In 1941, before a school was built in the Kern River Valley, students were bussed to Bakersfield where they stayed in dormitories during the week, and returned home on the week-ends.

In 1951, when the Lake Isabella Dam was constructed and the resulting reservoir would have covered the school, it was moved to the town of Lake Isabella and renamed Kern Valley High School.

As the student population continued to grow, additional classrooms and a gymnasium were constructed.

A new school cafeteria was added, an industrial arts complex was constructed, and permanent "portable" classrooms were installed.

Kern Valley High School offers a number of elective classes in addition to the normal required curriculum.