Average
#7211 of 9,533 schools in CA
Independence High
High School · Kern High
8001 Old River Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93311
Enrollment
2,334
Student-Teacher
26.2:1
Score
5.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,334
Student-Teacher
26.2:1
Score
5.2
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Bakersfield
#84 of 145
public schools
California high schools
#1,540 of 1,892
In district
#15 of 24
Kern High
Academic performance
7.4 / 10
Strong
About Independence High
Independence High serves 2,334 students in grades 9-12 in Bakersfield, California, with a student-teacher ratio of 26.2 to 1 across 89 full-time equivalent teachers. The school ranks in the 48th percentile among California high schools, earning a 5.4 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating with room for academic growth. Student performance shows mixed results, with 60% of students demonstrating proficiency in English Language Arts while mathematics achievement presents a significant opportunity for improvement at 18% proficiency.
These outcomes suggest the school is working to strengthen its academic programs and support systems for student success. The school draws from a stable community where families demonstrate a strong commitment to education. The surrounding 93311 zip code area reflects a well-established neighborhood with a median household income of $113,616 and median home values of $385,200.
With 41% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher and a low poverty rate of 7.5%, the community provides a solid foundation for educational achievement. Independence High is situated in a rural setting near town, offering students a quieter educational environment while maintaining access to broader community resources and opportunities in the greater Bakersfield area.
What Parents Should Know
Independence High is a large school with 2,334 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.
The student-teacher ratio at Independence High is 26.2:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Located in a rural area, Independence High may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Independence High — Students at Independence High score 39% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
73.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 6 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.6/10.
How Independence High Compares
See how Independence High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 21% (2019) to 18.38% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 65% (2019) to 59.76% (2024).
Location
8001 Old River Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93311
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Independence High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Stockdale High (rated 6.6/10, 3.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Ridgeview High (rated 5.0/10, 3.0 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Bakersfield, see our Bakersfield schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.6 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Buena Vista Elementary Bakersfield | 1.4 mi | 7.3 |
| LOVE TO LEARN Bakersfield | 1.8 mi | — |
| Sing Lum Elementary Bakersfield | 2.2 mi | 4.3 |
| Earl Warren Junior High Bakersfield | 2.2 mi | 7.1 |
| Old River Elementary Bakersfield | 2.4 mi | 6.8 |
| Donald E. Suburu Bakersfield | 2.2 mi | 2.6 |
| Tevis Junior High Bakersfield | 2.8 mi | 6.6 |
| Douglas J. Miller Elementary Bakersfield | 2.5 mi | 4.8 |
| Stockdale High Bakersfield | 3.1 mi | 6.6 |
| Leo B. Hart Elementary Bakersfield | 3.3 mi | 7.4 |
| Christa McAuliffe Elementary Bakersfield | 3.4 mi | 5.0 |
| Bill L. Williams Elementary Bakersfield | 3.0 mi | 4.2 |
| Ridgeview High Bakersfield | 3.0 mi | 5.0 |
| Laurelglen Elementary Bakersfield | 3.6 mi | 4.1 |
| Panama Elementary Bakersfield | 3.2 mi | 7.0 |
| Lakeside Bakersfield | 4.2 mi | 3.4 |
| VALLEY ACHIEVEMENT CENTER Bakersfield | 4.1 mi | — |
| Valley Achievement Center Bakersfield | 4.1 mi | — |
| Charles H. Castle Elementary Bakersfield | 4.0 mi | 3.1 |
| Stonecreek Junior High Bakersfield | 3.6 mi | 7.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 93311 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$117,591
Median Home Value
$425,500
Median Rent
$1,884/mo
Population
52,505
College Educated
38.9%
Homeownership
70.8%
Avg Commute
24.3 min
Poverty Rate
6.7%
Median Age
32.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Independence High has a median household income of $117,591. It is an area where 39% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $425,500, with a median rent of $1,884/month. The local poverty rate of 6.7% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 24 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bellflower High Bellflower, CA | 5.2 |
| East Union High Manteca, CA | 5.2 |
| Herbert Hoover High Fresno, CA | 5.2 |
| Indio High Indio, CA | 5.2 |
| Matilda Torres High Madera, CA | 5.2 |
| North Salinas High Salinas, CA | 5.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Independence High
What grades does Independence High serve?
Independence High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Independence High?
Independence High has an enrollment of approximately 2,334 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Independence High?
The student-teacher ratio at Independence High is 26.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Independence High rank in CA?
Independence High is ranked #7211 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is Independence High's MySchoolScout rating?
Independence High has a composite rating of 5.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Independence High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Independence High has 19.3% math proficiency and 61.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Independence High a charter school?
No, Independence High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Independence High a Title I school?
No, Independence High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Independence High?
73.7% of students at Independence 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,334
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 26.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 89
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 73.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Kern County
- Phone
- (661) 834-8001
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Kern High- District Enrollment
- 43,116
- Schools in District
- 25
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,536
- District Rank
- #15 of 24
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated 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.