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Below Average

#7372 of 9,539 schools in CA

Walter Stiern Middle

Middle School · Bakersfield City

2551 Morning Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93306

Enrollment

783

Student-Teacher

21.8:1

Score

4.9

Grades

6th – 8th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#7,372 of 9,539

In Bakersfield

#105 of 145

public schools

In district

#25 of 44

Bakersfield City

School environment

7.2 / 10

Very Good

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Walter Stiern Middle

4.9/10

Middle School in Bakersfield · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Hort Elementary

4.6/10

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

The Shepherd's Academy

Nearby

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

About Walter Stiern Middle

Walter Stiern Middle is a public middle school in Bakersfield, CA, part of Bakersfield City. Walter Stiern Middle serves approximately 783 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 21.8:1 student-teacher ratio. Walter Stiern Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 out of 10 and ranks #7,372 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Walter Stiern Middle show 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 33% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

How it comparesOn par with district
  • This school 4.9 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.1
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

Walter Stiern Middle runs 21.8:1 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.

Walter Stiern Middle 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 · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.4Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-1.93 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics3.9Needs Improvement35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency9.9% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency23.9% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg-24.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-22 pts
Overall Proficiency17% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)23% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected-5.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile20th
Resources & Environment7.2Very Good25%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$19,155
Chronic Absenteeism28.6%

Walter Stiern Middle — Students at Walter Stiern Middle score 17% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 23%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

91.7%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 24.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
33.9% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 32.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2024)
School
State
46.6% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 32 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
38%
ELA
31%
2010
Math
35%
ELA
32%
2011
Math
39%
ELA
35%
2012
Math
40%
ELA
33%
2013
Math
90%
ELA
90%
2014
Math
17%
ELA
29%
2015
Math
18%
ELA
27%
2016
Math
20%
ELA
34%
2017
Math
18%
ELA
33%
2018
Math
18%
ELA
32%
2019
Math
18%
ELA
32%
2022
Math
8.2%
ELA
23.8%
2024
Math
9.5%
ELA
23.2%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.4/10.

How Walter Stiern Middle Compares

See how Walter Stiern Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.9/10
23th percentile in CA
Academic
3.9/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
4.4/10
Below Average
Environment
7.2/10
Very Good
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
92%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
36 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
28.6%

Programs & Offerings

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

2551 Morning Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93306

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Walter Stiern Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Paul L. Cato Middle (rated 8.0/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Chipman Junior High (rated 5.8/10, 1.9 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Sierra Middle (rated 4.8/10, 2.3 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Bakersfield, see our Bakersfield schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Hort Elementary Bakersfield 0.3 mi 4.6
The Shepherd's Academy Bakersfield 0.9 mi
Voorhies Elementary Bakersfield 1.0 mi 4.6
Foothill High Bakersfield 1.2 mi 5.6
Paul L. Cato Middle Bakersfield 1.2 mi 8.0
Dr. Douglas K. Fletcher Elementary Bakersfield 1.2 mi 8.0
Orangewood Elementary Bakersfield 1.4 mi 7.7
Dr. Juliet Thorner Elementary Bakersfield 1.5 mi 4.2
Pioneer Drive Elementary Bakersfield 1.6 mi 5.7
Highland High Bakersfield 1.7 mi 5.9
Chipman Junior High Bakersfield 1.9 mi 5.8
Henry Eissler Elementary Bakersfield 1.9 mi 5.3
NIGRITIAN ACADEMY Bakersfield 1.9 mi
Cesar E. Chavez Elementary Bakersfield 1.9 mi 8.0
Compton Junior High Bakersfield 2.2 mi 4.6
Sierra Middle Bakersfield 2.3 mi 4.8
Virginia Avenue Elementary Bakersfield 2.4 mi 7.3
Harding Elementary Bakersfield 2.3 mi 4.4
Shirley Lane Elementary Bakersfield 2.8 mi 7.4
Ramon Garza Elementary Bakersfield 2.4 mi 5.0

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
Almeria Middle Fontana, CA 4.9
Arden Middle Sacramento, CA 4.9
Davis (Caroline) Intermediate San Jose, CA 4.9
Elmhurst United Middle Oakland, CA 4.9
Fesler (Isaac) Junior High Santa Maria, CA 4.9
Gifford C. Cole Middle Lancaster, CA 4.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Walter Stiern Middle

What grades does Walter Stiern Middle serve?

Walter Stiern Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.

How many students attend Walter Stiern Middle?

Walter Stiern Middle has an enrollment of approximately 783 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Walter Stiern Middle?

The student-teacher ratio at Walter Stiern Middle is 21.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Walter Stiern Middle rank in CA?

Walter Stiern Middle ranks #7,372 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Walter Stiern Middle's MySchoolScout rating?

Walter Stiern Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.9 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 Walter Stiern Middle?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Walter Stiern Middle has 25% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 33% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).

Is Walter Stiern Middle a charter school?

No, Walter Stiern Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Walter Stiern Middle a Title I school?

No, Walter Stiern Middle is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Walter Stiern Middle?

91.7% of students at Walter Stiern 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
25 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
24 Minimal Transit
Bike Score
16 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
783
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
36
Free/Reduced Lunch
91.7%
Type
regular
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Kern County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
28.6%

District

Bakersfield City
District Enrollment
28,761
Schools in District
45
Per-Pupil Spending
$19,155
District Rank
#25 of 44

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