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GreatSchools Rating

Peter J. Shields Elementary School

Public | K-5 | 208 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 2 ratings
2012:
Based on 2 ratings
2011:
No new ratings
2010:
Based on 1 rating

Teacher quality

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Parent involvement

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10 reviews of this school


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Posted March 8, 2013

After we lost Mrs.Cunningham years ago this school has gone downhill. I am surprised about how high my childs grades have gone up since we switched schools
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 12, 2013

Correction: That was supposed to have read ..NONE of the teachers smiled much, made eye contact or seemed very happy.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted September 12, 2012

My decision to enroll both of my daughter's into PJS was the best one I could have made!!! This is their 3rd year attending PJS and each year I am even more pleased than the last! There is very little to no bullying going on at this school, the teachers don't seem stressed at all, they're all very nice and great with the kids, the parent's really do get involved by helping out and all of my daughters' assignments/grades/lunch $ account/ school news is updated regularly on the website. I always know whats going on and I know that my girls are safe!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 22, 2012

Both of my boys started PJS IN 2010 and are doing very well. My Son kindergarten teacher Mrs. Cain is very structuerd and knowledgable. l am very pleased.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 14, 2008

I love this school,teachers and other staff are the greatest ever!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 26, 2008

This school is great my son came to this school in sacond grade and he learnd alot, this school is the best.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 30, 2007

My daughter has just completed her kindergarten year with Mrs. Benesch and Mrs. Salazar at PJS. I am so pleased with education she received from these fabulous teachers. I am confident that she will do just as well in 1st grade and in her remaining years at Shields. I have also gotten to know the staff, and other teachers and am please with their care and concern for the students. I would highly recommend PJS.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 6, 2006

I had a wonderful experience in the 2005-2006 school yr. The teachers seem to really care and give the children attention needed. It is not over crowded, so the children get individual attention.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 11, 2006

PJS is a small school and has proven itself to be outstanding in all categories so far. The teaching staff is well qualified, innovative and personally involved in entire teaching process. Weekly communication between the teachers and parents has been excellent. We are generally pleased with the academic program and methods taught. The children have a weekly art class where they are learning all forms of expression, medium, styles and format. There is a music program available to for the 3rd through 5th grades. The PTA has dedicated volunteers and monthly activities involving the entire school. My son is currently in the 2nd grade and has been at PJS since Kindergarten - We just love the feel of this school. It would be very difficult to change schools, even if the program offered at another school was an all GATE program.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 2, 2005

My daughter is in Kindergarten, and this school is one of the top notch schools here in Rancho. My grandson goes to another and I feel that school needs some improvement. Teachers at this school along with the Principal are very kid orientated. I give Peter J. Shields a A+ for all around good school. My daughter loves her new school, and I wouldn't choose another. Thank you to her two teachers for helping her and making her a smarter and more caring and responsible child. It helps when your teachers like to teach, and these ladies do.Parent teacher involvement is a MUST at all schools. This one goes beyond all expectations.Thank you Mrs.Benesch and Mrs.Salazar,your Great!
—Submitted by Patricia, a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

The test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.

The API reflects year-over-year schools performance based on STAR test score results from spring 2012.

This school's
API score

806

Change from
2011 to 2012

+37

API Statewide Rank
(2011)

3 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

1 / 10


API Growth scores over time

Did this school meet the API goal this year?
The state goal for API is 800. All schools that are below 800 are assigned an API improvement target each year.
  • This school met the state goal of 800.

API Growth scores by subgroup

In addition to schoolwide API scores, each student subgroup receives an API score.
Did this school meet all the API goals for student subgroups this year?
The state goal for the API is 800. All the student subgroups at a school that are below 800 are assigned an API improvement target each year.
  • This school met all student subgroup API targets for 2012

This school's
API score

806

What is the API?
The Academic Performance Index (API) is a single number assigned to each school by the California Department of Education to measure overall school performance and improvement over time on statewide testing. The API ranges from 200 and 1000, with 800 as the state goal for all schools.
Change from
2011 to 2012

+37

Change from 2011 to 2012
Comparing the API Growth to the Base shows whether or not this school’s test score performance improved between Spring 2011 and Spring 2012. The API ranges between 200 and 1000, with 800 as the statewide goal for all schools. Schools scoring below an 800 are given at least a 5 point target for the next year.
API Statewide Rank
(2011)

3 / 10

API Statewide Rank (2011)
The API Statewide Rank ranges from 1 to 10. A rank of 10, for example, means that the school’s API fell into the top 10% of all schools in the state with a comparable grade range. The 2011 rank is based on results from tests students took in Spring 2011.
API Similar Schools Rank (2011)

1 / 10

API Similar Schools Rank (2011)
The API Similar Schools Rank ranges from 1 to 10. It shows how the school compares to other schools with similar student demographic profiles. The California Department of Education uses parent education level, poverty level, student ethnicity and other data to identify similar schools.
English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 58% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
55%

2011

 
 
52%

2010

 
 
78%

2009

 
 
82%
Math

The state average for Math was 64% in 2012.

