california department of education

More than 40 Orange County schools named 2026 California Distinguished Schools

Vicky Nguyen March 10, 2026

Forty-two Orange County middle and high schools have been named 2026 California Distinguished Schools, considered the state’s highest honor for public education.

Weekly roundup: Valencia High student is National Youth Science Camp Delegate, Daily Pilot spotlights Laguna Beach superintendent, and more

Madeline Gray July 18, 2025

Valencia High School student Irene Pan has been selected as one of just 112 delegates — and one of only...

Two Orange County schools earn 2024 National Blue Ribbon honors

Vicky Nguyen September 23, 2024

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded two Orange County campuses the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools honor, considered the...

Garden Grove Unified cook named one of California’s Classified School Employees of the Year

Vicky Nguyen May 1, 2024

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced the 2024 California Classified School Employees of the Year — a group...

Four OC middle schools are among California’s ‘Schools to Watch’ for 2024

Vicky Nguyen March 12, 2024

Four middle schools in Orange County had earned renewed statuses in the California Schools to Watch program.  The program is...

Weekly roundup: Los Alamitos Unified campus receives Purple Star Schools Distinction, Fountain Valley hosts robotics competition, and more

Vicky Nguyen March 1, 2024

McGaugh Elementary in Seal Beach is among 30 campuses in the state to receive the prestigious Purple Star Schools distinction...

OCDE’s Early Learning Summer Institute prepares educators for incoming transitional kindergartners

Madeline Gray August 1, 2023

By September of the 2025-26 school year, every 4-year-old in the state will be eligible to enroll in a public...

VIDEO: Nearly 3,400 educators gather in Orange County for sixth annual MTSS conference

Staff reports July 18, 2023

The sixth annual California MTSS Professional Learning Institute kicked off on Tuesday, July 18, bringing 3,400 educational leaders from across...

Weekly roundup: Green Ribbon school welcomes state superintendent, OC student competes for spelling bee title, and more

Vicky Nguyen June 2, 2023

Santiago STEAM Magnet Elementary staff along with Saddleback Valley Unified School District leaders welcomed State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and his...

38 Orange County elementary campuses named California Distinguished Schools

Madeline Gray January 6, 2023

Thirty-eight elementary schools in Orange County have been recognized by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond as 2023 California Distinguished Schools. After...