My family recently moved to Bakersfield, hoping for a positive school environment and a fresh start…read morefor my daughters. Instead, Highland High School has shown bias, poor judgment, and a complete failure to protect my children during a very serious bullying situation. After my daughters chose to distance themselves from a friendship that became uncomfortable, another student began harassing them, spreading lies, posting threats on social media, and escalating the situation. I provided the school with videos, screenshots, and detailed statements showing clear and ongoing cyberbullying. What makes this situation even more disturbing is that the other student collected multiple students to attack my daughter, resulting in my daughter being bludgeoned, injured, and visibly harmed. This was not a typical school conflict -- it was a coordinated assault, and the school was fully informed. Despite all of the evidence: * The student who made threats, organized the group attack, and continued harassment was allowed to remain on campus with no real consequence. * Her parent was even seen freely walking around campus with her, which was completely inappropriate. * Meanwhile, my daughters were repeatedly told to stay home "for safety," essentially punishing them instead of protecting them. * Staff admitted to having my daughter's earring after the fight, then later acknowledged it may have been thrown away. * Dean Kristen Urquidez communicated inconsistently, dismissively, and left us feeling unheard, unsupported, and minimized throughout this entire process. After fully cooperating and providing everything the school requested, I was informed that my daughters will not be allowed to return to Highland High School for the remainder of the school year. Yet the student who initiated and organized the violence remains on campus without consequence. This is not fairness. This is not safety. This is not how a school should handle bullying, physical violence, or threats. As a parent, it is devastating to see my daughters punished while the aggressor faces no meaningful accountability. Highland High School failed to uphold its own bullying and safety policies and failed to protect my daughters when they needed help the most. I hope sharing our experience pushes the school to take bullying, threats, and student safety seriously -- before another family is forced to go through this.

I really thought I was being pranked this morning as I sat in the office of highland highschool…read morewith my 17 yr old son. The staff is so much different than what I remember school office staff to be like as a kid. Absolutely no professionalism whatsoever. There was no greeting, no welcome, no introduction. Just a loud harsh tone that that I found very demeaning. It was just painfully obvious that there was an air of arrogance that was palpable. I was attended to by a young lady who was dressed more like a Halloween witch than a professional in an office. "Do you have your papers" she demanded. I had to ask "who are you?" "I'm the one who's gonna review your papers" she snipped. "What is your name miss?" It was like pulling teeth. Finally she told me that she was meka. Well once the rest of the office staff got wind that there was a parent in the office who wouldn't tolerate disrespect I was marked thee rest of the time I was there as "difficult". There just seems to be a need for a complete overhaul of the entire staff or at least a very rigid re-training. As I was leaving I couldn't help but overhear a new teacher in her car crying on the phone about how the staff was mistreating her. I wish I could have someone from channel 17 down there to observe and report what's going on because I guarantee you it would make for a riveting story.

This school had changed a lot from from what I remember and some of the upgrades they have made is…read morea Benefit for all the kids. New computers, after school program, music is a big thing at this school, they get to be in both parades this year and a district wide band that kids get to try out for, a petatholan the kids get to use every studies they learn in school as a competition, so many good things. Teachers are good and want the kids to learn more and set high standards for them. Office staff is good and gets the job done all the time good communication skills between them all

If I could read it zero stars, I will Why because my kid get…read morebullied every day and they don't do nothing about it

Do not take your kids to this school.The Dean is not on point, always picking on kids for some…read morereason, he's always picking on my son. There's always fighting in this school. I highly don't recommend you taking this kid to school.They don't know what they do in this school

I'm a student from here, I love the atmosphere and staff here. The activity's and events that goes…read morein here are awesome! My only downside is the fire alarm going off, I would like if that's fixed or issued since I have no idea if it's by itself or some someone. Other than that, I love this school!

Los profesores son malos con mi hijo y mi hijo dijo que lo intimidaron en el baño de la escuelaread more

I will never take my kid there again a teacher was abusing my baby, this really impacted me.I…read moretalked to the principal and he did not do anything about it, this I very disappointing.I WILL NOT RECOMMEND THIS SCHOOL.

I have had nothing but good things to say about all of my kids teachers. They have all been so…read morehelpful in trying to get my kids up to par in all of there subjects. Good security and camera systems.

First my son & now my daughter go to Readyland. I cannot say enough good things about this school…read more Every single teacher & aide I've come across is so wonderful, friendly, and warm. My daughter had to take some time off for medical reasons and the staff made a get well soon basket with her favorite things and cards from teachers & students. I was blown away by how thoughtful they were. I truly feel like she is with family or friends when she is there because of caring everyone is, especially her teacher Mrs Hernandez. And don't even get me started on how adorable all the crafts are that they make

I have sent all 4 of my children to Readyland, having one of more child there since 2001? 2002? We…read morelove the teachers at Readyland, and feel that they have truly loved each and every child that has passed through the doors of the school. I feel that my children have recieved a valuabe pre k education that they just couldn't have gotten anywhere else. I have recommended Readyland to all of my friends and family. The only reason I have not given this school 5 stars is that the business office manager has some shady practices. Her collection practices border on unethical as she frequently double bills and then claims that it was in error. However when it happens over and over and over again, I find it hard to believe it's just a mistake. She also holds overpayment refunds (a result of her refusal to apply discounts and double billing) for months on end. Releasing them only when informed legal action is about to be taken. My advice is to not let one rotten egg spoil everything. These things have happened to numerous families. Just be cautious with billing. The school itself is fabulous.

Eh...mostly is braw, I still go to this school as a year 7, there's nothing bad except the food,…read morebut thats in most schools, teachers can be a bit strict but that's normal, although I did witness one of the staff pin a student to the wall because they were running. The school can be quite Hoachin' during passing periods because of all the year 8 and seveners combined, if they still had year nines at this school I'd imagine it be much worse.

This school has very tight security! Very nice! I had to stop by and pick something up from here…read moreand had several staff members stopped me and asked me what I was here for. In the office they made me produce an ID and that was very very nice.

Respectfully and no offense :) the front office sucks, they're rude and lack any form of…read moreunderstanding. They act like total snobs and answer in an annoyed tone, they're not there to help, and clearly don't care about the students or parents. Aside from that, that school is staffed with some wonderful lovely teachers that really do care for their students success. Some of the security staff there have been questionable... overall an alright school. I'd just really swap the front office. It sucks that they're the first faces parents are greeted with.

Wow , this what a school should be. With all the hard work that the teachers put in with the…read morestudents and all the time and work the office staff put in to help all our students. We are so amazed with MIRA MONTE high school everything is so fantastic at this school such a large school with so many afterschool clubs and so much for our children we can never say enough about all the staff and the teachers at the school one of the greatest schools that we have in Bakersfield

Best school district in Kern County to work for!!! I have been a teacher in grades K -4, and in…read moreprograms for bilingual ed, Dual immersion and English only Programs; I have also been a program specialist both at a school site and district office. There are a lot of opportunities for different types of school sites, positions and professional opportunities. specialist

I've been to the office quite a few times and I've been impressed by their work. Upon entering,…read moreask the receptionist what you are there for. She'll help you find your way and you'll be there in no time. The HR department has various people ready to help you. I have yet to spend more than fifteen minutes in the office and am greeted almost immediately. If only every public institution could be as efficient as the BCSD HR office. Well done staff!