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.
Gilbert High School was featured by Stanford University's John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities for its student-centered approach to alternative education, highlighting how civic engagement and real-world learning opportunities are helping students succeed.
The second annual State of the Student Forum brought together education and community leaders from across Orange County to explore findings from the latest State of the Student report, examining trends in student achievement, well-being and school climate and discussing how those insights can help support students and families.
California's May Revision brought good news for schools, with higher revenues boosting education funding and proposed investments in special education. At the same time, OCDE leaders cautioned that enrollment declines and long-term fiscal uncertainty will require continued planning in the years ahead.
