Staff Spotlight: Brandon Smith, Head of Schools, TK-9th Grade

It’s Year 2 at Central Academy of Arts and Technology (Caat), the first tuition-free TK-high school of choice in downtown Bakersfield. As one of our founding school leaders, Brandon Smith has been integral in developing the vision for our college preparatory high school.

From Teacher to Principal

Prior to joining Caat, Mr. Smith taught at Bakersfield Christian High for three years. He’s a graduate of California State University, Bakersfield with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Grand Canyon University.

Photo: Alt-text: Central Academy of Arts and Technology Principal, Brandon Smith

What Motivated You to Become an Educator?

“One experience I had was spending time in Ethiopia canvassing many rural communities to see who would benefit the most from us building a school there. During this time, I got to interact with many leaders of the community, and I got to spend a lot of time with children who are not accustomed to outsiders. This was a life changing experience that I will never forget.”

Brandon Smith, Principal

Why Did You Join Caat Before any Students Enrolled?

“Having the opportunity to build something that our youth in Kern County desperately need was a major draw for me – especially having the opportunity to be creative and do something different in the world of education.”

Brandon Smith, Principal

Caat is an educational trailblazer in Kern County. Our school was designed to fulfill the dreams of our families to provide a college preparatory education emphasizing the arts and technology.

Now that 9^th Grade Has Been Added, What’s Your Vision for Caat’s High School?

“It's our goal for 100% of our founding high school students to be accepted into a 4-year university by the end of their time with us. They’ll complete the general education courses CSUs and UCs require while enrolled here at a significant financial savings for families.Then they’ll have the opportunity, if they choose so, to go to a 4-year.”

Brandon Smith, Principal

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

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

Savings for Caat Families: $15,986!

We offer a personalized approach to education for our high schoolers that includes

• AP courses

• Dual enrollment

• Individualized college and career counseling

• Free SAT prep

What Did You Learn During Caat’s Founding Year that Will Impact Your Work this Year? 

“We’ve built a real community here. Our families are a big part of what we do. They 

Showed up in a major way in our founding year as did our amazing teachers. The hard

Work they’ve put in has not gone unnoticed. Their commitment to our vision and mission 

Is evident in our 100% retention rate. All our teachers came back this year.”

Brandon Smith, Principal

How Do You Spend Your Free Time?

“I’m typically outdoors, traveling, or playing the drums. I am also pursuing my PhD and have just completed my first year in the program.”

Brandon Smith, Principal

A few spots are still available in the Class of 2029, Caat’s first high school class. Apply now. Or schedule a visit to our downtown campus and meet Mr. Smith in person.

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.