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Average

#4955 of 9,533 schools in CA

Shaffer Elementary

Elementary School · Shaffer Union Elementary

PO Box 320, Litchfield, CA 96117

Enrollment

243

Student-Teacher

24.3:1

Score

6.3

Grades

Kindergarten – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

California elementary schools

#3,036 of 5,817

Academic growth

7.7 / 10

Very strong

About Shaffer Elementary

Shaffer Elementary, located in Litchfield, California, is a regular public elementary school serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade. With an enrollment of 243 students and a student-teacher ratio of 24.3:1, the school has ten full-time equivalent teachers to support its diverse learning needs. Shaffer Elementary stands out in a remote rural setting where access to educational resources can be limited.

The academic performance at Shaffer Elementary is currently rated at 5.0/10 by MySchoolScout, placing it in the 43rd percentile among California schools, with an academic score of 5.2/10. In terms of subject proficiency, 39% of students are proficient or above in ELA and reading, while 27% demonstrate proficiency or better in math. These scores indicate that there is room for improvement and growth, especially in fostering a stronger foundation in mathematics.

Despite the challenges presented by its remote location, Shaffer Elementary continues to provide a supportive learning environment where teachers work closely with students to help them achieve their full potential. The school's setting within Litchfield offers a tight-knit community feel that encourages close connections between educators and families.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Shaffer Elementary is 24.3:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Located in a rural area, Shaffer Elementary may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress7.7Very Good50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change-0.21 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics5.4Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency26.1%
Reading/ELA Proficiency41%
Math vs. State Avg-19.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-1.8 pts
Overall Proficiency34%
Expected (poverty-adj.)43%
vs. Expected-9.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile37th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment4.1Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio24.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,609

Shaffer Elementary — Students at Shaffer Elementary score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

55.6%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 26.9%
School
State
36.8%
ELA Proficiency 38.8%
School
State
45.8%

Based on 18 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
32%
ELA
37%
2021*
Math
32%
ELA
27%
2024
Math
25.4%
ELA
40.8%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 7.7/10.

How Shaffer Elementary Compares

See how Shaffer Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.3/10
48th percentile in CA
Academic
5.4/10
5.4/10
Growth
7.7/10
Above average
Environment
4.1/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
56%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
10 teachers

Location

PO Box 320, Litchfield, CA 96117

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Shaffer Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Janesville Elementary (rated 6.7/10, 9.6 miles away, in nearby Janesville), which scores slightly higher. Another option is McKinley Elementary (rated 6.5/10, 14.0 miles away, in nearby Susanville), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Meadow View (rated 4.8/10, 15.2 miles away, in nearby Susanville), a more accessible option. For more schools in Litchfield, see our Litchfield schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 27.0 mi
School Distance Rating
DIAMOND VIEW MENNONITE CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL Standish 3.0 mi
Janesville Elementary Janesville 9.6 mi 6.7
McNutt Academy Janesvile 9.7 mi
Lassen County Special Education Susanville 10.5 mi
Johnstonville Elementary Susanville 10.9 mi 3.0
Richmond Elementary Susanville 13.6 mi 4.1
McKinley Elementary Susanville 14.0 mi 6.5
Susanville Adventist Christian School Susanville 14.3 mi
SUSANVILLE ADVENTIST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Susanville 14.3 mi
Lassen Community Day Susanville 14.5 mi
Lassen High Susanville 14.6 mi 4.7
Credence High Susanville 14.8 mi
Thompson Peak Charter Susanville 14.9 mi 6.2
Diamond View Middle Susanville 14.8 mi 5.4
Meadow View Susanville 15.2 mi 4.8
Herlong High Herlong 21.0 mi 6.0
Fort Sage Middle Herlong 21.0 mi
Mt. Lassen Charter Herlong 21.1 mi 4.2
Sierra Primary Herlong 21.1 mi 4.8
Long Valley Doyle 27.0 mi 4.4

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 96117 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$101,250

Median Home Value

$315,600

Population

249

College Educated

12.5%

Homeownership

66.7%

Poverty Rate

12%

Median Age

33

Community Profile

The community surrounding Shaffer Elementary has a median household income of $101,250. It is a community where 13% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $315,600. The area has a poverty rate of 12.0%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
ANTHEM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Salinas, CA 6.3
BAYMONTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Scotts Valley, CA 6.3
Blue Oak Charter Chico, CA 6.3
CORPUS CHRISTI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Pacific Palisades, CA 6.3
Cleveland Elementary San Francisco, CA 6.3
Collins Elementary Pinole, CA 6.3

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Shaffer Elementary

What grades does Shaffer Elementary serve?

Shaffer Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.

How many students attend Shaffer Elementary?

Shaffer Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 243 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Shaffer Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Shaffer Elementary is 24.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Shaffer Elementary rank in CA?

Shaffer Elementary is ranked #4955 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is Shaffer Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Shaffer Elementary has a composite rating of 6.3 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Shaffer Elementary?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Shaffer Elementary has 26.9% math proficiency and 38.8% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Shaffer Elementary a charter school?

No, Shaffer Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Shaffer Elementary a Title I school?

No, Shaffer Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Shaffer Elementary?

55.6% of students at Shaffer Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

County Safety
Average (539/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
243
Student-Teacher Ratio
24.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
10
Free/Reduced Lunch
55.6%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Lassen County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Shaffer Union Elementary
District Enrollment
243
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,014
District Rank
#1 of 1

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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