The top reported proficiency rate is 87% in English language arts. The lowest is 74% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Penn Elementary School
Penn Elementary School in North Liberty serves students from preschool through sixth grade and is part of the Iowa City Community School District. The school sits in one of Iowa’s fastest-growing suburbs, a largely residential community that has seen sustained population gains over the past two decades, anchored by its proximity to Iowa City and major employers like the University of Iowa. The city describes itself as family-oriented, and the school reflects that character in its size and academic performance.
Academically, Penn Elementary posts results that place it among the top schools in Johnson County. In the most recent state assessments, a large majority of students scored at or above proficiency in math and English language arts, and science proficiency was also strong. Across all tested subjects and grades, the school’s overall proficiency index ranks in the top quarter when compared with other schools in the county. These are clear strengths. The school serves only elementary grades, so high school measures such as graduation rate do not apply.
The student body is predominantly white, with smaller shares of Black, Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial students. The share of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch is low relative to many schools, suggesting a comparatively affluent enrollment. Data on students with individualized education programs and English learners was not provided, so a parent may wish to ask the school about the availability and scope of special education and language support services.
Penn Elementary draws from a community where home values and rents are above both the state average and the national median, reflecting the area’s desirability and sustained demand. The typical mortgage payment here, based on local home prices, is above the national average, and while rents are also elevated, they remain somewhat more affordable relative to local incomes. The broader North Liberty market is shaped by rapid development; the city has built several new schools in the past decade, and a major University of Iowa Health Care facility is underway, signaling continued growth.
The district itself has made a long-term change that affects elementary families: in 2021 it launched a permanent K-12 online learning program, giving parents a full-time virtual option for any grade. That is worth noting for anyone who wants flexibility beyond in-person instruction.
Other dimensions of school life are less documented in the available data. There is no public discipline record, attendance rate, or staffing information for Penn Elementary. The school’s locale is suburban, with an auto-oriented layout typical of the corridor between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. Civic amenities like the community center and library are within driving distance, and the city maintains parks and trails, but the school itself is on a campus separate from most other destinations.
For a family considering Penn Elementary, the picture is one of a high-performing elementary school in a growing, economically strong suburb. The academic results are consistently strong, and the school’s size is moderate for an elementary building. The lack of detailed data on special populations and school environment means that parents with specific needs around special education, English learning, or behavioral climate should reach out directly to the school for the full picture. The broader district context, including the online learning option, adds another layer of flexibility. This is a school that fits families who prioritize strong baseline academic outcomes and who are comfortable in a predominantly homogenous, suburban setting with limited walkability.
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