The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents has increased dramatically in the last three decades. This “Global Epidemic” (World Health Organization, 1997) has coincided with a dramatic increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among children. A decrease in regular physical activity and an increase in sedentary activities (video games and television watching) are likely contributors. The myriad benefits of physical activity include: weight management, decreased insulin resistance lessening risk for type 2 diabetes, increased physical fitness and improved self-esteem. Physical education classes have the potential to increase the levels of physical activity among girls and boys. Typically, children in the state of Wisconsin participate in Physical Education classes two days per week. Two days of physical activity a week is not frequent enough to accrue optimal health benefits. The purpose of this project was to evaluate health-related fitness levels of 1st through 7th grade students with FITNESSGRAM ®. Physical education instructors from the K-12 schools were trained in the use of FITNESSGRAM ® testing, which focuses on individual performance of the health-related fitness components. Students were assessed with the following tests: 1st-4th graders were tested in the curl-up, push-up, and trunk lift; and the 5th-7th graders were tested in these three plus the pacer test. Data was processed, by gender, according to the percentage of students meeting the standards for the “healthy fitness zone.” Results were as follows by grade, respectively for boys and girls: 1) first - curl-up, 81% and 73%; push-up, 42% and 36%; and trunk-lift, 35% and 42%; 2) second - curl-up, 69 % and 75 %; push-up, 29% and 38%, trunk lift, 69% and 78%; 3) third – curl-up, 66 % and 67%, push-up, 45% and 36%, and trunk-lift, 66% and 81%; 4) fourth - curl-up, 83% and 97%, push-up, 78% and 71%, trunk-lift, 69% and 91%; 5) fifth – curl-up, 75% and 89%, push-up, 75% and 71%, and trunk-lift, 42% and 34%; 6) sixth – curl-up, 73% and 77%, push-up, 32% and 35%, trunk-lift, 29%, and 39%, and pacer 66% and 94%; and 7) seventh – curl-up, 79% and 74%, push-up, 48% and 56%, trunk-lift, 41% and 47%, and pacer 68%, and 81%. The results of this investigation indicate that a large percentage of students do not meet the standards for the “healthy fitness zone” for a number of the health-related fitness components. Keyword(s): exercise/fitness, physical activity, youth-at-risk