Elementary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2024	8.44	1376^th	1495	8.0%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for African American students at Walnut Street Elementary School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	PA State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2023	32.25	291^st	437	33.4%
2024	32.91	295^th	437	32.5%

See the entire list of Best Pennsylvania Elementary Schools for African American 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.

Data source: Pennsylvania Dept of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)

100%

Reviews:

by a parent
Monday, May 7, 2012

My child is being bullied and I need to know what I can do to help. The principal isn't cooperating.

My child was attacked by another child in school. The child pulled out a section of her hair. My child called me up to the school. When I arrived the staff was offering her ice for her head. I removed her for the day and left a message for the principle to contact me. He called and informed me the children were just playing and there was nothing he could do about it. I immediately contacted the police and returned to the school. The principle left without any regards. I was instructed by the officer that he would look into it. I snapped pictures and am awaiting a response it's been 4 days and I've heard nothing back. What should I do? Close Quote

Enrollment information for Walnut Street Elementary School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2009	8	454	3	3	5	n/a	n/a	473
2010	11	455	2	1	4	n/a	n/a	473
2011	13	469	3	0	2	0	0	487
2012	11	467	2	0	2	0	3	485
2013	10	448	2	1	3	0	3	467
2014	7	467	1	2	2	0	7	486
2015	7	491	1	1	1	0	8	509
2016	6	441	0	4	0	0	10	461
2017	9	402	0	5	4	0	11	431
2018	10	359	0	7	6	0	16	398
2019	11	366	0	8	5	0	20	410
2020	8	352	0	7	7	0	12	386
2021	8	323	0	8	8	0	11	358
2022	7	277	0	8	5	0	10	307
2023	5	271	0	11	2	0	14	303

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 Walnut Street Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2009	473	32.6	14.5	81.6
2010	473	27.6	17.1	87.5
2011	487	27.5	17.6	88.5
2012	485	28.5	17.0	86
2013	467	29.0	16.1	90.6
2014	486	29.2	16.6	90.9
2015	509	30.0	16.9	89.8
2016	461	30.0	15.3	92.4
2017	431	30.0	14.3	79.1
2018	398	28.0	14.2	99
2019	410	27.5	14.9	99.8
2020	386	28.0	13.7	100
2021	358	27.2	13.1	99.2
2022	307	27.0	11.3	99
2023	303	27.0	11.2	100

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 Walnut Street Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2009	473	32.6	14.5	81.6
2010	473	27.6	17.1	87.5
2011	487	27.5	17.6	88.5
2012	485	28.5	17.0	86
2013	467	29.0	16.1	90.6
2014	486	29.2	16.6	90.9
2015	509	30.0	16.9	89.8
2016	461	30.0	15.3	92.4
2017	431	30.0	14.3	79.1
2018	398	28.0	14.2	99
2019	410	27.5	14.9	99.8
2020	386	28.0	13.7	100
2021	358	27.2	13.1	99.2
2022	307	27.0	11.3	99
2023	303	27.0	11.2	100

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 Walnut Street Elementary School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019	$751 (4.8%)	$14,907 (95.2%)	$15,658
2020	$729 (4.8%)	$14,447 (95.2%)	$15,175
2021	$1,444 (8.3%)	$15,949 (91.7%)	$17,393
2022	$1,624 (8.7%)	$16,984 (91.3%)	$18,608

