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Average

#5646 of 9,539 schools in CA

Highland High

High School · Kern High

2900 Royal Scots Way, Bakersfield, CA 93306

Enrollment

2,543

Student-Teacher

24:1

Score

5.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#5,646 of 9,539

In Bakersfield

#75 of 145

public schools

In district

#12 of 24

Kern High

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Highland High

5.9/10

High School in Bakersfield · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Chipman Junior High

5.8/10

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

Henry Eissler Elementary

5.3/10

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

About Highland High

Highland High is a public high school in Bakersfield, CA, part of Kern High. Highland High serves approximately 2,543 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 24:1 student-teacher ratio. Highland High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10 and ranks #5,646 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Highland High show 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 5.9 · Average
  • District avg 5.7
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Highland High is a large school: 2,543 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.

Highland High runs 24:1 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress5.9Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-1.49 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics6.8Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency16.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency51.1% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-11.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-4.8 pts
Overall Proficiency34% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)28% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+5.5 pts
Adjusted Percentile54th
College Readiness5.7Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate88%
AP Participation17.3%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment5.2Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio24:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,536
Chronic Absenteeism25.8%

Highland High — Students at Highland High score 34% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 28%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

82%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 35.6% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 59.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 28 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
54%
ELA
52%
2010
Math
52%
ELA
60%
2011
Math
51%
ELA
56%
2012
Math
61%
ELA
62%
2013
Math
61%
ELA
56%
2014
Math
29%
ELA
61%
2015
Math
28%
ELA
59%
2016
Math
28%
ELA
55%
2017
Math
21%
ELA
58%
2018
Math
23%
ELA
63%
2019
Math
23%
ELA
63%
2020*
ELA
75%
2021*
ELA
75%
2024
Math
16.1%
ELA
51.1%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.9/10.

How Highland High Compares

See how Highland High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.9/10
41th percentile in CA
Academic
6.8/10
Average
Growth
5.9/10
Average
Environment
5.2/10
Average
AP Courses
2
State avg: 2.6
Sports
20
9 boys' · 11 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
82%
Teaching Staff
24:1 student-teacher ratio
106 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
25.8%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
17.3% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics20sports offered
9 boys'·11 girls'·41 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
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

2900 Royal Scots Way, Bakersfield, CA 93306

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Highland High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. BAKERSFIELD ADVENTIST ACADEMY (rated 6.0/10, 1.5 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Chipman Junior High (rated 5.8/10, 0.2 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS (rated 5.8/10, 2.0 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Bakersfield, see our Bakersfield schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Chipman Junior High Bakersfield 0.2 mi 5.8
Henry Eissler Elementary Bakersfield 0.3 mi 5.3
NIGRITIAN ACADEMY Bakersfield 0.5 mi
Dr. Juliet Thorner Elementary Bakersfield 1.0 mi 4.2
Compton Junior High Bakersfield 1.2 mi 4.6
Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary Bakersfield 1.2 mi 5.0
Harding Elementary Bakersfield 1.3 mi 4.4
BAKERSFIELD ADVENTIST ACADEMY Bakersfield 1.5 mi 6.0
Bakersfield Adventist Academy Bakersfield 1.5 mi
Hort Elementary Bakersfield 1.7 mi 4.6
Walter Stiern Middle Bakersfield 1.7 mi 4.9
Pioneer Drive Elementary Bakersfield 2.1 mi 5.7
Tehillah Christian Academy Bakersfield 1.9 mi
Horace Mann Elementary Bakersfield 2.1 mi 5.5
Sierra Middle Bakersfield 2.2 mi 4.8
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Bakersfield 2.0 mi 5.8
Ramon Garza Elementary Bakersfield 2.3 mi 5.0
Voorhies Elementary Bakersfield 2.4 mi 4.6
East Bakersfield High Bakersfield 2.3 mi 5.7
College Heights Elementary Bakersfield 2.2 mi 4.0

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
Arvin High Arvin, CA 5.9
Calabasas High Calabasas, CA 5.9
Central East High Fresno, CA 5.9
Chaffey High Ontario, CA 5.9
Deer Valley High Antioch, CA 5.9
Florin High Sacramento, CA 5.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Highland High

What grades does Highland High serve?

Highland High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Highland High?

Highland High has an enrollment of approximately 2,543 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Highland High?

The student-teacher ratio at Highland High is 24:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Highland High rank in CA?

Highland High ranks #5,646 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Highland High's MySchoolScout rating?

Highland High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 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 Highland High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Highland High has 36% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 60% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Highland High a charter school?

No, Highland High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Highland High a Title I school?

No, Highland High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Highland High?

82.0% of students at Highland High 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
30 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
25 Some Transit
Bike Score
38 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,543
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
Teachers (FTE)
106
Free/Reduced Lunch
82.0%
Type
regular
Setting
Large City
County
Kern County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
25.8%
4-Year Graduation
88.0%

District

Kern High
District Enrollment
43,116
Schools in District
25
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,536
District Rank
#12 of 24

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