U.S. News & Report 2025 & 2022
School to Watch Award 2024 & 2021
California Distinguished School Award 2023 & 2021
Principal's Message
Welcome to Bell Intermediate School 2024-2025!
My name is Stephanie Bartlett, and I have been Bell’s Principal for the past four years. I am proud to have been part of the West Garden Grove Community for eleven years, having spent seven years at Pacifica High School before Bell.
As the Principal of Bell Intermediate, I focus on providing students with the tools and confidence they need to succeed academically and personally to ensure lifelong success.
At Bell Intermediate, we are proud of our long-standing tradition of empowering students to take charge of their learning and future. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our numerous accolades, most recently including being named a California Distinguished School in 2021 and 2024, a School to Watch in 2021 and 2024, the California Honor Roll in 2023, and making US News Report Silver School in 2022.
Our Commitment to Your Child's Future
At Bell Intermediate, all students have the potential to achieve their lifelong goals. Our approach is holistic, emphasizing both academic rigor and personal growth. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where students can thrive and develop into well-rounded individuals.
Community, Relationships, and Inclusivity
We are excited to continue our journey towards a brighter future. Our vision centers on:
- Community Engagement: Strengthening partnerships with parents, local organizations, and stakeholders to create a supportive network for our students.
- Building Relationships: Cultivating a school culture where every student feels valued and connected. Our teachers and staff are committed to knowing each student personally and supporting their unique needs.
- Inclusivity: Ensuring that all students feel welcome and included, regardless of their background or abilities. We celebrate diversity and strive to create an equitable learning environment for all.
Join Us!
We invite you to join our vibrant community. Together, we can continue to inspire and empower our students, preparing them for a successful and fulfilling future.
Thank you for choosing Bell Intermediate School, where excellence is our standard, and every student's potential is our promise.
"The Roadrunner Way: Leading with Excellence."
Important Dates
- Roadrunner Roundup: August 6, 2024 (8-11 am & 1-3 pm) LINK
- Back-to-School Night: August 29, 2024 @ 5:30 for Opening Meeting & Classrooms at 6 pm
- Open House: April 3, 2024 @ 5:30 for Student Performances & Classrooms open at 6 pm
- A full list of ‘Important Dates’ can be found on our website or https://bit.ly/BELLsYear24_25
Sincerely,
Stephanie Bartlett
Principal, Bell Intermediate School
Our School
Bell Intermediate: Excellence the Roadrunner Way!
At Bell Intermediate, we do things The Roadrunner Way, setting a shining example of the Garden Grove Way! Our success is rooted in treating every student as if they were our own, always putting their needs first. We embrace the three GGUSD goals, guided by the belief that:
📚 Academic Skills + 🌟 Personal Skills = 🎓 Lifelong Success
Bell’s long-standing tradition of excellence is reflected in our numerous awards and recognitions, a testament to the dedication of our students, staff, and families.
A Legacy of Excellence
🏆 2024-2025 – Recognized among the best middle schools in California by U.S. News & World Report, ranking No. 156 out of 2,319 schools based on math and reading proficiency. Additionally, Bell was honored as a California Honor Roll School for outstanding student success. Additionally, we were awarded the Gold Level of PBIS by the California Department of Education (CDE), showcasing our commitment to fostering a positive school climate and student success.
🏆 2023-2024 – Re-designated as a California & National Schools to Watch and named a California Distinguished School, the state’s highest honor for high-performing middle schools. Bell also earned recognition as a California Honor Roll School for academic excellence.
🏆 2022 – Ranked No. 171 out of 2,319 middle schools in U.S. News & World Report, highlighting Bell’s continued academic success.
🏆 2021 – Named a California Distinguished School, one of just 11 schools in Orange County and 100+ statewide to receive this recognition. Re-designated as a California & National Schools to Watch for our commitment to student growth.
🏆 2019 – Recognized as an AVID School-Wide Site of Distinction, the highest honor within the AVID certification continuum, embedding WICOR strategies (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading) across all subjects.
🏆 2018 – Honored as a California & National Schools to Watch for outstanding student achievement.
🏆 2017 – Earned the prestigious California Gold Ribbon School distinction for innovative and high-impact instructional practices.
Academic Rigor & Student Opportunities
Bell Intermediate students consistently outperform county and state averages on rigorous state assessments. Our curriculum offers Advanced Learner Programs (ALP), Honors English Language Arts, and Advanced Math to challenge and engage students.
Beyond the classroom, Bell fosters creativity and leadership through a diverse range of electives, including:
🎶 Music 🎭 Drama 💃 Dance 📸 Photography 🎨 Art
🗳 ASB (Leadership) 🏗 STEM 🎓 AVID (College & Career Readiness)
A Thriving School Community
Bell is committed to fostering a positive, inclusive environment, earning Gold Level PBIS recognition from CDE in 2024. Our Positive Behavior Intervention & Support (PBIS) framework ensures a safe, respectful, and engaging learning space where all students can thrive.
Students stay connected through a variety of clubs, including:
🔬 Science Explorers 🐾 Animal Amigos 🎭 Arts & Crafts ✝ Fellowship
🏳️🌈 GSA (Genders & Sexualities Alliance) 💃 Dance Club 🎓 CJSF (California Junior Scholastic Federation)
🤝 Bell Buddies 🎶 Music Club ✈ Club D.C.
For students seeking additional academic support, Bell offers Extended Learning Opportunities, empowering every learner to achieve their personal best.
The Heart of the Community
Bell Intermediate is more than a school—it’s a family. Many families, generation after generation, choose Bell for their children, reinforcing its deep-rooted connection to the West Grove community. Our actively engaged families play a vital role in shaping a thriving, high-achieving school.
At Bell Intermediate, we’re committed to excellence, empowerment, and success—The Roadrunner Way!
