Excellent
#1509 of 9,539 schools in CA
Top 16% in state
Paul L. Cato Middle
Middle School · Bakersfield City
4115 Vineland Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93306
Enrollment
654
Student-Teacher
24.2:1
Score
8.0
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
654
Student-Teacher
24.2:1
Score
8.0
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#1,509 of 9,539
In Bakersfield
#9 of 145
public schools
In district
#3 of 44
Bakersfield City
Academic growth
9.4 / 10
Excellent
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Paul L. Cato Middle
Middle School in Bakersfield · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Dr. Douglas K. Fletcher Elementary
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Cesar E. Chavez Elementary
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Paul L. Cato Middle
Paul L. Cato Middle is a public middle school in Bakersfield, CA, part of Bakersfield City. Paul L.
Cato Middle serves approximately 654 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 24.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Paul L. Cato Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.0 out of 10 and ranks #1,509 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Paul L. Cato Middle show 30% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2014-2024) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2014-2024).
- This school 8.0 · Excellent
- District avg 5.1
- CA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
Paul L. Cato Middle runs 24.2:1 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.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Paul L. Cato Middle — Students at Paul L. Cato Middle score 41% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 36%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
68.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 22 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: 9.4/10.
How Paul L. Cato Middle Compares
See how Paul L. Cato Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
4115 Vineland Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93306
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Paul L. Cato Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Edison Middle (rated 6.1/10, 3.1 miles away), a more accessible option. Another option is Chipman Junior High (rated 5.8/10, 2.5 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Walter Stiern Middle (rated 4.9/10, 1.2 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Bakersfield, see our Bakersfield schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Douglas K. Fletcher Elementary Bakersfield | 0.1 mi | 8.0 |
| Cesar E. Chavez Elementary Bakersfield | 0.8 mi | 8.0 |
| The Shepherd's Academy Bakersfield | 1.2 mi | — |
| Walter Stiern Middle Bakersfield | 1.2 mi | 4.9 |
| Orangewood Elementary Bakersfield | 1.7 mi | 7.7 |
| Hort Elementary Bakersfield | 1.5 mi | 4.6 |
| Dr. Juliet Thorner Elementary Bakersfield | 1.6 mi | 4.2 |
| Voorhies Elementary Bakersfield | 2.0 mi | 4.6 |
| Foothill High Bakersfield | 2.2 mi | 5.6 |
| Highland High Bakersfield | 2.3 mi | 5.9 |
| Chipman Junior High Bakersfield | 2.5 mi | 5.8 |
| Henry Eissler Elementary Bakersfield | 2.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Edison Middle Bakersfield | 3.1 mi | 6.1 |
| Pioneer Drive Elementary Bakersfield | 2.8 mi | 5.7 |
| NIGRITIAN ACADEMY Bakersfield | 2.7 mi | — |
| Compton Junior High Bakersfield | 3.2 mi | 4.6 |
| Shirley Lane Elementary Bakersfield | 3.8 mi | 7.4 |
| Harding Elementary Bakersfield | 3.3 mi | 4.4 |
| Sierra Middle Bakersfield | 3.5 mi | 4.8 |
| Zephyr Lane Elementary Bakersfield | 3.8 mi | 7.4 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Alamitos Intermediate Garden Grove, CA | 8.0 |
| Arlie F. Hutchinson Middle La Mirada, CA | 8.0 |
| Castillero Middle San Jose, CA | 8.0 |
| Edward J. Richardson Middle Torrance, CA | 8.0 |
| El Monte Middle Orosi, CA | 8.0 |
| Grace Yokley Junior High Ontario, CA | 8.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Paul L. Cato Middle
What grades does Paul L. Cato Middle serve?
Paul L. Cato Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Paul L. Cato Middle?
Paul L. Cato Middle has an enrollment of approximately 654 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Paul L. Cato Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Paul L. Cato Middle is 24.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Paul L. Cato Middle rank in CA?
Paul L. Cato Middle ranks #1,509 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Paul L. Cato Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Paul L. Cato Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.0 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 Paul L. Cato Middle?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Paul L. Cato Middle has 30% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2014-2024) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2014-2024).
Is Paul L. Cato Middle a charter school?
No, Paul L. Cato Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Paul L. Cato Middle a Title I school?
No, Paul L. Cato Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Paul L. Cato Middle?
68.2% of students at Paul L. Cato Middle 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
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 654
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 24.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 27
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 68.2%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Kern County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 17.3%
- Phone
- (661) 631-5245
Resources & Links
District
Bakersfield City- District Enrollment
- 28,761
- Schools in District
- 45
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $19,155
- District Rank
- #3 of 44
How we rate schools
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