Serving 451 students in grades 6-8, William Sheppard Middle School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 18% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 33% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 98% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 451 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 98%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 33% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: William Sheppard Middle serves the west part of its school district in San Jose, CA, covering an area of approximately 2.4 square miles. Families within this zone can typically reach the school in about 5 to 10 minutes, with the furthest edge of the zone located 1.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
William Sheppard Middle School's student population of 451 students has declined by 21% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
451 students
Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. View full 39-year historical data
School Calendar
School Rankings
William Sheppard Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of William Sheppard Middle School is 0.53, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#6771 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
18%
34%
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
33%
47%
Showing 2011–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. View full 39-year historical data
Asian
35%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Hispanic
59%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Black
1%
5%
Showing 2014–2025. View full 38-year historical data
White
2%
20%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. View full 38-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)18.2%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
57%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 34-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
15%
8%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 27-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is William Sheppard Middle School's ranking?
William Sheppard Middle School is ranked #6771 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are William Sheppard Middle School often compared to?
William Sheppard Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Piedmont Middle School, Joseph George Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
18% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 33% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend William Sheppard Middle School?
451 students attend William Sheppard Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of William Sheppard Middle School students are Hispanic, 35% of students are Asian, 2% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of William Sheppard Middle School?
William Sheppard Middle School has a student ration of 17:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does William Sheppard Middle School offer ?
William Sheppard Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is William Sheppard Middle School part of?
William Sheppard Middle School is part of Alum Rock Union Elementary School District.
In what neighborhood is William Sheppard Middle School located?
William Sheppard Middle School is located in the Alum Rock neighborhood of San Jose, CA. There are 35 other public schools located in Alum Rock.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
Hello, I really think shepard should have more extracurricular activities for the students. As a former student I think it would have been alot beter with an elective, and a real elective not just band. I still talk to students @ shepprad snd they tell me that they are sick of having 2 lang. arts classes and want real electives. I think it is better for them to have some. Also they should have more dances and activities. If one student gets in trouble the whole shool shouldnt have to pay for it. That student that was in trouble should be excluded from it, instead of having the whole school sufer. Sheppard may have a bad reputation when it comes to student rights. They never get to choose what they want at the school. the school hardly ever listens. I recomend a good counsoler I know for a fact there is alot of drama at that school and I would appriciate it if Sheppard Middle School gave my friends that go there now better things so the school wont be known as a bad one
Sincerly,
A former student
Review William Sheppard Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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