Vision

Our vision is to bring about positive change for our students and community through inspiration, innovation, and the nurturing of student learning.

Mission

Our mission at Emerson Middle School is to inspire, innovate, and nurture a learning environment conducive to college and career readiness.

Emerson Middle School is part of a long and storied educational tradition that dates all the way back to 1876. One of the first educational institutions opened in Bakersfield, it adopted the name “Railroad School” because of its proximity to the local railroad station. In 1902, the name changed to Emerson, named after the famed author and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. The school remained open until 1952, when the town was struck by a massive earthquake that caused extreme damage to the school leading to its closure and demolition. The school has rebuilt and re-opened in 1954 at its current location on Fourth St. Over the years, Emerson has seen many changes and transitions, but one thing has never changed – the efforts of the staff and administration to provide each student the attention and materials they need to be successful in every stage of life.