OCDE Newsroom

Sam Darnold posing with his retired jersey alongside Head Coach Jaime Ortiz at the Triton Hall of Fame Golf Tournament at the Talega Golf Course in San Clemente.

San Clemente High School alumnus Sam Darnold has jersey retired and is inducted into school’s Hall of Fame

Nathaniel Martinez July 16, 2026

Recipients of the 2025 Outstanding STEM Educator Awards gather for a group photo following last year's awards celebration at the Orange County Department of Education Conference Center in Costa Mesa.

OCDE announces 2026 Outstanding STEM Educators

Vicky Nguyen July 15, 2026

Natalia Abarca, coordinator of OCDE’s Language Services unit, welcomes guests to the 2025 Interpreters and Translators Conference.

Language access professionals to celebrate 10 years of growth at OCDE conference

Vicky Nguyen July 14, 2026

Students in the inaugural Certified Nursing Assistant cohort celebrate completing the tuition-free program offered through a partnership between Orange Unified School District and Santiago Canyon College. Participants completed coursework and hands-on clinical training while still enrolled in high school.

Weekly roundup: Orange Unified, Santiago Canyon College celebrates first certified nursing assistant cohort, and more

Vicky Nguyen July 10, 2026

Dr. Stefan Bean raises his right hand while his four children administer the oath of office during an Orange County Board of Education meeting.

Orange County superintendent, board members sworn in at organizational meeting

Ian Hanigan July 9, 2026

Buena Park School District Superintendent Dr. Julienne Lee celebrates the park opening with Whitaker Elementary students on Aug. 7. (Photos courtesy of Buena Park School District)

Weekly roundup: Buena Park district unveils recreation area, county superintendent interviewed by EdSource, and more

Madeline Gray August 16, 2024

Playing pickle ball, running on the track and swinging on the playground set are just a few activities that await...

Virginia Resichl and Marika Manos present at 2023 OC Civic Learning Celebration

OC Civic Learning Institute to empower educators with tools for fostering civic engagement in students

Vicky Nguyen August 15, 2024

Imagine a classroom where young voices are not just heard but empowered — where students discover the strength of their...

Moises Plascencia handing a pumkin to Julian.

Rooted in family: The story of Julian’s multicolored pumpkins

Nathaniel Martinez August 14, 2024

When Carver Elementary kindergartener Julian Escalera was asked to bring a pumpkin to school last Halloween, he was a bit hesitant. After all, how many people have seen a green and white pumpkin? Julian had spent most of the prior...

A Clinton Elementary School student is cheered on by teachers and staff as they arrive on campus. (Courtesy of Garden Grove Unified)

Back to school: Here’s a list of the 2024-25 start dates in Orange County

Madeline Gray August 12, 2024

With backpacks packed and colorful writing supplies in tow, Orange County students are getting ready to return to another year...

Weekly roundup: Los Alamitos student empowers peers with AI insights, Anaheim elementary superintendent highlight goals for school year, and more

Vicky Nguyen August 9, 2024

While many students take a break during the summer, Rylee Robles, a rising senior at Los Alamitos High School, is...

CalOptima, OCDE equip students for success at Back to School Health and Wellness Fair

Nathaniel Martinez August 7, 2024

CalOptima, in partnership with OCDE, recently hosted its annual Back-to-School Health and Wellness Fair at Columbus Tustin Park to provide a variety of free school equipment and services to students as they prepare for the new school year. The event...

2023 Interpreters and Translators Conference

Language access advocates to convene for 2024 Interpreters and Translators Conference

Vicky Nguyen August 7, 2024

Language access advocates in the TK-12 educational system will convene in Costa Mesa for the Orange County Department of Education’s...

What families should know about the state’s Universal PreKindergarten program

Madeline Gray August 6, 2024

Ensuring that all early learners in California have access to a quality education has become a top priority through the...

Weekly roundup: OCDE delivers backpacks to campuses in need, Fullerton student creates ocean conservation curriculum, and more

Madeline Gray August 2, 2024

More than 450 backpacks filled with classroom supplies were recently hand-delivered to school campuses throughout Orange County ahead of the back-to-school season. For the third year in a row, the Orange County Department of Education has partnered with SchoolsFirst FCU...

Golden Night Festival by eighth-grade student Franchesca Sta. Maria from Irvine Intermediate in the Garden Grove Unified School District

91st Festival of Arts showcases more than 200 pieces by Orange County students

Vicky Nguyen July 30, 2024

More than 200 pieces of artwork created by budding artists — ranging from transitional kindergarteners to seniors in high school...