67 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
76%

2011

 
 
65%

2010

 
 
87%

2009

 
 
85%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 48% in 2012.

68 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
38%

2011

 
 
42%

2010

 
 
30%

2009

 
 
56%
Math

The state average for Math was 69% in 2012.

68 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
66%

2011

 
 
63%

2010

 
 
49%

2009

 
 
72%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 67% in 2012.

53 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
60%

2011

 
 
48%

2010

 
 
71%

2009

 
 
65%
Math

The state average for Math was 71% in 2012.

53 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
61%

2011

 
 
36%

2010

 
 
58%

2009

 
 
67%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
50%

2011

 
 
58%

2010

 
 
40%

2009

 
 
49%
Math

The state average for Math was 65% in 2012.

50 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
38%

2011

 
 
18%

2010

 
 
19%

2009

 
 
47%
Science

The state average for Science was 60% in 2012.

48 students were tested at this school in 2012.

2012

 
 
42%

2011

 
 
48%

2010

 
 
44%

2009

 
 
39%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students55%
Females49%
Males63%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)54%
Economically disadvantaged49%
Non-economically disadvantaged65%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability57%
English learner38%
Fluent-English proficient and English only61%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)57%
Parent education - college graduate60%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students76%
Females73%
Males80%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Other Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)80%
Economically disadvantaged71%
Non-economically disadvantaged85%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability77%
English learner63%
Fluent-English proficient and English only80%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)77%
Parent education - college graduate87%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students38%
Females36%
Males41%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)41%
Economically disadvantaged32%
Non-economically disadvantaged50%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability40%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only45%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate64%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)36%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state17%

Math

All Students66%
Females64%
Males69%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)70%
Economically disadvantaged61%
Non-economically disadvantaged75%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability67%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only69%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate73%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)56%
Parent education - college graduaten/a
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to state58%
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students60%
Females68%
Males54%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)57%
Economically disadvantaged53%
Non-economically disadvantaged74%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability65%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only71%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate58%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)68%
Parent education - college graduate71%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students61%
Females65%
Males56%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
White (not Hispanic)63%
Economically disadvantaged53%
Non-economically disadvantaged74%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability67%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only69%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduate62%
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)58%
Parent education - college graduate71%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

English Language Arts

All Students50%
Females56%
Males43%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)58%
Economically disadvantaged48%
Non-economically disadvantaged52%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability50%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only62%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)52%
Parent education - college graduate58%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Math

All Students38%
Females45%
Males29%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)42%
Economically disadvantaged30%
Non-economically disadvantaged48%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability39%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only44%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)43%
Parent education - college graduate50%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a

Science

All Students42%
Females44%
Males38%
African Americann/a
Asiann/a
Filipinon/a
Hispanic or Latinon/a
American Indian or Alaska Nativen/a
Pacific Islandern/a
Samoann/a
White (not Hispanic)45%
Economically disadvantaged32%
Non-economically disadvantaged52%
Students with disabilityn/a
Students with no reported disability41%
English learnern/a
Fluent-English proficient and English only51%
Migrant educationn/a
Gifted and talentedn/a
Parent education - not a high school graduaten/a
Parent education - high school graduaten/a
Parent education - some college (includes AA degree)52%
Parent education - college graduate50%
Parent education - graduate school/post graduaten/a
Parent education - declined to staten/a
Scale: % proficient or advanced

About the tests


In 2011-2012 California used the California Standards Tests (CSTs) to test students in English language arts in grades 2 through 11; math in grades 2 through 7; science in grades 5, 8 and 10; and history-social science in grades 8 and 11. Middle and high school students also took subject-specific CSTs in math and science, depending on the course in which they were enrolled. The CSTs are standards-based tests, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of California. The goal is for all students to score at or above proficient on the tests.

The different student groups are identified by the California Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.

See California's state standards

Source: California Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »


Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school State average
White 73% 28%
Hispanic or Latino 11% 49%
African American 8% 7%
Filipino 4% 3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 1% 1%
Asian 1% 8%
Pacific Islander 1% 1%
Multiple or No Response 0% 3%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
English language learners 121%N/A24%
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 255%N/A52%
Source: 1 CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Source: 2 NCES, 2008-2009

Home languages of english learners

Language This school State average
Russian 49% 0%
Ukrainian 22% 0%
Spanish 15% 85%
Armenian 4% 1%
Rumanian 4% 0%
Filipino (Pilipino or Tagalog) 2% 1%
Hmong 2% 1%
Khmer (Cambodian) 2% 0%
Vietnamese 2% 2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Average class size

  This school District averageState average
Average class size 24N/A25
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2007-2008

Teacher experience

  This school District averageState average
Average years teaching in district 13N/A11
Average years teaching 16N/A13
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009

Teacher credentials

  This school District averageState average
Full credential 100%N/A96%
Emergency credential or waiver 0%N/A2%
Source: CA Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

10434 Georgetown Drive
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Website: Click here
Phone: (916) 635-5152

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