Academic Domain
1. What is the difference between the GED and a high school diploma?
The GED is a test of five subjects. If you have enough knowledge to pass the test, you will receive a GED certificate which is equivalent to a high school diploma. The GED is acceptable by most employers that ask for a high school diploma. Click here to learn more about registering for the GED.
The Kern High School District diploma consists of 220 credits of class work. Only 200 are required at BAS becuase there is no Physical Education requirement. Students will be required to pass the CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAM (CAHSEE). Click here to see more about current diploma requirements.
2. How do I know whether to prepare for the GED or the diploma?
What grade were you when you left high school?
- 9th or 10th grade: If you have average reading, writing and math skills, you should probably prepare for the GED because it would be faster than accumulating approximately 100 credits to complete your diploma. If you need to improve your basic skills, you should enroll in our Adult Basic Skills program at 2727 F Street. Click here to see more about the Adult Basic Skills program.
- 11th or 12th grade: If you have average reading, writing, and math skills, and approximately 150 credits, you should probably prepare for the high school diploma. If you need to improve your basic skills, you should enroll in our Adult Basic Skills program at 2727 F Street. Click here to see more about the Adult Basic Skills program.
If you are still not sure, come in and let us look at your transcript and advise you.
3. Do I have to take classes before taking the GED test?
No.
- You can simply take the test once you have registered for the GED test.
- You can buy the book from us or a bookstore, study on your own, and then register and test.
- GED prep class are held at 501 S. Mount Vernon.
4. I have decided to take the GED test. How do I register?
You will come to the Finance Office to pay your fee and then go across the quad to register. Allow an hour for registration.
5. I've decided to prepare for my high school diploma by taking day and/or night classes. What do I do?
If you attended a high school in Bakersfield (not Community School) after 1985, we have your transcript in our computer. Simply come to 501 S. Mt. Vernon during our business hours and we will evaluate your transcript and register you in classes.
If you attended a high school in Bakersfield before 1985, or Community School, or any high school outside of Bakersfield, you should call, or go to, that school to obtain your transcript and then bring it to us for evaluation. If you prefer, you can come into our office and sign a form that will allow us to send for it on your behalf. We can usually give you a schedule after asking you a few questions.
If you attended high school in a foreign country, we will evaluate your transcript and award credits for equivalent classes.
6. Do you have Child Care available?
Do we ever! Click here to find out about our wonderful Child Care facility and devoted staff.
7. Between my job and my family, I cannot get to school on a regular basis. Is there a way I can still get my diploma?
Absolutely! We have an Independent Study program. You meet with a teacher once a week for an hour and then do the studying at home. Students must be 19 years of age to enroll. Click here for more information about Independent Study.
8. My boss says she will give me a raise if I get my high school diploma soon. What is the fastest way to get my diploma?
You may take day, night and Independent Study classes at the same time!! It is all up to you. You might want to start with a regular schedule and then add to it as you can.
9. Do you have a graduation ceremony?
Yes. Approximately half of our graduates choose to go through our cap and gown graduation ceremony at the end of the school year. Last year we had 250 graduates cross the stage at the BHS Harvey Auditorium.
10. Can you help me register for college?
- We offer a Financial Aid workshop once a year.
- We provide the Grade Point Average information required for Cal Grant.
- We walk you through the steps of admission, assessment, orientation and registration by answering questions and placing large posters around campus.
- We invite local college representatives several times a year.
Career Domain
11. I would like to work in an office, but I do not even now how to type. What classes should I take?
- We have day or night Keyboarding classes that are taught on a computer.
- Most students who concentrate on improving their keyboarding skills make remarkable improvements in their typing speed.
- The typeing test scheudle can be requested from the office at 501 S. Mt. Vernon.
12. What computer classes do you offer?
- BAS offers beginning, intermediate, and advanced Microsoft XP (Word, Excel, Access and Power Point).
- We offer MOS and IC3 certification.
13. Can you help me find a job?
We can help you in these ways:
- We post job flyers that we receive on bulletin boards.
- We offer resume workshops twice a year.
- We offer a Job Readiness class.
- We take a bus load of students to the annual Job Fair at the Convention Center.
14. I am not sure what type of career I want. How can I do an online career search?
Click here to go to the Kern High School District's KernLearn website.
15. I want to work in the Health Field. What do you offer?
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Vocational Nurse
- Restorative Nurse Assistant
- Home Health Aide
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Nurse Assistant
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Medical Assistant
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Pharmacy Technician
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Medical Billing and Coding
Click here for further information.
