More than 460 Orange County student innovators submitted 206 prototypes designed to address real-world challenges as part of the annual ocMaker Challenge. Thirty-seven teams from 20 schools earned first- through third-place awards and 16 special awards presented before an audience of more than 300 attendees.
More than 330 student-created artworks and film projects representing schools across Orange County will be featured in the 2026 Festival of Arts Junior Art Exhibit in Laguna Beach.
The second annual State of the Student Forum brought together education and community leaders from across Orange County to explore findings from the latest State of the Student report, examining trends in student achievement, well-being and school climate and discussing how those insights can help support students and families.
Bright colors, marine life and local history came together this spring as students from Warner Middle School and Westminster High School collaborated on a mural inspired by the ecosystems of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.
Four teams representing Orange County schools earned top placements at the 2026 United States Academic Pentathlon National Finals in Nashville, Tennessee, including a national championship for McGarvin Intermediate School’s seventh-grade team.
Graduation season is underway across Orange County. The OCDE Newsroom has compiled a collection of commencement photos and social media posts from schools and districts throughout the county.
