Shields (Lester W.) Elementary School serves 601 students in grades Kindergarten-5.
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 was lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment was 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which was higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
School Overview
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
601 students
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
School Rankings
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
21%
12%
Hispanic
73%
56%
Black
2%
5%
White
3%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (06-07)
13%
10%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students attend Shields (Lester W.) Elementary School?
601 students attend Shields (Lester W.) Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
73% of Shields (Lester W.) Elementary School students are Hispanic, 21% of students are Asian, 3% of students are White, 2% of students are Black, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Shields (Lester W.) Elementary School?
Shields (Lester W.) Elementary School has a student ration of 19:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Shields (Lester W.) Elementary School offer ?
Shields (Lester W.) Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Shields (Lester W.) Elementary School part of?
Shields (Lester W.) Elementary School is part of Alum Rock Union Elementary School District.
Recent Articles

2025 Classroom Size Trends: Are Classes Still Growing?
A 2025 update on U.S. classroom sizes, policy battles, student outcomes, and whether class sizes continue to expand.

Personalized Learning in 2025: Revolutionizing Education
Explore how personalized learning is reshaping education in 2025—insights, policy, impact, and real-world models for students, parents, and educators.

How Bullying Impacts Student Academic Performance in 2025
Explore how bullying harms student achievement, attendance, and well-being — and strategies schools use in 2025 to mitigate its effects.