Summary:
This analysis examines two middle schools, Washington Middle and Abraham Lincoln Junior High, serving grades 6-8 and 7-8 respectively in Bakersfield's 93305 zip code, both operating within the Bakersfield City school district which ranks in the bottom 12% statewide.
Comparing the two, Washington Middle demonstrates stronger academic results, with higher proficiency rates in English (20.61%), math (4.78%), and science (8.86%) than Abraham Lincoln Junior High (15.51%, 2.85%, and 3.70%). However, both schools perform far below California state averages, particularly in mathematics where proficiency is under 5%. Notably, Abraham Lincoln Junior High has a lower chronic absenteeism rate and a better student-teacher ratio, yet its academic outcomes are weaker, indicating that factors beyond attendance and class size significantly influence performance.
These schools serve student populations with high economic need, and both rank in the bottom 5% of all California schools. A key finding is that higher per-student spending at Abraham Lincoln Junior High has not led to better academic results compared to Washington Middle, suggesting resource allocation and instructional practices warrant close examination. Parents should note the severe academic challenges present across the district and consider these performance metrics when evaluating options.
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