Two Indio Middle Schools Earn Prestigious Recognition on California's Schools to Watch List

In a remarkable achievement for the Indio community, both John Glenn Middle School and Indio Middle School have re-earned spots on the prestigious California Department of Education’s “Schools to Watch” list. This recognition highlights the schools’ exceptional academic performance and, more importantly, their commitment to fostering a positive, supportive school culture that nurtures students’ growth.

The "Schools to Watch" program honors middle schools that excel in academic excellence, but it also emphasizes the importance of creating a positive school climate. Scott Steele, the State Director of the Schools to Watch program, explained that achieving this recognition is not solely based on academic test scores. 

“A positive school culture is just as important, if not more so, than high test scores,” Steele said. “It’s about creating a space where students feel supported, safe, and ready to learn.”

Both John Glenn and Indio Middle Schools have excelled in this area. John Glenn Middle School has been re-established on the list seven times since 2004, a testament to its ongoing commitment to improvement. Principal Todd Biggert emphasizes that the school views its re-entry onto the list not as a checkbox, but as an opportunity to continue refining their practices.

“We can’t afford to become complacent,” Biggert said. “Each year brings new challenges, and we strive to get better each time, adapting to the unique needs of our students.”

Indio Middle School, under the leadership of Principal Robert Cullinan, shares a similar philosophy. Cullinan highlights the dedication of the entire school community—staff, students, and families—in creating a culture of excellence. 

“Being recognized as a Schools to Watch honoree reflects the relentless dedication of everyone at Indio Middle School,” he said. “It’s about making our school a place where every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

An additional benefit for schools on the list is the opportunity to be part of the Schools to Watch committee. This allows them to visit and observe other schools that are applying for recognition, sharing best practices and learning from each other. For more information tune into NBC Palm Springs.