Colwyn’s public schools score below 85% of Pennsylvania districts on tests and graduation
On the state math tests, 10% of Colwyn’s students scored proficient, below the Pennsylvania average (36%). The grade covers the public school district serving Colwyn, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Pennsylvania, not nationally.
From Pennsylvania state tests taken in spring 2022, when 91% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Colwyn’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 727 Pennsylvania towns with household incomes within a quarter of Colwyn’s, its schools beat 7%, lower than their 15% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 30% of tested students were proficient in reading and 10% in math, against 55% and 36% statewide; 91% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
80% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $22,759 per student, against $21,758 across Pennsylvania (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 7 the district’s path is Penn Wood MS, then Penn Wood HS. Enrollment is down 6% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Colwyn’s grade
C−: better than 15% of Pennsylvania school districts. Both inputs trail the Pennsylvania average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Colwyn, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Colwyn
Colwyn El Sch
Grades K–6 · 135 students · 17:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Colwyn
Colwyn El Sch
Grades K–6 · 135 students · 17:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Colwyn
Colwyn El Sch
Grades K–6 · 135 students · 17:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Colwyn
Colwyn El Sch
Grades K–6 · 135 students · 17:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Colwyn
Colwyn El Sch
Grades K–6 · 135 students · 17:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Colwyn
Colwyn El Sch
Grades K–6 · 135 students · 17:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Colwyn
Colwyn El Sch
Grades K–6 · 135 students · 17:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Colwyn · depends on your address
Penn Wood HS
Grades 9–12 · 1,148 students · 13:1 students per teacher · in Lansdowne
Penn Wood 9th Grade Academy
Grades 9 · 379 students · in Yeadon
10th grade in Colwyn
Penn Wood HS
Grades 9–12 · 1,148 students · 13:1 students per teacher · in Lansdowne
Colwyn’s public schools are run by William Penn School District, which also serves Aldan, Darby, East Lansdowne and Lansdowne and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Colwyn vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Pennsylvania towns that share Colwyn’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Colwyn | C− | William Penn |
| Philadelphia | D | Philadelphia City |
| Sharon Hill | D | Southeast Delco |
| Darby | C− | William Penn |
| Darby Township | — | Southeast Delco |
Every school in Colwyn
3 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Pennsylvania’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Colwyn’s schools
Are Colwyn’s schools good?
On Pennsylvania’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Colwyn children attend score below 85% of Pennsylvania’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C− Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 7%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Colwyn in?
William Penn School District, which runs grades K–12 and enrolls 4,499 students in 11 schools (2024–25).
Where do Colwyn kids go to high school?
Penn Wood HS in Lansdowne, with 1,148 students; its own test results earn a C−.
What is Colwyn’s graduation rate?
80% of the class of 2023 in William Penn School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Pennsylvania.
How much does Colwyn spend per student?
$22,759 in William Penn School District (FY2024), against $21,758 across Pennsylvania. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Colwyn families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Colwyn → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Pennsylvania. Stars are from neighbors.