Caroline Harris Elementary

Caroline Harris Elementary is a public K-6 school serving 587 students in the Bakersfield City School District, an area where the district itself is ranked in the bottom 12% statewide.

The school serves a community with significant economic need and, while its test scores are below state averages, it shows important strengths compared to other schools in its own district. For instance, its math scores are notably stronger than most nearby Bakersfield City schools, and it has made exceptional progress in reducing chronic student absenteeism, now boasting a better attendance rate than both the district and state. The school is particularly effective in supporting its Special Education students, who perform in the 72nd percentile statewide. However, performance can vary between different student groups and grade levels, with 5th-grade math being a noted area for growth.

When looking at the broader landscape, Caroline Harris Elementary receives more funding per student than many neighboring schools, but this doesn't always translate to higher scores, as seen with the high-performing Downtown Elementary. Schools in neighboring districts like Quailwood Elementary (in the Fruitvale Elementary district) often outperform those in Bakersfield City, highlighting a district-wide challenge. The school's recent rise in its statewide ranking is a positive sign of potential ongoing improvement.