Kern County Schools & Education
Kern County, California
School Score
47/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
86.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
86.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,004
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
47/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#46
of 58 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Kern County, California
A Powerhouse System in Kern County
Kern County manages one of the state's largest educational networks, with 272 schools serving 195,695 students. The county is divided into 58 districts and includes 161 elementary schools and 51 high schools. This infrastructure also supports 14 charter schools and 20 alternative education centers.
Competitive Results in a Large-Scale System
Kern County reports an 86.4% graduation rate, nearly reaching the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $8,004, which is lower than the California average of $8,762. Despite the lower spending and massive enrollment, the county maintains a school score of 53.8, reflecting the challenges and successes of a large, diverse district.
Massive Districts and Large Campuses
Kern High is a major player with 42,667 students, while Bakersfield City district manages 45 schools. The county is also home to large-scale charters like Blue Ridge Academy, which serves 6,751 students across various grade levels. Traditional high schools like Bakersfield and Arvin enroll nearly 3,000 students each, offering robust extracurricular and academic programs.
Diverse Locales from City to Country
Kern County offers every type of school environment, from 97 city-based schools to 58 in rural settings. The average school size is 733 students, making it one of the more densely populated school systems in the region. This variety ensures that families can choose between bustling urban campuses and quiet rural schoolhouses.
Strategic Housing Near Education Hubs
With 58 districts to choose from, Kern County offers families a wide range of educational styles and neighborhood vibes. Buying a home near the Kern High or Panama-Buena Vista Union districts puts you in the center of some of the county's most established programs. School quality is a key consideration for the growing number of families moving to the Bakersfield area.
School Overview
Total Schools
272
in Kern County
Total Enrollment
195,695
students
School Districts
58
districts
Charter Schools
14
5% of total
School Type Breakdown
58 School Districts in Kern County
Kern High
Bakersfield City
Panama-Buena Vista Union
Greenfield Union
Blue Ridge Academy District
Delano Union Elementary
Rosedale Union Elementary
Sierra Sands Unified
Heartland Charter District
Tehachapi Unified
272 Public Schools in Kern County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Ridge Academy | Blue Ridge Academy District | KG–12 | Charter | 6,751 |
| Heartland Charter | Heartland Charter District | KG–12 | Charter | 4,700 |
| Bakersfield High | Kern High | 9–12 | High | 3,004 |
| Arvin High | Kern High | 9–12 | High | 2,786 |
| Ridgeview High | Kern High | 9–12 | High | 2,688 |
| Highland High | Kern High | 9–12 | High | 2,599 |
| Golden Valley High | Kern High | 9–12 | High | 2,533 |
| East Bakersfield High | Kern High | 9–12 | High | 2,421 |
| Independence High | Kern High | 9–12 | High | 2,394 |
| Liberty High | Kern High | 9–12 | High | 2,358 |
| Stockdale High | Kern High | 9–12 | High | 2,298 |
| Mira Monte High | Kern High | 9–12 | High | 2,293 |
| North High | Kern High | 9–12 | High | 2,214 |
| South High | Kern High | 9–12 | High | 2,176 |
| Centennial High | Kern High | 9–12 | High | 2,175 |
| Frontier High | Kern High | 9–12 | High | 2,072 |
| Foothill High | Kern High | 9–12 | High | 2,045 |
| West High | Kern High | 9–12 | High | 2,025 |
| Wonderful College Prep Academy | Wonderful College Prep Academy District | KG–12 | Charter | 1,900 |
| Wasco High | Wasco Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,733 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,004
State avg $8,762
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Kern County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Kern County, California?
Kern County manages one of the state's largest educational networks, with 272 schools serving 195,695 students. The county is divided into 58 districts and includes 161 elementary schools and 51 high schools. This infrastructure also supports 14 charter schools and 20 alternative education centers.
How do schools in Kern County perform academically?
Kern County reports an 86.4% graduation rate, nearly reaching the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $8,004, which is lower than the California average of $8,762. Despite the lower spending and massive enrollment, the county maintains a school score of 53.8, reflecting the challenges and successes of a large, diverse district.
What are the major school districts in Kern County, California?
Kern High is a major player with 42,667 students, while Bakersfield City district manages 45 schools. The county is also home to large-scale charters like Blue Ridge Academy, which serves 6,751 students across various grade levels. Traditional high schools like Bakersfield and Arvin enroll nearly 3,000 students each, offering robust extracurricular and academic programs.
What is the school experience like in Kern County?
Kern County offers every type of school environment, from 97 city-based schools to 58 in rural settings. The average school size is 733 students, making it one of the more densely populated school systems in the region. This variety ensures that families can choose between bustling urban campuses and quiet rural schoolhouses.
How can I find homes near good schools in Kern County, California?
With 58 districts to choose from, Kern County offers families a wide range of educational styles and neighborhood vibes. Buying a home near the Kern High or Panama-Buena Vista Union districts puts you in the center of some of the county's most established programs. School quality is a key consideration for the growing number of families moving to the Bakersfield area.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.