Hilton D. Bell Intermediate

Hilton D. Bell Intermediate is a standout 7th-8th grade middle school serving 632 students in the Garden Grove Unified district, consistently earning top state rankings and delivering exceptional academic results for its diverse community.

The school's performance is remarkable because it achieves test scores often seen in more affluent areas, even though a significant portion of its students face economic challenges. For example, it significantly outperforms other local schools with similar student populations, such as Donald S. Jordan Intermediate and Alamitos Intermediate. In fact, Bell's math and English scores are competitive with schools like Oak Middle in Los Alamitos Unified, which serves a wealthier area. This success extends to all student groups, with those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds ranking in the state's 99th percentile.

Beyond test scores, Bell Intermediate excels in keeping students engaged, with a chronic absenteeism rate less than half the state average—a stark contrast to nearby schools like Orangeview Junior High. The school has maintained this high level of excellence for over a decade, demonstrating a resilient and effective learning environment that outperforms most schools in its own district and the broader region.