| Metric | Kern High School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 43,020 | 3,700 | Much larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 25 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $13,940/yr | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 5/10 — Average | — | Near average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 963 rated districts in CA → 44th percentile → 5/10.
Source: California Dept. of Education CAASPP Smarter Balanced, 2023–24 school year. Full methodology →
- Bakersfield High — Grades 9–12 · 3,069 students
- Arvin High — Grades 9–12 · 2,653 students
- Ridgeview High — Grades 9–12 · 2,575 students
- Highland High — Grades 9–12 · 2,530 students
- Stockdale High — Grades 9–12 · 2,398 students
- Liberty High — Grades 9–12 · 2,369 students
- East Bakersfield High — Grades 9–12 · 2,331 students
- Independence High — Grades 9–12 · 2,324 students
- Golden Valley High — Grades 9–12 · 2,228 students
- Centennial High — Grades 9–12 · 2,212 students
- West High — Grades 9–12 · 2,159 students
- North High — Grades 9–12 · 2,135 students
- South High — Grades 9–12 · 2,107 students
- Frontier High — Grades 9–12 · 2,098 students
- Mira Monte High — Grades 9–12 · 2,048 students
- Foothill High — Grades 9–12 · 2,043 students
- Del Oro High — Grades 9–12 · 1,927 students
- Shafter High — Grades 9–12 · 1,599 students
- Kern Valley High — Grades 9–12 · 516 students
- Kern Workforce 2000 Academy — Grades 9–12 · 491 students
- Vista West Continuation High — Grades 9–12 · 375 students
- Tierra Del Sol Continuation High — Grades 9–12 · 241 students
- Vista Continuation High — Grades 9–12 · 221 students
- Central Valley High (Continuation) — Grades 9–12 · 86 students
- Nueva Continuation High — Grades 9–12 · 79 students
About Kern High School District
Families in zip code 93518 (Caliente, California) are assigned to Kern High School District for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 5/10 Rating
With a rating of 5/10 (average), Kern High School District ranks among California’s average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in California’s CAASPP Smarter Balanced assessments (2023–24 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because California is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Kern High School District falls near the middle of California on state assessment results, with reading and math proficiency close to the state median. Average-rated districts provide foundational public education, and many families find they deliver solid day-to-day learning — particularly when parents stay engaged. If you're considering this area, look beyond the overall rating: visit schools, talk to current parents, and research the specific school your child would attend. Average districts often have individual schools that significantly outperform the district mean.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 93518
Children in zip code 93518 are assigned to Kern High School District for public school enrollment, covering grades 9th – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 93518, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Kern High School District at (661)827-3100 or visit www.kernhigh.org. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — California districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Caliente
For families considering a purchase in the Kern area, district assignment matters financially. Because Kern High School District serves zip code 93518, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 93518. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In California, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Kern High School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 93518.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Kern High School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 93518 data.