Best Schools in Bakersfield, California
183 schools · 107 Elementary · 28 Middle · 37 High · 11 Other
Choosing a school in Bakersfield?
Use this page to compare every school in Bakersfield by level, neighborhood, and district — and find the right fit, not just the top of the list.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Highgate Elementary
Elementary · Panama-buena Vista Union. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
General Shafter Elementary
Elementary · General Shafter Elementary. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
W. A. Kendrick Elementary
Elementary · Greenfield Union. Ranked from real test data; compare it on the map and table below.
The short answer
The top-rated schools in Bakersfield for 2026 are Highgate Elementary (8.9/10), General Shafter Elementary (8.6/10), and W. A. Kendrick Elementary (8.6/10), based on MySchoolScout's analysis of real test data across 50 rated schools. Ratings blend student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment (plus college readiness for high schools), with equity shown as context, not scored; schools with estimated (proxy) scores are excluded from this ranking.
Schools
183
147 public · 36 private
Avg Score
5.9
out of 10
Median Home
$323,127
home value · ACS
Districts
18
serving the city
Schools
183
147 public · 36 private
Avg Score
5.9
out of 10
Median Home
$323,127
home value · ACS
Districts
18
serving the city
Rates 8.6/10 despite 94% of students being economically disadvantaged. That's about 3.0 points higher than its student-poverty level predicts. Roughly as clean a case of strong results without an affluent-ZIP price tag as you'll find among Bakersfield schools.
STAAR proficiency rose +14.2 points from 2022 to 2024. That's the biggest jump among Bakersfield schools across the two most recent comparable testing years.
Top-Rated Schools in Bakersfield
Ranked by MySchoolScout composite using only schools with real test data (50 of 183). "Value" = points above what student poverty predicts. Estimated (proxy) scores are excluded.
| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Highgate Elementary | 8.9 / 10 |
| 2 | General Shafter Elementary | 8.6 / 10 |
| 3 | W. A. Kendrick Elementary | 8.6 / 10 |
| 4 | Leon H. Ollivier Middle | 8.5 / 10 |
| 5 | Downtown Elementary | 8.2 / 10 |
| 6 | Rio Bravo Elementary | 8.2 / 10 |
| 7 | Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8 | 8.1 / 10 |
| 8 | Cesar E. Chavez Elementary | 8.0 / 10 |
| 9 | Paul L. Cato Middle | 8.0 / 10 |
| 10 | Dr. Douglas K. Fletcher Elementary | 8.0 / 10 |
See every school — including those with estimated data — in the full directory below. How we rate schools.
Family Snapshot
At a glance- Avg school rating
- 5.9/10
- Median household income
- $75,128
- Median home value
- $323,127
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 21%
- Avg commute
- 24 min
- Owner-occupied homes
- 58%
24% of schools rated 7+
Census ACS, ZIPs in this city
Owner-occupied units
Adults 25+
Workers age 16+
Of occupied housing units
How Bakersfield compares
California rank
#404 of 597
cities by avg. school score
Vs. state average
-0.4
below California avg (6.3)
Median household income
$75k
75% of California median
Schools in this city
158
Education Snapshot
Bakersfield, CaliforniaBakersfield's school landscape spans 183 schools across 18 districts, serving roughly 128,276 students in a level mix that skews heavily toward elementary — 107 elementary campuses versus 28 middle and 37 high schools. The city's average MySchoolScout composite rating sits at 5.8/10 across 158 scored schools, trailing the California state average of 6.3/10 by half a point. That gap aligns with Bakersfield's economic profile: a median household income of $75,104 lands 29% below the California state median of $105,206. Adult educational attainment is relatively low at 20% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Only 4 charter schools operate across the city. The spread across 18 districts means per-district quality varies considerably, so district selection — not just individual school selection — is the more productive first filter for families researching where to land.
About Schools in Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield's public school system is one of the larger in California's Central Valley, with 145 ranked public schools serving a sprawling, fast-growing city. Performance varies considerably across the district landscape, and understanding that range is the first job for any relocating family. The citywide average sits at 5.6 out of 10, which tells parents that strong schools exist but are not evenly distributed — and that where you live relative to school boundaries matters.
The top of the performance spectrum is genuinely competitive. Only 23 schools, about 16% of Bakersfield's ranked public schools, score 7 or higher out of 10. That's a selective tier worth targeting if academic performance is a priority. William B. Bimat Elementary leads the city with a score of 8.4, followed closely by Rio Bravo Elementary at 8.1 and W. A. Kendrick Elementary at 8.0. Louise Sandrini Elementary rounds out the upper elementary tier at 7.8. The pattern here is notable: Bakersfield's highest performers are concentrated at the elementary level, giving families a strong foundation to build on in the early grades.
