Serving 1,092 students in grades Kindergarten-8, Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8 ranks in the top 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 38% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 48% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 23:1 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 (2025-26)
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 1,092 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 38% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 48% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8's student population of 1,092 students has grown by 43% over five school years.
The teacher population of 48 teachers has grown by 336% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Total Students
1,092 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
48 teachers
School Rankings
Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8 ranks within the top 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8 is 0.49, 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
#3496 out of 9523 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
48%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
15%
12%
Hispanic
70%
56%
Black
5%
5%
White
6%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
70%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
16%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8's ranking?
Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8 is ranked #3496 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
38% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 48% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8?
1,092 students attend Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
70% of Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8 students are Hispanic, 15% of students are Asian, 6% of students are White, 5% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8?
Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8 has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8 offer ?
Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8 offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-8
What school district is Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8 part of?
Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8 is part of Panama-Buena Vista Union School District.
In what neighborhood is Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8 located?
Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8 is located in the Castle Ranch neighborhood of Bakersfield, CA.
School Reviews
Review Dolores S. Whitley Tk-8. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
How Public Schools Support Students on Free / Reduced-Lunch Programs
Explore how U.S. public schools support students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch through nutrition, academic, and wraparound services in 2025.
Hidden Costs of Public Schools: Fees, Supplies & Extras
Explore the hidden costs in public schools—fees, supplies, extracurriculars—and how parents can plan for them in 2025.
Public School Funding 2025: What Families Should Know
Essential insights on public school funding in 2025—how it works, what’s changing, and what families should know to stay ahead.
