OCDE Newsroom

A red Fender Stratocaster guitar is pictured in the foreground as high school students sit at tables in a studio during the Fender Play songwriting workshop.

OC students find their voice at Fender Play workshop as countywide songwriting contest is unveiled

Ian Hanigan September 20, 2025

More than 30 students took part in Orange County’s first free Fender Play songwriting workshop on Saturday at OC Music & Dance in Irvine. The event also launched a new competition inviting local high schoolers to write original songs in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

A graduate in a red cap and gown receives a medal and framed certificate on stage during CCPA’s June 2025 graduation ceremony

OCDE program offers adult learners a new pathway to a high school diploma — and it’s free

Ian Hanigan September 17, 2025

College and Career Preparatory Academy, OCDE's free charter school for students ages 16 to 25, has launched a new 155-credit graduation pathway for adult learners that maintains academic rigor while making diplomas more attainable.

The recommended reading lists for the STEAM reading challenge include picture books like "Cicada Symphony" by children's book author Sue Fliess.

Fourth STEAM Race to Space Reading Challenge adds new partners ahead of launch

Madeline Gray September 16, 2025

Before kicking off on Oct. 3, the annual S.T.E.A.M. Race to Space Reading Challenge has welcomed three new science-focused partner organizations to offer unique prizes, educational supports and new ways to inspire young readers.

Mobil phone displaying the Directory website

Check out the new digital OC Schools Directory

Ian Hanigan September 15, 2025

OCDE’s Communications and Media Services team has reimagined the Orange County Schools Directory as a continuously updated online resource. It's available at directory.ocde.us.

The new Estancia High School Performing Arts Center is unveiled to the public on Sept. 9. (Photos courtesy of Newport-Mesa Unified School District)

Weekly roundup: Estancia High debuts performing arts venue, National Merit Scholarship semifinalists named, and more

Madeline Gray September 12, 2025

Come November, Estancia High School drama students will bring Disney’s “Frozen” to life on the brand-new stage of the school’s...

Sunburst Youth Academy opens with its largest class yet

Nathaniel Martinez September 12, 2025

Sunburst Youth Academy’s Class 36 is the largest in the program’s history — and the first in nearly a decade...

Students from Bryant Arts Academy in the Garden Grove Unified School District show their school spirit. The campus was among those recognized in the California PBIS Coalition’s 2024-25 recognition program.

Weekly roundup: PBIS recognition program spotlights OC schools, Huntington Beach High standout earns 18U Team USA spot, and more

Vicky Nguyen September 5, 2025

The California PBIS Coalition has recognized more than 2,500 schools across the state, including dozens in Orange County, as part...

Orange County students gear up to the compete in day one of the Orange County Academic Decathlon on Jan. 25 at Westminster High School.

OCDE to prepare new coaches for Academic Decathlon, Pentathlon season

Madeline Gray September 4, 2025

Quick look: OCDE is set to host virtual orientations this September for new coaches interested in forming Academic Decathlon or...

Daniel Tamayo presenting at the International Translation Day celebration.

OCDE to celebrate International Translation Day with keynote and networking event

Vicky Nguyen September 3, 2025

Quick look: OCDE will host its second annual International Translation Day celebration on Sept. 30 at its Costa Mesa campus....

A representative from the Orange County Registrar of Voters shares voter registration information with attendees at the San Juan Summer Nights Concert series in San Juan Capistrano on June 18.

High School Voter Education Week to engage students in democratic process

Vicky Nguyen September 2, 2025

This year's second High School Voter Education Week will take place Sept. 15 through Sept. 26. The statewide initiative encourages students to learn about elections and preregister to vote, with resources available through the Secretary of State and the California Department of Education.

High schools