Average
#4865 of 9,533 schools in CA
South High
High School · Kern High
1101 Planz Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93304
Enrollment
2,150
Student-Teacher
23.4:1
Score
6.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,150
Student-Teacher
23.4:1
Score
6.3
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Bakersfield
#45 of 145
public schools
California high schools
#1,018 of 1,892
In district
#8 of 24
Kern High
Academic growth
9.5 / 10
Exceptional
About South High
South High serves 2,150 students in grades 9-12 in Bakersfield, California, making it a large comprehensive high school with a student-teacher ratio of 23.4:1 and 92 full-time equivalent teachers. The school ranks in the 54th percentile statewide, placing #4445 out of 9566 California schools with a MySchoolScout rating of 5.8 out of 10. Academically, South High shows particular strength in English Language Arts, where 61% of students perform at proficient or above levels across grade levels.
Mathematics presents an area with significant room for growth, with 14% of students reaching proficiency. These results reflect the broader educational landscape in a community where economic factors play a significant role in student outcomes. The school draws from the 93304 neighborhood, which has a median household income of $50,334 and a poverty rate of 26%.
With only 12% of local residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, South High serves many first-generation college-bound students. The surrounding area features affordable housing with a median home value of $209,500, reflecting its working-class character. South High operates within Bakersfield's large urban setting, serving as an important educational anchor for its diverse community of over 50,000 residents.
What Parents Should Know
South High is a large school with 2,150 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 South High is 23.4:1, 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.
Score Breakdown
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South High — Students at South High score 37% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 20%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
96.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 7 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 9.5/10.
How South High Compares
See how South High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 19% (2019) to 14.39% (2024). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 40% (2019) to 60.58% (2024).
Location
1101 Planz Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93304
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering South High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. W. A. Kendrick Elementary (rated 8.0/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Leo G. Pauly Elementary (rated 7.4/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Vista Continuation High (rated 7.0/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Bakersfield, see our Bakersfield schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Prosperity Elementary Bakersfield | 0.3 mi | 4.9 |
| Leo G. Pauly Elementary Bakersfield | 0.5 mi | 7.4 |
| Planz Elementary Bakersfield | 0.7 mi | 3.9 |
| Nigritian Academy Bakersfield | 0.8 mi | — |
| Greenfield Middle Bakersfield | 1.0 mi | 6.9 |
| Frank West Elementary Bakersfield | 1.0 mi | 5.8 |
| Wayside Elementary Bakersfield | 1.1 mi | 5.7 |
| Greenfield Community Bakersfield | 1.2 mi | — |
| Amy B. Seibert Elementary Bakersfield | 1.2 mi | 2.9 |
| Raffaello Palla Elementary Bakersfield | 1.4 mi | 3.6 |
| W. A. Kendrick Elementary Bakersfield | 1.3 mi | 8.0 |
| Sequoia Jr. High Bakersfield | 1.7 mi | 4.4 |
| Casa Loma Elementary Bakersfield | 1.5 mi | 6.6 |
| Evergreen Elementary Bakersfield | 1.7 mi | 5.4 |
| Fairview Elementary Bakersfield | 1.8 mi | 5.8 |
| Connections Academy By Pearson Bakersfield | 1.7 mi | — |
| Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary Bakersfield | 2.0 mi | 4.9 |
| Vista Continuation High Bakersfield | 2.4 mi | 7.0 |
| Roosevelt Elementary Bakersfield | 2.4 mi | 5.4 |
| Valle Verde Elementary Bakersfield | 2.4 mi | 5.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 93304 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$51,627
Median Home Value
$228,800
Median Rent
$1,141/mo
Population
51,457
College Educated
11.1%
Homeownership
43.5%
Avg Commute
23 min
Poverty Rate
27.4%
Median Age
29.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding South High has a median household income of $51,627. It is a community where 11% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $228,800, with a median rent of $1,141/month. The area has a poverty rate of 27.4%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 23 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 |
|---|---|
| California High San Ramon, CA | 6.3 |
| Colony High Ontario, CA | 6.3 |
| Eastside High Lancaster, CA | 6.3 |
| Greenfield High Greenfield, CA | 6.3 |
| Lathrop High Manteca, CA | 6.3 |
| Liberty High Brentwood, CA | 6.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about South High
What grades does South High serve?
South High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend South High?
South High has an enrollment of approximately 2,150 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at South High?
The student-teacher ratio at South High is 23.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does South High rank in CA?
South High is ranked #4865 out of 9,533 schools in CA.
What is South High's MySchoolScout rating?
South High has a composite rating of 6.3 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 South High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, South High has 15.9% math proficiency and 62.8% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is South High a charter school?
No, South High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is South High a Title I school?
No, South High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South High?
96.7% of students at South 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
- 2,150
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 23.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 92
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 96.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Kern County
- Phone
- (661) 831-3680
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Kern High- District Enrollment
- 43,116
- Schools in District
- 25
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,536
- District Rank
- #8 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.
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