OCDE’s College and Career Preparatory Academy celebrated 166 graduates during its 2026 commencement ceremony, marking one of the largest graduating classes in the program’s history. The free public charter school supports students ages 16 to 25 in earning their diplomas via flexible learning options and personalized support.
Wendy Saldivar of Loara Elementary School in Anaheim has been named one of five 2027 California Teachers of the Year. Fellow Orange County educator Brittany Walters of Dr. Peter Marshall Elementary School was also recognized as a state finalist.
Quick look: Applications are now open for the second round of OCDE’s Innovation Funding Initiative, which will provide six Orange County school districts with up to $525,000 each to test, refine and scale forward-thinking approaches designed to improve student outcomes....
Saddleback High School is one of 10 Orange County public schools originally selected for a $10,000 Future Innovators Initiative grant from Hyundai. The school plans to use the funding to help develop a half-acre learning farm focused on science, sustainability and agriculture.
OCDE’s Language Services team brought together 35 language professionals at PBS SoCal Studios for International Translation Day, where participants explored how language and cultural context shape educational content for multilingual children and families.
A new podcast and video series from Orange County Business Council and the Orange County Department of Education is giving local families practical guidance on their children’s educational paths. Based on the 10 Education Essentials framework, the series features trusted educators, community leaders and parents sharing insights and real-world experiences.
OCDE’s 10th annual Interpreters and Translators Conference brought together 160 language professionals from California and across the country for professional learning, networking and recognition focused on strengthening language access in education.
