Highgate Elementary

Highgate Elementary sits in the southwest corner of Bakersfield, one of the faster-growing parts of a city that tends to surprise newcomers with its tight-knit neighborhoods and strong sense of community pride. The school punches well above average across the board, with particularly sharp English scores that put it in the top 10% statewide — a draw for families who want a solid academic foundation without having to seek out a magnet or private option. It's a good fit for parents planting roots in the newer subdivisions of 93311, where the schools, parks, and family-friendly pace of life all tend to reinforce each other.