Bakersfield Adult School

Program Overview

Our Mission: To enrich the lives of each of our students by providing them with the tools for personal and professional success through high-quality instruction and relevant technical training while meeting the diverse needs of our community.

Bakersfield Adult School (BAS): Serving since 1917, we've impacted over 500,000 adult students. Whether you're improving English skills, exploring U.S. history, enhancing employability, or completing high school, we're here to help.

Support Beyond Academics: We offer referrals to community agencies for personal challenges and guide you in your educational choices, including enrolling in Bakersfield College.

Diversity at BAS: In 2022-2023, we served 4,745 students, celebrated 212 high school diplomas, and 46 GEDs. With over 22 languages spoken, we're truly diverse.

Classes are offered at our main campus located at 501 South Mount Vernon Avenue, as well as at our F Street campus situated at 2727 F Street. Additionally, we are co-located at the Job Spot with Bakersfield College in order to provide wrap-around services for all your educational needs. The Job Spot is located at 1501 Panama Lane. Also, we have established numerous community sites in the greater Bakersfield area, ensuring accessibility and convenience for our students.

We are passionate about our mission to enrich the lives of our students and provide them with opportunities for personal and professional growth. At Bakersfield Adult School, we believe that every adult deserves a chance to fulfill their potential through education.

Programs at BAS:

Licensed Vocational Nurse
Health Support Occupations
High School Diploma
GED
Pre-GED, Adult Basic Education
Independent Study High School Diploma
ESL/ELD/EL Civics
Medical Programs: Certified Nurse Assistant, Medical Assistant, Neurodiagnostic: EEG
Recycling Lives: Job Readiness Training
Teacher Assistant: Paraprofessional Preparation
Culinary Arts: CAFE' 1600
Information Technology Specialist: Network Cabling, Cybersecurity
Business Certification: Office Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Bookkeeper/Account Technician, Medical Receptionist
Computer Certification: Intro to Computers, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, MS Access, MS Publisher, MS PowerPoint, MS Word, MS Excel

Cost Info

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

This inspiring story follows Jesus Serrano's path from leaving Mexico at 16 years old to pursuing a better life in the United States. Despite facing obstacles and pressure to forgo education, Jesus found himself working entry-level jobs for the past 25 years. However, everything changed when he applied to be a bus driver at Greenfield School District and ended up at Bakersfield Adult School.

With the support and encouragement of a dedicated teacher, Jesus obtained his GED in just two months. Motivated by this accomplishment, he decided to pursue a college degree and enrolled at Bakersfield College, where he excelled in his studies. Now, at the age of 44, Jesus is graduating with honors, earning an associate degree and triple majors in Spanish, math, and economics. He has been accepted to Cal State Bakersfield for the fall, further solidifying his commitment to education.

Jesus's experience at Bakersfield Adult School not only transformed his own life but also fueled his desire to become a math teacher at an adult school or community college. He aims to challenge the cultural perception that education holds little value and believes that providing education to individuals can lead to a better life for themselves and their families.

Throughout his educational journey, Jesus's work ethic, determination, and willingness to learn impressed his professors. They recognized his potential as a teacher and admired his growth mindset. Jesus's story serves as an inspiration to students from challenging backgrounds who have to work hard to achieve their goals.

By breaking the cycle of limited opportunities through education, Jesus now has a second chance to make a positive impact on others' lives. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit.