College is the Ultimate Goal

 Experts say the earlier and more often you talk with young children about college and career, the more they envision their future selves attending an institute of higher education. At the Central Academy of Arts and Technology (Caat), the only TK-high school of choice in Bakersfield, we’re preparing every scholar to attend a college or university after graduation.

From TK to College

“The path to academic success, to preparing for a good University or College, begins at least as early as the first day of Kindergarten.”  

Andrew Mitchell, The Learning Path

We plant the seed for college attendance in even our youngest scholars because Bakersfield families want their children to go to college.

College culture is promoted from the first day of TK.

• Every class at every grade level is named for a university like USC, CSUB, UCLA, and even Boston College!

• Each homeroom picks a university to research and then adopts that school’s mascot as their own.

• Visits to college campuses are tied to every field trip we offer.

We Personalize College Prep in High School

Our personalized approach to college prep begins in 9^th grade and includes

• AP courses

• Dual enrollment at Cal State Bakersfield

• Individualized college and career counseling

• Free SAT prep

We even teach our scholars about real life college experiences through our college readiness course where they learn:

• Time, money, and stress management

• Navigating bureaucracies

• Adaptability skills

• Self-advocacy

• Social networking

Every High School scholar will complete the general education courses CSUs and UCs require while enrolled here at Caat. That’s a significant financial savings for families.

Tuition & Fees at CSU: $7,993 per year

CSU Tuition & Fees for Dually Enrolled Caat Scholars: $ZERO

Savings for Caat Families: $15,986!

It’s not too late to enroll at Caat for the 2025-2026 school year, but don’t delay. Complete this form now and start the journey to college here.

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. Apply now.  Find us at caatcharterschool.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.