Bethel Park’s William Penn ranks 9th among Pa. elementary schools

Bethel Park’s William Penn Elementary School is going out in style.

A U.S. News World Report ranking of the best public elementary schools in Pennsylvania has Penn coming in at No. 9.

Researchers with the media company compiled data from the U.S. Department of Education focusing on state assessments of students who were proficient or above proficient in mathematics and reading/language arts, while accounting for student background and achievement in core subjects.

Built in 1962, William Penn is scheduled to close along with four other Bethel Park elementary schools at the end of the current academic year. A newly constructed building off Kings School Road for all district students in kindergarten through fifth grade will open in August.

Brian Lenosky, Penn’s principal since 2015, attributed the school’s success to everyone in the building working toward continual improvement.

“Our culture is where we all believe the students can achieve, and that’s from the teachers to all the staff members. But the students buy into it, as well,” he said. “We keep getting better because of that and the fact that staff members don’t really change here. We’ve had a consistent staff, and when you have that consistency, it really works for kids.”

He cited strong communication among educators at various grade levels to ensure youngsters are prepared as they advance, and he gave further credit to students’ families.

“Education doesn’t just happen in a classroom. It really is a community effort. Our community believes in education, and that’s powerful,” Lenosky said. “The trust that families place in us is something that we don’t take for granted.”

A former teacher and assistant principal at Bethel Park High School, Lenosky arrived at William Penn at a time when the top administrative position had been in flux.

“I had some opportunities to leave within the district, but I wanted to stay here and see it through,” he said.

He is retiring at the end of the school year, as are longtime William Penn teachers Kim Serafini and Beth Ann Petalino.

“They have been beside each other in the same exact classrooms their entire careers,” Lenosky said.

As for his school’s lofty U.S. News World Report showing, he certainly appreciates the recognition.

“But our focus will remain the same,” he said, “and that’s doing what’s best for kids every day.”