Serving 960 students in grades Kindergarten-6, Colonel Howard Nichols 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 26% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 37% (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 90% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 960 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
- Minority Enrollment: 90%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 26% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 37% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary School's student population of 960 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 41 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-6
Total Students
960 students
Total Classroom Teachers
41 teachers
Year Founded
1961
Colors
Blue and Gold
Campus Size
18 acres
School Motto
To educate all students at the highest levels of academic excellence to become collaborative, creative, and critical thinkers.
School Rankings
Colonel Howard Nichols 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 Colonel Howard Nichols 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
#5436 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
26%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
37%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
23:1
21:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
12%
Hispanic
84%
56%
Black
4%
5%
White
10%
20%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)30.5%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary School's ranking?
Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary School is ranked #5436 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?
26% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 37% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary School?
960 students attend Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
84% of Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary School students are Hispanic, 10% of students are White, 4% of students are Black, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary School?
Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary School has a student ration of 23:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary School offer ?
Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-6
What school district is Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary School part of?
Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary School is part of Bakersfield City School District.
School Reviews
Review Colonel Howard Nichols Elementary School. 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
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.
