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Average

#7215 of 9,539 schools in CA

Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary

Elementary School · Bakersfield City

3401 Renegade Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93306

Enrollment

926

Student-Teacher

22:1

Score

5.0

Grades

Kindergarten – 6th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#7,215 of 9,539

In Bakersfield

#102 of 145

public schools

In district

#23 of 44

Bakersfield City

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Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary

5.0/10

Elementary School in Bakersfield · grades Kindergarten – 6th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Bakersfield Adventist Academy

6.0/10

0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Tehillah Christian Academy

Nearby

0.7 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary

Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary is a public elementary school in Bakersfield, CA, part of Bakersfield City. Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary serves approximately 926 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-6th, and has a 22:1 student-teacher ratio. Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10 and ranks #7,215 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary show 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 44% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it compares0.5 pts below district
  • This school 5.0 · Average
  • District avg 5.5
  • CA avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary runs 22:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

32% of students at Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress3.2Needs Improvement50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-2.3 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.7Average30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency24.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency35.7% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-21 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-7.1 pts
Overall Proficiency30% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)23% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+7.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile52th
Resources & Environment6.7Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio22:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,155
Chronic Absenteeism31.6%

Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary — Students at Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary score 30% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 23%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

91.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 38.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
38.4% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 44.1% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
45.4% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 34 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
63%
ELA
56%
2010
Math
63%
ELA
50%
2011
Math
61%
ELA
51%
2012
Math
60%
ELA
51%
2013
Math
75%
ELA
75%
2014
Math
29%
ELA
32%
2015
Math
31%
ELA
42%
2016
Math
34%
ELA
45%
2017
Math
30%
ELA
46%
2018
Math
32%
ELA
42%
2019
Math
32%
ELA
42%
2022
Math
23.4%
ELA
36.2%
2024
Math
25.4%
ELA
36.2%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.2/10.

How Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary Compares

See how Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.0/10
24th percentile in CA
Academic
6.7/10
Average
Growth
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
6.7/10
Average
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
92%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
42 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
31.6%

Programs & Offerings

Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

3401 Renegade Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93306

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Jefferson Elementary (rated 6.0/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS (rated 5.8/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Horace Mann Elementary (rated 5.5/10, 1.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Bakersfield, see our Bakersfield schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.1 mi
School Distance Rating
BAKERSFIELD ADVENTIST ACADEMY Bakersfield 0.8 mi 6.0
Bakersfield Adventist Academy Bakersfield 0.8 mi
Tehillah Christian Academy Bakersfield 0.7 mi
Harding Elementary Bakersfield 0.8 mi 4.4
Compton Junior High Bakersfield 0.9 mi 4.6
NIGRITIAN ACADEMY Bakersfield 0.9 mi
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Bakersfield 1.0 mi 5.8
Henry Eissler Elementary Bakersfield 1.0 mi 5.3
Chipman Junior High Bakersfield 1.0 mi 5.8
College Heights Elementary Bakersfield 1.0 mi 4.0
Highland High Bakersfield 1.2 mi 5.9
East Bakersfield High Bakersfield 1.6 mi 5.7
Horace Mann Elementary Bakersfield 1.8 mi 5.5
Washington Middle Bakersfield 1.5 mi 3.6
Myra A. Noble Elementary Bakersfield 1.6 mi 4.2
Ramon Garza Elementary Bakersfield 2.1 mi 5.0
Sierra Middle Bakersfield 2.1 mi 4.8
Williams Elementary Bakersfield 2.1 mi 3.7
BETHEL CHRISTIAN Bakersfield 2.4 mi 6.0
Jefferson Elementary Bakersfield 2.1 mi 6.0

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 93306 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$66,988

Median Home Value

$290,700

Median Rent

$1,219/mo

Population

73,370

College Educated

18.2%

Homeownership

63.3%

Avg Commute

24.6 min

Poverty Rate

20.6%

Median Age

32.4

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Agua Caliente Elementary Cathedral City, CA 5.0
Alicante Avenue Elementary Lamont, CA 5.0
Baker Elementary El Monte, CA 5.0
Barry Elementary Yuba City, CA 5.0
Boronda Meadows Salinas, CA 5.0
Burbank Elementary Hayward, CA 5.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary

What grades does Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary serve?

Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 6th.

How many students attend Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary?

Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 926 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary?

The student-teacher ratio at Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary is 22:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary rank in CA?

Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary ranks #7,215 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?

Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.0 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary has 39% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 44% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary a charter school?

No, Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary a Title I school?

No, Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary?

91.7% of students at Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
63 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
34 Some Transit
Bike Score
39 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 6th
Enrollment
926
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
Teachers (FTE)
42
Free/Reduced Lunch
91.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Kern County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
31.6%

District

Bakersfield City
District Enrollment
28,761
Schools in District
45
Per-Pupil Spending
$19,155
District Rank
#23 of 44

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