Serving 654 students in grades 6-8, Paul L. Cato Middle 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 25% (which is lower than the California state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40% (which is lower 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 79% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 654 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 79%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 25% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 28% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Paul L. Cato Middle School's student population of 654 students has declined by 33% over five school years.
The teacher population of 28 teachers has declined by 24% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
Total Students
654 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
28 teachers
Students by Grade
School Calendar
School Rankings
Paul L. Cato Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Paul L. Cato Middle School is 0.45, 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
#5189 out of 9602 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
28%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
23:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
3%
12%
Hispanic
71%
56%
Black
2%
5%
White
21%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
54%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
15%
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 Paul L. Cato Middle School's ranking?
Paul L. Cato Middle School is ranked #5189 out of 9,602 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?
25% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CA state average), while 40% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Paul L. Cato Middle School?
654 students attend Paul L. Cato Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Paul L. Cato Middle School students are Hispanic, 21% of students are White, 3% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Black, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Paul L. Cato Middle School?
Paul L. Cato Middle School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Paul L. Cato Middle School offer ?
Paul L. Cato Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8
What school district is Paul L. Cato Middle School part of?
Paul L. Cato Middle School is part of Bakersfield City School District.
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