A military charter school is coming to Indio. The Riverside County Education Academy is aimed at students who are falling through the cracks at regular high school and to provide support and structure.

The school is modeled after an academy in Moreno Valley, and it has been very successful, said Captain Santos Campos, commandant of the Riverside County Education Academy. The academy now has 10 students enrolled and five teachers, but the numbers will increase as the word gets out.

Students at the academy will be provided with an army combat uniform and will be required to wear it daily. The academy’s curriculum will include a military leadership class to teach students military courtesies, drill, leadership skills and character development.

“We feel having the added leadership component gives kids an edge,” Campos said, though, he clarifies that the academy is not a bootcamp.

“We want to teach students to be college and career ready in an environment where they learn leadership, responsibility and accountability,” he said.

The Riverside County Superintendent believes that many kids in the valley can benefit from attending the military academy. He has seen students respond positively to the curriculum these academies offer.

Campos said that these aren't necessarily bad kids, but kids that need a little more attention and nurturing. He wants them to aspire to be better and have better opportunities.