Serving 867 students in grades Kindergarten-6, Bessie E. Owens Elementary School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 24% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 867 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Bessie E. Owens Primary serves the southwest part of Bakersfield, CA, covering an area of approximately 1.1 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 5-10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge being about 1 mile away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Bessie E. Owens Elementary School's student population of 867 students has grown by 41% over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has grown by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Total Students
867 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Bessie E. Owens Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bessie E. Owens Elementary School is 0.29, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#7142 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
34%
Showing 2011–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
47%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
12%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 36-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
84%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
9%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
6%
20%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)42.9%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
86%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
8%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bessie E. Owens Elementary School's ranking?
Bessie E. Owens Elementary School is ranked #7142 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Bessie E. Owens Elementary School?
867 students attend Bessie E. Owens Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
84% of Bessie E. Owens Elementary School students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Black, 6% of students are White, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bessie E. Owens Elementary School?
Bessie E. Owens Elementary School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Bessie E. Owens Elementary School offer ?
Bessie E. Owens Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6
What school district is Bessie E. Owens Elementary School part of?
Bessie E. Owens Elementary School is part of Bakersfield City School District.
In what neighborhood is Bessie E. Owens Elementary School located?
Bessie E. Owens Elementary School is located in the Lakeview neighborhood of Bakersfield, CA. There are 1 other public schools located in Lakeview.
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