Middle school options in the top tier are narrower. Paul L. Cato Middle is the standout at 7.7, making it the clearest benchmark for parents evaluating the transition years. Families who prioritize continuity from a high-performing elementary into a strong middle school should map their options around both Cato and the feeder patterns from the top-rated elementaries.
For parents doing their homework, the practical takeaway is straightforward: Bakersfield has real standout schools, but they represent a minority of the total landscape. With the city average at 5.6, the gap between the top performers and the median school is meaningful. Researching school boundaries carefully before committing to a neighborhood is especially important here. Focus your search on the 7-and-above tier, cross-reference boundary maps with your target addresses, and prioritize visiting schools rather than relying on zip code assumptions alone. Bakersfield rewards parents who do the legwork.
Elementary Schools
107 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 646 students · Kindergarten–6th | 8.9 |
| 2 | 184 students · Kindergarten–8th | 8.6 |
| 3 | 725 students · Kindergarten–5th | 8.6 |
| 4 | 319 students · Kindergarten–8th | 8.2 |
| 5 | 594 students · Kindergarten–4th | 8.2 |
| 6 | 1,092 students · Kindergarten–8th | 8.1 |
| 7 | 507 students · Kindergarten–6th | 8.0 |
| 8 | 843 students · Kindergarten–5th | 8.0 |
| 9 | 720 students · Kindergarten–6th | 7.9 |
| 10 | 843 students · Kindergarten–6th | 7.9 |
Show all 107 elementary schools in Bakersfield
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Middle Schools
28 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,094 students · 6th–8th | 8.5 |
| 2 | 654 students · 6th–8th | 8.0 |
| 3 | 1,012 students · 7th–8th | 8.0 |
| 4 | 311 students · 5th–8th | 7.9 |
| 5 | 976 students · 6th–8th | 7.8 |
| 6 | 441 students · 3rd–8th | 7.7 |
| 7 | 731 students · 7th–8th | 7.6 |
| 8 | 985 students · 7th–8th | 7.5 |
| 9 | 589 students · 5th–8th | 7.3 |
| 10 | 768 students · 7th–8th | 7.3 |
Show all 28 middle schools in Bakersfield
High Schools
37 schools| # | School | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2,150 students · 9th–12th | 7.0 |
| 2 | 2,355 students · 9th–12th | 6.9 |
| 3 | 2,365 students · 9th–12th | 6.8 |
| 4 | 2,030 students · 9th–12th | 6.6 |
| 5 | 2,653 students · 9th–12th | 6.3 |
| 6 | 2,313 students · 9th–12th | 6.3 |
| 7 | 574 students · 9th–12th | 6.1 |
| 8 | 2,237 students · 9th–12th | 6.0 |
| 9 | 2,543 students · 9th–12th | 5.9 |
| 10 | 2,420 students · 9th–12th | 5.7 |
Show all 37 high schools in Bakersfield
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Other Schools
11 schools| # | School | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,048 students · Kindergarten–12th | 7.4 | ||
| 2 | 236 students · Kindergarten–12th | 5.8 | ||
| 3 | 368 students · Kindergarten–12th | 5.7 | ||
| 4 | 412 students · Kindergarten–12th | 4.0 | ||
Private Schools7 schools Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models. Scores are not directly comparable across school types. | ||||
| 1 | Lifehouse Christian AcademyPrivate 88 students · Pre-K–9th | Not Rated | ||
| 2 | 128 students · Kindergarten–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 3 | Bethel ChristianPrivate 41 students · Kindergarten–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 4 | 56 students · Kindergarten–12th | Not Rated | ||
| 5 | Lifehouse Christian AcademyPrivate 115 students · Pre-K–11th | Not Rated | ||
| 6 | Golden State Baptist SchoolsPrivate 7 students · 1st–11th | Not Rated | ||
Show all 11 other schools in Bakersfield
Private and public school ratings use different data sources and scoring models, so scores are not directly comparable across school types.
