OCDE Newsroom

A Westminster School District teacher welcomes students for the 2026-27 school year. All eligible district schools earned gold or platinum California PBIS recognition for their work to create positive, supportive learning environments.

Weekly roundup: More than 250 Orange County schools earn statewide PBIS recognition, and more

Vicky Nguyen August 28, 2026

WATCH: How schools can use existing insurance coverage to support student mental health services

Ian Hanigan August 27, 2026

Students at Las Lomas Elementary School in La Habra are welcomed back to campus by taking photos in front of colorful school decorations. (Courtesy of La Habra City School District)

2026-27 school year: See the back-to-school photos captured across Orange County

Madeline Gray August 25, 2026

Newport Harbor huddles up after beating Nanakuli 41-0 in their opening game in Oahu.

OC football teams open season with perfect 6-0 record in Hawaii

Nathaniel Martinez August 25, 2026

OC District Attorney to host e-bike, e-motorcycle buyback event at Angel Stadium

Vicky Nguyen August 25, 2026

Volleyball players from the U.S. and Japan greet before a match

Tustin High to host women’s volleyball match featuring U.S. and Japanese national teams

Ian Hanigan July 26, 2018

Tustin High School is hosting an exhibition match on Friday, July 27 between the USA Women’s National Volleyball Team and...

teachers works with student at during classroom lesson

OCDE receives $15 million to partner with UCLA center to continue work aimed at improving school climate statewide

Fermin Leal July 25, 2018

The state Department of Education has awarded an additional $15 million to a partnership led by the Orange County Department...

Educators from the Huntington Beach City School District

OC educators seek out training that integrates instructional technology, innovation

Ian Hanigan July 23, 2018

When leaders of the Huntington Beach City School District selected a training program to enhance teaching and learning through technology, they didn’t just enroll a handful of educators — they went all in. As of June, every single member of...

State Superintendent Tom Torlakson, Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and former California Education Secretary Dave Long

California educators, law enforcement reps gather in OC for school safety conference

Ian Hanigan July 19, 2018

More than 600 educators, school workers and law enforcement representatives have convened in Orange County this week to collaborate and...

Q&A: OCDE’s retiring legal chief reflects on a career serving public schools

Ian Hanigan July 18, 2018

For more than 35 years, Ron Wenkart has been the go-to legal expert for local schools and districts, but his...

A group of students run toward their elementary school

Summer vacation ends for hundreds of students at three OC schools

Fermin Leal July 13, 2018

While scores of students across Orange County are hitting the beach, traveling on summer trips, or just sleeping through the morning, hundreds of students at three Anaheim Elementary School District schools were the firsts this week to start the new...

OCDE, partners lauded for efforts to help foster youth apply for financial aid

Ian Hanigan July 12, 2018

Financial aid can be the difference-maker for those considering college. That’s why students of all backgrounds are encouraged to fill...

Students giving a PowerPoint presentation

Newhart Middle School student leaders take aim at the rise in vaping among youth

Ian Hanigan July 11, 2018

This year, a group of student leaders from Newhart Middle School in Capistrano Unified took it upon themselves to tackle a...

Students on computers participating in online gaming

Following successful first season, Orange County’s e-sports league is ready to go national

Ian Hanigan July 9, 2018

Orange County’s high school e-sports league is leveling up. After a successful pilot season that crowned a Fountain Valley High team as its first champion, OC’s competitive gaming league is changing its name to the North America Scholastic Esports Federation and...

Three high school culinary students with trophy

Teen chefs from Valley High School in Santa Ana win fifth national championship

Ian Hanigan July 6, 2018

For the fifth time in seven years, a team of student chefs from Santa Ana has earned first place in...