There is a clear disparity in health in the United States such that African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to suffer from morbidity and mortality related to chronic disease than their White counterparts. While chronic disease does not manifest itself until late in life, the health behaviors that contribute to it begin in childhood and have a cumulative effect. Thus, direct intervention strategies aimed at high risk populations are appropriate . The purpose of this study was to determine if 4th and 5th grade African American and Hispanic students differ from White students in fitness levels, or fitness attitudes and beliefs. The study population consisted of 612 students drawn from schools in a large Midwestern city and suburb. Students were given the Fitnessgram fitness test and completed a 46 item questionnaire designed to elicit responses regarding knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about physical activity. 432 students completed all aspects of the study and were used in the final analysis. Comparisons between races and genders were conducted using analysis of variance with a Tukey post hoc. A sample of descriptive statistics is as follows: White (n=228); weight=85.39 ± 22.45 pounds; mile run=679.64 ± 154.89 seconds; curl up=36.51 ± 23.24; pushups=12.80 ± 9.55. African American (n=107); weight=98.07 ± 35.38 pounds; mile run=769.97 ± 195.00 seconds; curl up=26.28 ± 17.74; pushups=8.51 ± 8.6. Hispanic (n=97); weight=93.6 ± 26.5 pounds; mile run=860.79 ± 231.67 seconds; curl up=12.59 ± 12.35; pushups=6.25 ± 7.47. There were significant race and gender differences in the one mile run (p=0.00); curl ups (p=0.00); push-ups (p=0.00); and weight in pounds (p=0.001). In general, White students scored better than African Americans who in turn scored better than Hispanic students. There were also significant differences in knowledge and beliefs about fitness with White students being more knowledgeable than their minority counterparts. Since minorities in the United States are at an increased risk of death due to disease caused in part by lack of activity, and some of these deficits manifest themselves as early as 4th grade, minority students need to be targeted for special interventions. Physical Education classes provide an excellent opportunity to increase fitness levels, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs.Keyword(s): elementary education, exercise/fitness, physical activity