OCDE will launch the 2026-27 National History Day-Orange County season with a free virtual kickoff Sept. 10, giving new and returning coaches an introduction to the competition, this year's "Innovation in History" theme and resources to guide students through the months ahead.
Orange County students earned a national championship, finalist honors, special awards and a museum showcase selection at the 2026 National History Day National Contest, helping California continue its strong performance at the annual competition.
Four middle school teams from Orange County will compete in the United States Academic Pentathlon National Finals in Nashville, Tennessee. This year’s competition theme, “The Roaring Twenties,” challenges students in grades six through eight across five academic subjects.
University High School finished seventh in the nation at the 2026 United States Academic Decathlon National Competition in Garden Grove, earning Rookie of the Year honors in Division 1 and multiple individual medals.
