The top reported proficiency rate is 24% in English language arts. The lowest is 12% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Wayside Elementary
Wayside Elementary serves a small student body in a neighborhood marked by economic constraint and high family need. The school draws about three-quarters of a grade level in most years, with a demographic makeup that is predominantly Latino, and a very large share of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. The area sits within Bakersfield, a city shaped by agriculture, energy, and healthcare, with a relatively affordable housing market compared to much of California, though Wayside's immediate zone appears to be among the city's more economically stressed neighborhoods.
The school's academic results are a significant concern. In math, students across tested grades show markedly low proficiency rates, ranging from single digits in the middle grades to around one-third in sixth grade. English language arts results are similarly weak, though with slightly better performance in sixth grade. Science proficiency in fifth grade sits in the low teens. The school's overall proficiency index places it in the bottom quartile when compared to other schools across Kern County, suggesting that students here are struggling with grade-level content in core subjects at rates well above the county norm.
A parent considering Wayside should understand what these numbers reflect. Most students are not meeting state standards in reading, writing, and math. The disparity across grade levels in math, with much lower results in third through fifth grades than in sixth grade, may suggest either that older students are learning material better or that the tested cohorts differ in ways the data does not show. Without additional detail on why proficiency spikes so notably in grade six, a parent may want to look into this further with the school to understand what teaching approaches or supports may be involved.
The school's student population carries characteristics common to high-need urban elementary settings. Nearly all students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting families with limited household income. The published data does not include the rates for English learners or students in special education, so a parent seeking to understand the full profile of learners and available supports would need to ask the school directly. Bakersfield City School District is California's largest elementary school district and in October 2025 revised its opt-out policy following a Supreme Court decision, allowing parents to request removal of students from instruction that conflicts with religious beliefs. The district is also implementing a new smartphone use policy set to take effect by fall 2026. These changes will affect daily school operations across all district buildings.
Housing in the zip code where Wayside sits is notably affordable by California standards, with values well below the state benchmark. Rent is also below state levels, making the area accessible to families with modest incomes, though affordability does not necessarily mean economic stability for households living here. The city as a whole is experiencing rapid growth, with new development concentrated downtown and in southeast Bakersfield, though that growth has not yet reshaped the immediate neighborhoods around schools like Wayside.
Wayside offers what its grade band provides: elementary instruction in a regular public school setting. The data available did not include information about specialized programs, staff resources, or other school-level supports. A family choosing this school should seek direct answers about intervention strategies for students working below grade level, the availability of English learner or special education services, and what academic support systems are in place. The test results show students with substantial learning gaps; understanding what the school is doing to close those gaps is essential for any family making a placement decision.
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