Data source: Pennsylvania Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Walnut Street Elementary 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 1400^th of 1544 Elementary schools	Ranks 1427^th of 1534 Elementary schools	2.4%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade Math (Walnut Street Elementary School)	15.7	10	5.7%
3rd Grade Math (Pennsylvania)	56	51.7	4.3%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Walnut Street Elementary School)	29.4	20	9.4%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)	61.9	54	7.9%
4th Grade Math (Walnut Street Elementary School)	7.1	8.3	1.2%
4th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)	46.2	46.5	0.3%
4th Grade Science (Walnut Street Elementary School)	50	24.5	25.5%
4th Grade Science (Pennsylvania)	77.8	74.1	3.7%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Walnut Street Elementary School)	33.9	14.6	19.3%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)	63.6	51.8	11.8%
5th Grade Math (Walnut Street Elementary School)	4.6	6.1	1.5%
5th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)	43	42.7	0.3%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Walnut Street Elementary School)	27.7	25.5	2.2%
5th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)	58.5	53.6	4.9%
6th Grade Math (Walnut Street Elementary School)	12.7	6.7	6%
6th Grade Math (Pennsylvania)	39	36.4	2.6%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Walnut Street Elementary School)	30.9	26.6	4.3%
6th Grade English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)	63	55.6	7.4%
All Grades Math (Walnut Street Elementary School)	9.7	7.6	2.1%
All Grades Math (Pennsylvania)	42.4	39.3	3.1%
All Grades Science (Walnut Street Elementary School)	50	24.5	25.5%
All Grades Science (Pennsylvania)	68	65.6	2.4%
All Grades English Language Arts (Walnut Street Elementary School)	30.4	21.7	8.7%
All Grades English Language Arts (Pennsylvania)	60.9	53.8	7.1%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	410	303	26.1%
African American	366	271	26%
American Indian	5	2	60%
Asian	0	0
Hispanic	8	11	37.5%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	11	5	54.5%
Two or More Races	20	14	30%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	99.8%	100%	0.2%

