U.S. News & Report 2025 & 2022
School to Watch Award 2024 & 2021
California Distinguished School Award 2023 & 2021
Principal's Message
Welcome to the 2025/2026 School Year!
Dear Bell Intermediate Community,
It is an honor to introduce myself as the new principal of Bell Intermediate for the 2025–2026 school year. My name is Chris Holland, and I am excited to join the West Garden Grove community. I come to Bell having spent the past six years as an elementary school principal at Morningside and Warren Elementary Schools in Garden Grove. Before that, I served as an assistant principal and worked at the district office as a coordinator of Evaluation and Research. I began my career as a high school history teacher at Bolsa Grande High School and have always believed in the power of education to open doors, transform lives, and help every student become the best version of themselves—academically, socially, and personally.
Bell has an impressive list of honors, having been named a California Distinguished School and a School to Watch. These honors reflect the incredible work of our students, staff, and families, and I am committed to building on this legacy of success.
At the heart of our work is a shared belief that all students can thrive when they feel supported, challenged, and connected. I am passionate about fostering a school environment where every student is known, valued, and inspired to lead with excellence—the Roadrunner Way. At Bell, that means making sure all students know they “BELL-ong.”
I look forward to getting to know our students and families, and I encourage you to stay engaged and involved as we begin this exciting new school year together. Thank you for welcoming me into the Bell Intermediate community; I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together!
Warmly,
Chris Holland
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!
