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
Enrollment
243
Student-Teacher
24.3:1
Score
6.3
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Updated
2022-23
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
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Shaffer Elementary — Students at Shaffer Elementary score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 43%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
55.6%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 18 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 32% (2019) to 26.11% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 37% (2019) to 41.03% (2024).
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.
Explore More Schools
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
- Phone
- (530) 254-6577
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
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 methodologyRelated reading
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