CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS TO WATCH
California Schools to Watch is a statewide program implemented by the California League of Middle Schools, California Department of Education, California Middle Grades Alliance, National Forum, and the California Schools to Watch model schools.
Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle School
Designated 2026
Desert Sands Unified School District
Riverside County
Nicole Aguirre, Principal
43495 Palm Royale Dr, La Quinta, CA 92253, USA
760-238-9710
School Characteristics
Grades Served: 6-8; Enrollment: 417
Replicable Practices
Reimagine Paige: The school rebuilt its culture through the Reimagine Paige process, anchoring identity in new design principles and the RISE matrix.
Champion Teams: Every certificated and classified staff member belongs to a Champion Team aligned to core values, ensuring schoolwide Tier I alignment.
RISE Integration: The RISE matrix is embedded across academics, behavior, SEL, and leadership, providing a common language for success.
Inclusive Learning: Data-driven cycles guide scaffolding, co-teaching, and discourse strategies to remove barriers for diverse learners.
Student Voice: Students lead through advisory, leadership programs, and exhibitions that promote belonging, advocacy, and representation.