Schools Near Walnut Street Elementary School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				PSSA Math (2024)							PSSA Science (2024)			PSSA English Language Arts (2024)							Per Pupil Expenditures (2022)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	PSSA Math 3rd Grade	PSSA Math 4th Grade	PSSA Math 5th Grade	PSSA Math 6th Grade	PSSA Math 7th Grade	PSSA Math 8th Grade	PSSA Math All Grades	PSSA Science 4th Grade	PSSA Science 8th Grade	PSSA Science All Grades	PSSA English Language Arts 3rd Grade	PSSA English Language Arts 4th Grade	PSSA English Language Arts 5th Grade	PSSA English Language Arts 6th Grade	PSSA English Language Arts 7th Grade	PSSA English Language Arts 8th Grade	PSSA English Language Arts All Grades	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Walnut Street Elementary School	Public	K-6	224 South Sixth Street	Darby	19023	Delaware County	William Penn School District	No	No	No	Yes	(610) 534-5660	303	27	11.2	100.0%	5 (1.7%)	271 (89.4%)	11 (3.6%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	14 (4.6%)	7.6	1398^th of 1526 public elementary schools	8.4%		6.9	1427^th of 1534 public elementary schools	7.0%	29	20.0	12.8	4.7	6.3			10.3	56.8		56.8	25.7	5.3	7.0	20.9			14.6	$18,608	$1,624	$16,984
Colwyn Elementary School	Public	K-6	211 Pine Street	Darby	19023	Delaware County	William Penn School District	No	No	No	Yes	(610) 957-5470	147	10	14.7	100.0%	4 (2.7%)	133 (90.5%)	3 (2.0%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (4.1%)	22.3	1189^th of 1526 public elementary schools	22.1%		17.2	1250^th of 1534 public elementary schools	18.5%	61	47.7	22.3	22.3	12.5			26.0	50.0		50.0	47.6	27.8	27.8	33.4			34.5	$18,674	$1,635	$17,039
Philadelphia Montessori Charter School	Public, Charter	PK, KG-6	2227 Island Rd	Philadelphia	19142	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia Montessori Charter School	Yes	No	No	Yes	(215) 365-4011	236	30	8.0		5 (2.1%)	213 (90.3%)	8 (3.4%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (3.8%)	5.3	1457^th of 1526 public elementary schools	4.5%		9.1	1373^rd of 1534 public elementary schools	10.5%	84	9.5	4.3					6.8	52.2		52.2	21.4	10.9					15.9	$20,492	$2,533	$17,959
Penrose School	Public	K-8	2515 S 78th St	Philadelphia	19153	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia City School District	No	No	No	Yes	(215) 400-8310	403	40	10.0	100.0%	10 (2.5%)	338 (83.9%)	17 (4.2%)	17 (4.2%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	20 (5.0%)	13.9	1303^rd of 1526 public elementary schools	14.6%		11.7	1328^th of 1534 public elementary schools	13.4%	25	15.6	26.0	3.6	2.9	5.0	5.6	8.7	60.8	27.8	40.7	31.3	30.4	14.3	38.9	22.5	30.6	28.2	$21,798	$9,935	$11,863
Sharon Hill School	Public	K-8	701 Coates Street	Sharon Hill	19079	Delaware County	Southeast Delco School District	No	No	No	Yes	(610) 522-4355	573	41	13.8	100.0%	28 (4.9%)	482 (84.1%)	33 (5.8%)	9 (1.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	21 (3.7%)	20.8	1206^th of 1526 public elementary schools	21.0%		13.5	1292^nd of 1534 public elementary schools	15.8%	86	31.4	24.3	13.9	23.1	10.0	9.4	18.3	66.2	26.9	46.9	45.1	23.1	22.5	35.7	28.4	33.4	30.7	$9,142	$1,416	$7,726
Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School	Public, Charter	K-8	7101 Paschall Ave	Philadelphia	19142	Philadelphia County	Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School	Yes	No	No	Yes	(215) 729-1939	619	23	26.9	99.5%	1 (0.2%)	558 (90.1%)	46 (7.4%)	4 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (1.6%)	8.5	1384^th of 1526 public elementary schools	9.3%		10.5	1351^st of 1534 public elementary schools	11.9%	33	8.4	14.3	9.3	2.8	10.2	2.0	7.7	58.9	24.4	42.9	10.2	22.8	18.7	23.7	20.4	19.6	19.3	$17,950	$3,452	$14,498
Park Lane Elementary School	Public	K-6	1300 Park Ln	Darby	19023	Delaware County	William Penn School District	No	No	No	Yes	(610) 534-4880	312	25	12.4	100.0%	3 (1.0%)	287 (92.0%)	8 (2.6%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (4.2%)	15.9	1273^rd of 1526 public elementary schools	16.6%		11.1	1338^th of 1534 public elementary schools	12.8%	65	21.0	26.4	12.5	6.3			17.0	64.1		64.1	28.6	26.4	28.1	33.4			29.1	$19,221	$1,727	$17,494
Bell Avenue School	Public	K-6	1000 Bell Ave	Yeadon	19050	Delaware County	William Penn School District	No	No	No	Yes	(610) 284-6100	265	18	14.7	100.0%	3 (1.1%)	236 (89.1%)	9 (3.4%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	15 (5.7%)	10.9	1346^th of 1526 public elementary schools	11.8%		10.9	1345^th of 1534 public elementary schools	12.3%	1	10.0	24.2	10.7	10.0			14.1	57.6		57.6	10.3	21.2	23.1	27.6			20.6	$18,843	$1,638	$17,205
Patterson John Middle School	Public	PK, KG-4	7000 Buist Ave	Philadelphia	19142	Philadelphia County	Philadelphia City School District	No	No	No	Yes	(215) 400-8190	404	27	14.7	100.0%	7 (1.7%)	334 (82.7%)	28 (6.9%)	25 (6.2%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (2.2%)	5.7	1448^th of 1526 public elementary schools	5.1%		8.6	1384^th of 1534 public elementary schools	9.8%	64	8.1	10.8					9.5	46.7		46.7	22.6	17.4					19.7	$19,282	$9,671	$9,611
Harris School	Public	K-8	501 Sharon Avenue	Collingdale	19023	Delaware County	Southeast Delco School District	No	No	No	Yes	(610) 522-4370	658	51	12.8	100.0%	67 (10.2%)	528 (80.2%)	22 (3.3%)	6 (0.9%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	34 (5.2%)	10.1	1360^th of 1526 public elementary schools	10.9%		16.6	1255^th of 1534 public elementary schools	18.2%	105	23.9	8.2	9.1	9.2	11.4	16.4	12.8	39.7	27.9	33.6	31.8	18.3	19.3	32.8	42.7	43.0	31.8	$10,642	$1,648	$8,994

Walnut Street Elementary School

Walnut Street Elementary School:

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

William Penn School District:

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Walnut Street Elementary School

Rank History for all students at Walnut Street Elementary School

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Walnut Street Elementary School

Rank History for Female students at Walnut Street Elementary School

Rank History for Disabled students at Walnut Street Elementary School

Rank History for Male students at Walnut Street Elementary School

Rank History for African American students at Walnut Street Elementary School

Review counts

Enrollment information for Walnut Street Elementary School

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Walnut Street Elementary School

Student/Teacher Ratio Walnut Street Elementary School

Per Pupil Expenditures for Walnut Street Elementary School

Impact of COVID-19 on Walnut Street Elementary School

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Walnut Street Elementary School

Frequently Asked Questions about Walnut Street Elementary School

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