7717 Vaquero Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93308

This high school is one of the best in Kern County. My son has had great teachers every year and their sport programs are great.

This is the best junior high school in our county! I have nothing, but great things to say about it. I have a child who attended here for both 7th and 8th and I have a child who is currently attending the school. This is the current principal's third year holding his position. Previously, he was the vice principal. From the moment we met him, we were impressed. He listened to everything we said and helped make the best choices for our children. From my interactions with him, I was able to see how much he values the education of every student and how much he loves them, too. He works hard to get the students what they need. He has a heart of gold and he is a great leader.I can not say enough about the teachers. They are so valuable to the school, students, and parents. They care for every student. They want every student to succeed. They challenge them, want them to do their best, and help them to reach their highest potential. Teachers are very clear about assignments given. They always want open communication and make themselves available to the students and their parents. My children have grown and flourished at this school and it's all because of how much their teachers have seen their potential and supported them in striving to always do the best they can.There are a lot of things impressive about this school. I could go on and on, but I want to share 2 of the things that have benefitted my children the most by attending this school. One important thing for my children was having accelerated classes to meet their needs. Being in these accelerated classes have given them a step up and have prepared them for GATE and AP classes in high school. The leveled classes help them to work at a higher level, where they aren't bored and are exactly where they need to be. The other thing that I am thankful for is the huge selection of electives this school offers. Not all junior highs have the amount of electives this school offers. Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is at the top of the list for my children. This is the engineering program that continues on in high school and helps set them up for college as well. Mrs. Shelton is the PLTW teacher and she is amazing! There are other wonderful electives like Mock Trial who already compete at the high school level, Band, Choir, Journalism, Colorguard, Medical Detectives, Computer Science, Spanish, Art, Drama, and more!You are blessed if you live in this area because your child can attend this great school!

Special education: the school was NOT good for my son. Our experience was disheartening. Skills sets for special education coordinator- includes teachers and everyone need to be get better with Empathy. My review my not change anything but it could be a heads up for parents heart break.Kim Hoffman- needs more patience and empathy.