Focus on Freshmen - Los Angeles
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Freshman Transition for Principals
Developing Your Strategic Plan

Rudy RamirezIndio High School was once struggling with abysmal test scores until Freshman Transition course using Career Choices transformed the culture of this largely Hispanic school in Southern California.

Indio at a glance:

  • The number of freshmen with three or more F's decreased by nearly a half from 29% in 2009 to 17% in 2010, 14% in 2012, and 12.3% in 2016.

  • Freshmen were responsible for 49 of the school’s 65-point API (Academic Performance Index) increase within that first year.

  • By the time the first class of freshmen became sophomores, 70 students had joined the CSF (California Scholarship Federation) versus 10 students from the previous class. The number is over 100 for the current school year.

  • The number of AP Exams administered in 2008 was 246. The number of AP Exams administered peaked in 2014 at 857. And this occurred while Indio High School was in declining enrollment.
Rudy Ramirez is finishing his 41st year in Education, and his 24th year as the principal of Indio High School. A former teacher, counselor, and assistant principal, he is an advocate for students, parents, and the Indio community. Mr. Ramirez resides in Indio, has three children who graduated from Indio High School, a son who will be a 12th grader next year, and a 7½-year-old son named Jonathan. Mr. Ramirez is deeply connected to the community and their families and is a true believer in academic success for all.