Skip to main content

Average

#6418 of 9,539 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

5.5

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#6,418 of 9,539

In Bakersfield

#91 of 145

public schools

In district

#16 of 24

Kern High

Academic performance

7.3 / 10

Very Good

School shortlistprofile + nearby

Shortlisting around Independence High?

Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.

Shortlist starter

Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.

Independence High

5.5/10

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

Buena Vista Elementary

7.9/10

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

Love to Learn

Nearby

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

About Independence High

Independence High is a public high school in Bakersfield, CA, part of Kern High. Independence High serves approximately 2,334 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 26.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Independence High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 out of 10 and ranks #6,418 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Independence High show 38% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 5.5 · Average
  • District avg 5.7
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Independence High is a large school: 2,334 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.

Independence High runs 26.2:1 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.

Independence High sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.8Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data12
Annual Change-2.1 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics7.3Very Good25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency18.4% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency59.8% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-9.6 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+3.9 pts
Overall Proficiency39% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)33% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+6.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile61th
College Readiness5.9Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate94%
AP Participation11.6%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.7Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio26.2:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,536
Chronic Absenteeism18.9%

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 37.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
31.8% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 62.0% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
51.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 26 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
66%
ELA
65%
2010
Math
60%
ELA
65%
2011
Math
58%
ELA
61%
2012
Math
60%
ELA
64%
2013
Math
63%
ELA
58%
2014
Math
30%
ELA
58%
2015
Math
34%
ELA
68%
2016
Math
22%
ELA
63%
2017
Math
20%
ELA
55%
2018
Math
21%
ELA
65%
2019
Math
21%
ELA
65%
2024
Math
18.4%
ELA
59.8%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.8/10.

How Independence High Compares

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

Overall Score
5.5/10
33th percentile in CA
Academic
7.3/10
Very Good
Growth
3.8/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
4.7/10
Below Average
AP Courses
2
State avg: 2.6
Sports
22
10 boys' · 12 girls'
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
74%
Teaching Staff
26:1 student-teacher ratio
89 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
18.9%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs2 AP courses offered
11.6% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Athletics22sports offered
10 boys'·12 girls'·44 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

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 6.3/10, 3.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Ridgeview High (rated 6.3/10, 3.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. 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 7.9
LOVE TO LEARN Bakersfield 1.8 mi
Sing Lum Elementary Bakersfield 2.2 mi 5.3
Earl Warren Junior High Bakersfield 2.2 mi 7.5
Old River Elementary Bakersfield 2.4 mi 6.7
Donald E. Suburu Bakersfield 2.2 mi 3.8
Tevis Junior High Bakersfield 2.8 mi 6.2
Douglas J. Miller Elementary Bakersfield 2.5 mi 7.2
Stockdale High Bakersfield 3.1 mi 6.3
Leo B. Hart Elementary Bakersfield 3.3 mi 6.5
Christa McAuliffe Elementary Bakersfield 3.4 mi 5.1
Bill L. Williams Elementary Bakersfield 3.0 mi 6.1
Ridgeview High Bakersfield 3.0 mi 6.3
Laurelglen Elementary Bakersfield 3.6 mi 5.6
Panama Elementary Bakersfield 3.2 mi 7.0
Lakeside Bakersfield 4.2 mi 4.5
VALLEY ACHIEVEMENT CENTER Bakersfield 4.1 mi
Valley Achievement Center Bakersfield 4.1 mi
Charles H. Castle Elementary Bakersfield 4.0 mi 4.7
Stonecreek Junior High Bakersfield 3.6 mi 8.0

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

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Atwater High Atwater, CA 5.5
Channel Islands High Oxnard, CA 5.5
Glendale High Glendale, CA 5.5
Heritage High Romoland, CA 5.5
Hueneme High Oxnard, CA 5.5
Mt. Diablo High Concord, CA 5.5

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 ranks #6,418 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Independence High's MySchoolScout rating?

Independence High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.5 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 Independence High?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Independence High has 38% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 62% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

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

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
18.9%
4-Year Graduation
94.0%

District

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

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 rate

Related reading

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.