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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

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 metrics
Student Progress6.6Above Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-0.79 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics7.4Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency18.4%
Reading/ELA Proficiency59.8%
Math vs. State Avg-9.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+3.9 pts
Overall Proficiency39%
Expected (poverty-adj.)33%
vs. Expected+6.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile61th
College Readiness3.3Fair30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation11.6%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.6Fair20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio26.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$15,957

Independence High — Students at Independence High score 39% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 33%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

73.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 19.3%
School
State
31.8%
ELA Proficiency 61.5%
School
State
51.5%

Based on 6 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
21%
ELA
65%
2024
Math
18.4%
ELA
59.8%

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.

Overall Score
5.2/10
24th percentile in CA
Academic
7.4/10
7.4/10
Growth
6.6/10
Above average
Environment
3.6/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
74%
Teaching Staff
26:1 student-teacher ratio
89 teachers

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
5 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
0 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
31 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
High (3,028/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Bakersfield). Data >1 year old.

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
Data Year
2023–2024

District

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

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 methodology

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