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.
South Junior High School in Anaheim has received the 2026 Civic Learning Award of Excellence, the state’s highest honor for civic education. The campus is one of three schools statewide recognized at the top level.
Cypress High School senior Parsmi Rajput and teacher Shelley Hawkins have been named 2025 Bezos Scholars, joining a cohort of just 17 student-educator teams worldwide. Their Community Change Project will focus on creating a resource hub to connect students and families with critical services.
After 11 years as superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District, Michael Matsuda has announced his retirement, effective Dec. 31, 2025. An internal search for his successor will continue through July 28.
Anaheim High School has earned a Civic Learning Award of Distinction for its campuswide commitment to civic education, while five other Orange County schools received honorable mention for promoting student voice and engagement.
