Top Ten Reasons to Enroll at CAAT

As the first and only tuition-free, TK-high school public charter school centrally located in downtown Bakersfield, the Central Academy of Arts and Technology (CAAT) is a trailblazer.  We offer the public arts and technology-focused education families in the Four Corners want for their children. How do we know? Because we asked local families again and again as we designed CAAT. There are lots of reasons to enroll with us. Here are the top 10:

 #1 – The Education You Asked For

You spoke; we listened.  We designed CAAT to provide the education families want for their kids – a focus on art and technology and preparation for college. Beginning in TK we foster creativity, critical thinking, and innovation as we cultivate talents and celebrate the individuality of each scholar.

#2 – Centrally Located in Downtown Bakersfield

Our campus is easily accessible from the 5 and 99 on a safe, secure campus in downtown Bakersfield. Our facilities provide ample space for students in elementary, middle, and high school. As the former headquarters of a tech company, we’re wired for innovation and our building’s architecture inspires our scholars’ artistic expression.

#3 – Offering 7 Arts Electives

In Lower School (TK-3) scholars explore various visual and performing arts as art is integrated across subjects.

 Middle Schoolers (Grades 4-6) may choose from seven electives in classic art including:

• Painting and drawing

• Sculpture

• Theatre

• Architecture

• Music

• Dance

• Cinema

There are 3 arts pathways for scholars in grades 7-12 (Upper School): visual, performing, and media arts, which includes film, photography, literature, and journalism.

#4 – Technology is More than 1:1 Devices

Technology is integrated into learning at CAAT. Scholars are not only becoming tech savvy, they are building the creative thinking and technological skills they’ll need to become 21st century problem identifiers. Our technology courses include:

• Coding

• Graphic & web design

• Robotics

• Science camp

• Gaming

#5 – Personalized Learning

We personalize each scholar’s education to build foundational skills at their own pace. We provide support as needed and a daily Genius Hour for high dose tutoring and extended learning.

#6 – Preparing for College from Day 1

College is the ultimate goal for every CAAT scholar. Beginning with our youngest students we promote attendance at a four-year university. In the Upper School we partner with parents and provide free college and career counseling including SAT prep.

#7 – Open from 7:00am – 6:00pm

CAAT is open to all scholars before and after school. Our free afterschool arts-based program is run by our own teachers who know each student personally.

#8 – Planning for a Successful Future

CAAT empowers scholars with real life experiences through college readiness courses including:

• Time, money, and stress management

• Navigating bureaucracies

• Adaptability skills

• Self-advocacy

• Social networking

#9 – Fun for All!

We have parties, dances, and showcases. Our scholars are encouraged to organize student-led clubs. We have a competitive Esports team and an arcade!

#10 – We’re Growing.

We’re excited to announce CAAT is adding 9th grade to our Upper School for the 2025-2026 school year. 10th, 11th, and 12th will be added over the next 3 years. Our upper school curriculum is robust and includes AP courses, dual enrollment, and certifications.

CAAT is now enrolling for the next school year. Complete this form and join us in the fall. We can’t wait to meet you. 

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.