McFarland High School: Academic Excellence and Community Impact

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McFarland High School is a public high school located in McFarland, California, a city in Kern County north of Bakersfield and south of Fresno. The school is known for its robust academic programs and innovative initiatives, particularly its Early College Program, which allows students to earn college credits and even an Associate of Arts degree while still in high school. This program is a partnership with Bakersfield College and the Kern Community College District, providing students with a significant head start in their academic and career pursuits.

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Academic Programs

McFarland High School offers a variety of academic pathways, including:

• Spanish Associate Degree for Transfer: This pathway includes courses in Spanish language, history, psychology, and more.
  

  

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• General Education Certificates: Courses in subjects like public speaking, psychology, and U.S. history.
  

  

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• Agriculture Business Management: Courses focused on agricultural business and sales.
• Photography: Courses in digital photography and advanced photography.
• Business: Courses in business administration and office skills.
• Education: Courses preparing students for roles in education.
• Industrial Technology: Welding: Courses in welding processes and blueprint reading.

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Extracurricular Activities

The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including:

• Clubs: Eco Club, Ambassadors, eSports, Art Studio, Connect, PACPack, Black Student Union (BSU), Blue Notes (Advanced Vocal Music Ensemble), DECA, Drama, Gay–straight alliance, Girl Up, Model United Nations, Musical, National Honor Society, Newspaper (Spartan Spotlight), Driftwood (literary publication), Science Olympiad, Social Studies in Action, Spirit Dance Team, Student Council, T.A.D.A., Tutoring Program, Ultimate Frisbee, Yearbook.
• Athletics: Sports such as basketball, cross country, golf, football, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and hockey.

Recent News and Achievements

• Dual Enrollment Success: McFarland High School has been recognized for its high success rate in dual enrollment programs. The school maintains the highest graduation rate in Kern and Tulare counties, with more than 20% of graduating seniors earning a college degree.
• Community Impact: The dual enrollment program has had a significant impact on the local community by promoting higher education and encouraging students to return and contribute to the community after completing their education.
• Student Achievements: Students like Jose Vasquez have successfully graduated with an AA degree in Spanish and are set to attend prestigious universities like Stanford. Vasquez credits the dual enrollment classes for giving him the confidence and preparation needed for college.

Challenges and Community Safety

The school has faced challenges related to community violence, which have led to the cancellation of after-school activities on occasion. Despite these challenges, the school community remains committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for its students.

Notable Alumni and Staff

• Deon McFarland: A recent graduate who has pursued a master’s degree in Forensic Accounting at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
• Chloe Bexson: Named Senior of the Month by the McFarland Optimists for her active participation in various clubs and community service activities.

McFarland High School continues to be a beacon of academic excellence and community involvement, offering students numerous opportunities to succeed both academically and personally.