Quick look: OCDE has named a dozen campuses as Orange County Impact Schools, recognizing sites that are leading with innovative practices making a difference for students. The program is designed to foster collaboration and spread effective strategies.
Twelve Orange County campuses have been selected as Orange County Impact Schools, a new recognition program launched by the Orange County Department of Education to highlight innovative practices and create opportunities for shared learning among educators.
Rather than a competition or award, the Impact Schools initiative serves as a professional exchange between OCDE and local districts. Throughout the year, small teams from OCDE’s Educational Services division will visit each site to observe classroom practices, learn from educators and help scale up strategies that are making a measurable difference for students.
“Orange County Impact Schools represent what’s possible when educators lead with creativity, collaboration and heart,” said Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean. “These campuses are showing how innovative practices can transform student learning and lift entire communities. As we recognize their success, we’re also creating opportunities to learn from their approaches and amplify what’s working across our county.”
The sites were selected by OCDE’s Educational Services division following an informal nomination process to reflect a cross section of grade spans, programs and communities. The inaugural Orange County Impact Schools, which were notified last week, are:
- Magnolia High School, Anaheim Union High School District
- Sunny Hills High School, Fullerton Joint Union High School District
- Beechwood School, Fullerton School District
- Las Lomas Elementary School, La Habra City Elementary School District
- Golden View Elementary School, Ocean View Elementary School District
- Portola Middle School, Orange Unified School District
- Círculos High School at Advanced Learning Academy, Santa Ana Unified School District
- Legacy Magnet Academy, Tustin Unified School District
- DeMille Language Academy, Westminster School District
- Samueli Academy, charter school authorized by OC Board of Education
- TLC Public Charter School, charter school authorized by OC Board of Education
- Sunburst Youth Academy, operated by OCDE’s ACCESS program
“Every one of these schools has found a way to meet the needs of students through fresh ideas, strong relationships and purposeful design,” said Dr. Jonathan Swanson, OCDE’s executive director of Curriculum, Instruction and Academic Enrichment. “Our hope is that by visiting these sites and engaging with their staff, we can share effective strategies that help all schools move forward.”
Each Impact School will receive a certificate featuring a special badge and formal letter of recognition from OCDE. Over the coming months, cross-functional teams will visit campuses, conduct interviews and share insights to help expand innovative practices countywide.
“The Orange County Impact Schools program reflects our ongoing commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement,” Dr. Bean said. “It advances the priorities outlined in our 5-3-1 Strategic Plan and reinforces our shared mission to help every student in Orange County reach their full potential.”