Schools in Bakersfield
Bakersfield, California · 183 schools
Community Demographics
Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates across 11 ZIP codes
Median Income
$75,128
Median Home Value
$323,127
Median Rent
$1,444/mo
Population
589,959
College Educated
21%
Homeownership
58%
Avg Commute
24 min
Poverty Rate
19.5%
Community Profile
Bakersfield has a median household income of $75,128. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $323,127, with a median rent of $1,444/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.5%. The average commute for residents is 24 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Schools by Level
- State
- California
- Elementary
- 107
- Middle
- 28
- High
- 37
- Other
- 11
Resources
School Districts (18)
Grow Academy Shafter District
1 school · 810 students
Grow Academy Arvin District
1 school · 801 students
Bakersfield City
45 schools · 28,761 students
Beardsley Elementary
4 schools · 1,946 students
Panama-Buena Vista Union
25 schools · 19,369 students
Edison Elementary
2 schools · 1,113 students
Fairfax Elementary
4 schools · 2,687 students
Fruitvale Elementary
5 schools · 3,078 students
General Shafter Elementary
1 school · 184 students
Greenfield Union
13 schools · 9,021 students
Kern High
25 schools · 43,116 students
Lakeside Union
2 schools · 1,599 students
Norris Elementary
5 schools · 3,991 students
Rio Bravo-Greeley Union Elementary
2 schools · 1,037 students
Rosedale Union Elementary
9 schools · 6,213 students
Standard Elementary
4 schools · 3,030 students
Vineland Elementary
2 schools · 657 students
Kern County Office of Education
4 schools · 2,064 students
Nearby Cities
Other Major Cities in California
Top metros statewide by school count.
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about schools in Bakersfield, California
How many schools are in Bakersfield, California?
Bakersfield has 183 schools, including 147 public and 36 private schools spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels.
What is the average school rating in Bakersfield, California?
The average MySchoolScout composite score for schools in Bakersfield is 5.9 out of 10, built from student growth, poverty-adjusted academic achievement, and school environment — plus college readiness for high schools.
What is the top-ranked school in Bakersfield, California?
The top-ranked school in Bakersfield on MySchoolScout is Highgate Elementary with a composite score of 8.9/10.
What is the best elementary school in Bakersfield, California?
The top-ranked elementary school in Bakersfield on MySchoolScout is Highgate Elementary with a composite score of 8.9/10.
What is the best middle school in Bakersfield, California?
The top-ranked middle school in Bakersfield on MySchoolScout is Leon H. Ollivier Middle with a composite score of 8.5/10.
What is the best high school in Bakersfield, California?
The top-ranked high school in Bakersfield on MySchoolScout is South High with a composite score of 7.0/10.
How many school districts serve Bakersfield, California?
Bakersfield is served by 18 school districts: Grow Academy Shafter District, Grow Academy Arvin District, Bakersfield City, Beardsley Elementary, Panama-buena Vista Union, Edison Elementary, Fairfax Elementary, Fruitvale Elementary, General Shafter Elementary, Greenfield Union, Kern High, Lakeside Union, Norris Elementary, Rio Bravo-greeley Union Elementary, Rosedale Union Elementary, Standard Elementary, Vineland Elementary, Kern County Office of Education.
What is the education level in Bakersfield, California?
According to Census data, 21% of adults in Bakersfield have earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
What is the median income in Bakersfield, California?
The median household income in Bakersfield is approximately $75,128 according to Census ACS 2022 estimates.
Are there private schools in Bakersfield, California?
Yes, Bakersfield has 36 private schools alongside 147 public schools. The top-rated private school is Our Lady of Perpetual Help School with a score of 6.3/10.
What is the student-teacher ratio in Bakersfield, California?
The average student-teacher ratio across schools in Bakersfield is 20.0:1. This ratio varies by school, so families should check individual school profiles for specific classroom sizes.
How does MySchoolScout rate schools in Bakersfield, California?
MySchoolScout rates schools using publicly available data from the NCES Common Core of Data and state education departments. Each school receives a 1-10 composite score built from Student Growth, Poverty-Adjusted Academic Achievement, and School Environment — plus College Readiness for high schools. Weights vary by school level, and equity data is shown for context but not scored.
Related reading
- Best Elementary Schools in America: 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Public Schools in California 2026: Top-Ranked Elementary, Middle & High Schoolsbest schools
- Best School Districts to Move To in 2026: A Data-Driven Guidebest schools
- Best Schools in Los Angeles, CA — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
- Best Schools in San Diego, CA — 2026 Rankingsbest schools
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
Data from NCES Common Core of Data, California Dept. of Education, and U.S. Census ACS for the 2023–24 school year. Rankings computed by MySchoolScout. See all data sources.