Caat is an Educational Trailblazer in Kern County

As the first and only TK-high school of choice in Bakersfield, the Central Academy of Arts and Technology (Caat) is an educational trailblazer in Kern County. We designed Caat to be the school parents requested for their children: a tuition-free, public charter school with a focus on the arts and technology.

What is a School of Choice?

In California the term school of choice refers to tuition-free educational programs offered as alternatives to the local public school. That includes magnet schools, charter schools, and home schools. Caat is a charter school authorized by the Kern County School Board.

“As a county office we are in support of serving our community in the way that our community has expressed the need. As the authorizer we are responsible to work in partnership with the charter; making sure they are meeting all the legal requirements and we support them in any way we can.”

Lisa Gilbert, Deputy Superintendent, Kern County Board of Education

Caat is the school of choice for students from families of diverse backgrounds throughout Kern County bringing scholars together from communities that have been segregated by traditional district boundaries.. Located on 18^th Street in downtown Bakersfield it is easily accessible from the 5 and 99. 

How is CAAT an Educational Trailblazer?

“This is the most creative and 100% supportive school I’ve experienced! They are all about the success of each student addressing their individual uniqueness and learning style. I cannot say enough about how thankful I am that my grandson attends CAAT. He’s learning and responding well in this educational and social environment.”

CAAT Grandparent, Google review

Caat is the public charter school Bakersfield families have dreamed of:

A tuition-free college preparatory education emphasizing the arts and technology on a safe, secure campus.

The focus on the arts begins in TK and intersects with all subjects. Scholars in 7-12th grades choose an arts pathways in visual, performing, and media arts to explore more deeply.

Technology is integrated into learning at all grade levels. Scholars are not only becoming tech savvy, they are building the creative thinking and technological skills they’ll need to become 21st century problem solvers.

Every scholar is preparing for college beginning on Day 1 of TK. In high school we’ll offer college preparatory classes and enhanced programs including: 

• AP courses

• Dual enrollment

• Individualized college and career counseling that includes parents, too

• Free SAT prep

Before they graduate, each scholar will complete the general education courses CSUs and UCs require at a significant financial savings for their families.

We’ve just completed our first year and now we’re growing! We’re adding a class at every grade level and expanding our Upper School to include 9^th grade for the 2025-2026 school year. Classes are filling quickly.

About Central Academy of Arts and Technology

Come grow with us at the Central Academy of Arts and Technology (Caat), the first and only tuition-free, TK- high school public charter school centrally located in downtown Bakersfield. Founded in 2024, Caat offers the education Bakersfield families want for their children: tuition-free, college preparatory, arts and technology-focused, located on a safe, secure campus. We cultivate talents and celebrate individuality at Caat while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. The seed for college attendance is planted in even our youngest scholars. Caat prepares every graduate to attend a 4-year university. Enroll now.  Find us at caatcharterschool.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.