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Average

#4281 of 9,533 schools in CA

Top 45% in state

Wasco Independence High

High School · Wasco Union High

Box 250, Wasco, CA 93280

Enrollment

113

Student-Teacher

18.8:1

Score

6.6

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Wasco

#6 of 10

public schools

California high schools

#852 of 1,892

In district

#1 of 2

Wasco Union High

Academic growth

8.8 / 10

Exceptional

About Wasco Independence High

Wasco Independence High is an alternative high school located in Wasco, California. Serving students from ninth to twelfth grade, the school has a total enrollment of 113 students and boasts a student-teacher ratio of 18.8:1 with six full-time equivalent teachers on staff. The academic performance at Wasco Independence High reflects areas where growth is needed.

With a MySchoolScout rating of 3.6 out of 10, the school ranks in the 19th percentile among California schools, indicating there's room for improvement in academics. Test scores show that only 15% of students are proficient or above in English Language Arts and Reading, while just 6% are proficient or above in Math. As an alternative high school, Wasco Independence High offers a unique setting where educators focus on providing support to help each student succeed at their own pace.

The town of Wasco is the backdrop for this educational journey, offering a close-knit community feel that can be supportive and nurturing. Wasco Independence High stands as a place where students receive personalized attention in a small-town environment focused on development and growth.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 113 students, Wasco Independence High is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

While current test scores at Wasco Independence High are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.8Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+0.45 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics3.4Fair25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency4%
Reading/ELA Proficiency20%
Math vs. State Avg-24 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-35.9 pts
Overall Proficiency12%
Expected (poverty-adj.)19%
vs. Expected-7.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile15th
College Readiness6.5Above Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment7.8Very Good20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio18.8:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,340

Wasco Independence High — Students at Wasco Independence High score 12% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 19%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

97.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 5.8%
School
State
31.8%
ELA Proficiency 15.0%
School
State
51.5%

Based on 8 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2021*
Math
10%
ELA
5%
2024
Math
4%
ELA
20%

* 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: 8.8/10.

How Wasco Independence High Compares

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

Overall Score
6.6/10
55th percentile in CA
Academic
3.4/10
3.4/10
Growth
8.8/10
Above average
Environment
7.8/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
97%
Teaching Staff
19:1 student-teacher ratio
6 teachers

Location

Box 250, Wasco, CA 93280

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Wasco Independence High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Central Valley High (Continuation) (rated 6.6/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Shafter), with a very similar rating. Another option is Shafter High (rated 5.8/10, 6.8 miles away, in nearby Shafter), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Wasco High (rated 5.5/10, 0.6 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Wasco, see our Wasco schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 7.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Teresa Burke Elementary Wasco 0.5 mi 7.4
Palm Avenue Middle Wasco 0.5 mi 6.9
Wasco High Wasco 0.6 mi 5.5
BETHANY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Wasco 0.7 mi
Karl F. Clemens Elementary Wasco 0.7 mi 5.6
NORTH KERN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Wasco 0.7 mi 5.1
North Kern Christian Wasco 0.7 mi
Thomas Jefferson Middle Wasco 0.8 mi 7.0
James A. Forrest Elementary Wasco 1.2 mi 6.4
John L. Prueitt Elementary Wasco 1.4 mi 7.3
Maple Elementary Shafter 5.0 mi 8.0
FREE WILL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Shafter 6.5 mi
Sequoia Elementary Shafter 6.5 mi 6.8
Redwood Elementary Shafter 6.8 mi 6.2
Richland Junior High Shafter 6.8 mi 5.7
Golden Oak Elementary Shafter 7.0 mi 7.3
Central Valley High (Continuation) Shafter 6.8 mi 6.6
Shafter High Shafter 6.8 mi 5.8
Grow Academy Shafter Bakersfield 7.3 mi 5.8
Little Hands Academy Shafter 7.2 mi

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 93280 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$55,060

Median Home Value

$255,300

Median Rent

$996/mo

Population

27,266

College Educated

7.9%

Homeownership

58.7%

Avg Commute

22.5 min

Poverty Rate

19.4%

Median Age

30.5

Community Profile

The community surrounding Wasco Independence High has a median household income of $55,060. It is a community where 8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $255,300, with a median rent of $996/month. The area has a poverty rate of 19.4%. 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
Angel's Gate (Continuation) San Pedro, CA 6.6
Apollo High San Jose, CA 6.6
Black Rock Alternative/Continuation Twentynine Palms, CA 6.6
Calla High Manteca, CA 6.6
Central Valley High (Continuation) Shafter, CA 6.6
Come Back Charter Merced, CA 6.6

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Wasco Independence High

What grades does Wasco Independence High serve?

Wasco Independence High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Wasco Independence High?

Wasco Independence High has an enrollment of approximately 113 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Wasco Independence High?

The student-teacher ratio at Wasco Independence High is 18.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Wasco Independence High rank in CA?

Wasco Independence High is ranked #4281 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

What is Wasco Independence High's MySchoolScout rating?

Wasco Independence High has a composite rating of 6.6 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 Wasco Independence High?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Wasco Independence High has 5.8% math proficiency and 15.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Wasco Independence High a charter school?

No, Wasco Independence High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Wasco Independence High a Title I school?

No, Wasco Independence High is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Wasco Independence High?

97.3% of students at Wasco 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

County Safety
Elevated (1,155/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
113
Student-Teacher Ratio
18.8:1
Teachers (FTE)
6
Free/Reduced Lunch
97.3%
Type
alternative
Setting
Distant Town
County
Kern County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Wasco Union High
District Enrollment
1,807
Schools in District
2
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,159
District Rank
#1 of 2

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.

Read our full methodology

Related reading

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