Welcome to Downtown School!

I am honored to be the principal of this amazing K-8 school in the heart of downtown Bakersfield. Downtown School has a rich tradition of academic excellence — a legacy that continues with an outstanding staff, talented students, and dedicated parents. Our students participate in many academic events to showcase their talents, knowledge, and competitive spirit including the academic pentathlon, oral language festival, battle of the books, accelerated reader, honor roll, principal's list, perfect attendance, science fair, history day, instrumental band concerts and honor performances, and theatrical plays. We also offer a full sports program competing against other middle schools in the BCSD in flag football, volleyball, cross country, soccer, basketball, softball, and track. Our After School Program provides a safe and caring program of homework help, enrichment, and physical activities for students, both before and after school.

Our students and their families understand the importance of being in school every day, and every minute, to maximize students' opportunities to learn and master their grade-level standards. Downtown School exceeds the district's attendance goal of 97% and thus earns important monetary awards. These rewards are returned in attendance, good behavior, and academic incentives to our students. Way to go Downtown students and families!

Our staff operates as a Professional Learning Community (PLC). The monthly 2-hour delay start days are used to provide training and time for staff to analyze student data, collaborate on best professional practices, and make informed instructional decisions based on what is best for students. Our mission is to provide students with the best educational program possible and our focus is on maximizing student learning. We thank the Downtown community for working in partnership with us to raise student achievement.

My door is always open to communicating with you; please stop by!

Your partner in education,
Noreen Barthelmes