Skip to main content

Average

#7539 of 9,533 schools in CA

Walter Stiern Middle

Middle School · Bakersfield City

2551 Morning Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93306

Enrollment

783

Student-Teacher

21.8:1

Score

5.0

Grades

6th – 8th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Bakersfield

#91 of 145

public schools

California middle schools

#1,126 of 1,349

In district

#29 of 44

Bakersfield City

School environment

7.2 / 10

Strong

About Walter Stiern Middle

Walter Stiern Middle is a public middle school serving grades 6 through 8 in Bakersfield, California. Located at 2551 Morning Dr. in a rural area near town, the school has an enrollment of 783 students with a student-teacher ratio of 21.8:1 and 36 full-time equivalent teachers on staff. The school is currently experiencing significant academic challenges with room for growth.

In English language arts, 25% of students are performing at or above proficient levels across the grade span, while mathematics proficiency stands at 11%. These performance levels indicate that Walter Stiern Middle is focusing on strengthening its instructional programs and student support systems. The school's MySchoolScout rating of 2.8 out of 10 and California state ranking in the 8th percentile reflect areas where the school is working to improve outcomes for its student population.

For families considering Walter Stiern Middle, it's important to understand the school's current academic standing and to discuss with school leadership what specific initiatives and support systems are in place to help students improve their skills and achievement. The school serves the rural Bakersfield community and provides middle-grade education within the Kern County area.

What Parents Should Know

The student-teacher ratio at Walter Stiern Middle is 21.8:1, 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, Walter Stiern Middle 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 · 3/3 metrics
Student Progress4.5Below Average40%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-1.73 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendDeclining
Academics4.0Below Average35%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency9.9%
Reading/ELA Proficiency23.9%
Math vs. State Avg-24.5 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-22 pts
Overall Proficiency17%
Expected (poverty-adj.)22%
vs. Expected-5.5 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$17,295

Walter Stiern Middle — Students at Walter Stiern Middle score 17% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 22%).

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 11.2%
School
State
33.9%
ELA Proficiency 25.0%
School
State
46.6%

Based on 10 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2019
Math
18%
ELA
32%
2024
Math
9.5%
ELA
23.2%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 4.5/10.

How Walter Stiern Middle Compares

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

Overall Score
5.0/10
21th percentile in CA
Academic
4.0/10
4.0/10
Growth
4.5/10
Below average
Environment
7.2/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
92%
Teaching Staff
22:1 student-teacher ratio
36 teachers

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 7.7/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Chipman Junior High (rated 7.0/10, 1.9 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Compton Junior High (rated 6.4/10, 2.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. 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 4.8
The Shepherd's Academy Bakersfield 0.9 mi
Voorhies Elementary Bakersfield 1.0 mi 5.0
Foothill High Bakersfield 1.2 mi 4.0
Paul L. Cato Middle Bakersfield 1.2 mi 7.7
Dr. Douglas K. Fletcher Elementary Bakersfield 1.2 mi 6.0
Orangewood Elementary Bakersfield 1.4 mi 6.9
Dr. Juliet Thorner Elementary Bakersfield 1.5 mi 3.9
Pioneer Drive Elementary Bakersfield 1.6 mi 6.8
Highland High Bakersfield 1.7 mi 5.0
Chipman Junior High Bakersfield 1.9 mi 7.0
Henry Eissler Elementary Bakersfield 1.9 mi 4.6
NIGRITIAN ACADEMY Bakersfield 1.9 mi
Cesar E. Chavez Elementary Bakersfield 1.9 mi 5.9
Compton Junior High Bakersfield 2.2 mi 6.4
Sierra Middle Bakersfield 2.3 mi 5.6
Virginia Avenue Elementary Bakersfield 2.4 mi 4.9
Harding Elementary Bakersfield 2.3 mi 5.3
Shirley Lane Elementary Bakersfield 2.8 mi 7.5
Ramon Garza Elementary Bakersfield 2.4 mi 6.1

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

Community Profile

The community surrounding Walter Stiern Middle has a median household income of $66,988. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $290,700, with a median rent of $1,219/month. The area has a poverty rate of 20.6%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. The average commute for residents is 25 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
Almeria Middle Fontana, CA 5.0
Aptos Junior High Aptos, CA 5.0
Brookhurst Junior High Anaheim, CA 5.0
CHAMINADE COLLEGE PREPARATORY MIDDLE SCHOOL Chatsworth, CA 5.0
Cardozo Middle Riverbank, CA 5.0
Crescent Elk Middle Crescent City, CA 5.0

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 is ranked #7539 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is Walter Stiern Middle's MySchoolScout rating?

Walter Stiern Middle has a composite rating of 5.0 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 Walter Stiern Middle?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Walter Stiern Middle has 11.2% math proficiency and 25.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

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

City Safety
High (3,028/100K)

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

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
Data Year
2023–2024

District

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

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

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.