Fullerton School District students participate in a STEM Nation competition on district-issued iPads during the 2025 FSD Fest. (Photo courtesy of the Fullerton School District) 
Technology integration begins in transitional kindergarten for Fullerton School District students. (Photo courtesy of the Fullerton School District) 
Fullerton School District educators collaborate during the 2024 Staff Development Day, where teachers used district-issued Mac devices to learn about artificial intelligence. (Photo courtesy of the Fullerton School District)
The Fullerton School District has become the only district west of Texas to have all of its campuses recognized as Apple Distinguished Schools.
Apple announced that all 20 of the district’s schools earned the honor for the 2025–28 program term. The designation is given to schools that demonstrate continuous innovation, measurable academic achievement and the use of Apple technology to support teaching and learning.
According to company, more than 1,000 campuses in 40 countries have been named Apple Distinguished Schools, which the company describes as centers of leadership and educational excellence and among the most innovative schools in the world. These sites are recognized for inspiring creativity, encouraging learners to explore new possibilities and promoting a commitment to positive impact.
“This recognition reflects the incredible work of our teachers, leaders and students, who embrace technology not as an add-on, but as a powerful tool for creativity, collaboration and problem-solving,” said Jeremy Davis, the district’s assistant superintendent of innovation and instructional support, in a press release.
Fullerton, which serves more than 11,000 students in transitional kindergarten through eighth grade, said it was among the first systems west of the Mississippi to adopt one-to-one student laptops in 2004. District staff noted that by 2013, one-to-one iPad use had expanded across classrooms and that in November 2024 the district became the first in Orange County to provide all teachers with professional learning on artificial intelligence in education.
According to FSD, technology integration begins in transitional kindergarten, with an emphasis on balancing digital learning with student wellness and digital literacy. Leaders said safeguards include adaptive internet filters and a focus on creation over consumption.
Here are the other stories we’ve been following this week:
- Community schools in California saw improved test scores, reduced absenteeism and fewer suspensions in their first year, according to a new report analyzing the impact of the state’s $4.1 billion investment.
- OCDE’s College and Career Preparatory Academy has launched a new 155-credit graduation pathway for adult learners ages 19 and older, making high school diplomas more accessible while maintaining academic rigor.
- The new OC Schools Directory at directory.ocde.us offers a searchable, mobile-friendly platform with continuously updated contact information for educators, families and community members.
- Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza has been appointed superintendent of Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified, becoming the first woman hired for the position in the district’s 151-year history. She will officially begin on Oct. 6.
- While the statewide rollout of California’s ethnic studies course has stalled due to lack of funding and heightened debate over curriculum content, many districts have moved forward on their own. In Orange County, most high schools are already offering stand-alone or integrated classes that reflect the region’s diverse student population.
- Orange County school districts are reviewing or revising policies in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Mahmoud v. Taylor decision, which requires schools to allow students to opt out of lessons conflicting with their family’s religious beliefs. OCDE is supporting districts as they interpret the guidelines and update procedures.
- Orange Unified officials are investigating allegations that a Villa Park High teacher removed a student memorial for a conservative activist, while in Laguna Beach, a high school student was suspended following a dispute on campus over a “Make America Great Again” hat. Both districts are reviewing the incidents to ensure they are handled fairly and in line with policy.
- A new report finds the nation’s math crisis began over a decade ago and has worsened since the pandemic, with declining scores, widening gaps and few clear plans from federal leaders to reverse the trend.
- The fourth annual S.T.E.A.M. Race to Space Reading Challenge will launch Oct. 3 with new science-focused partners, offering students in grades TK-12 the chance to explore STEM through reading and earn prizes.
- Los Angeles Unified has joined districts across California in preparing to offer a semester-long personal finance course, required by state law to be in place by the 2027-28 school year.
- California lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 414, a charter school reform measure that strengthens audits, increases financial transparency and establishes a statewide Office of Inspector General to investigate fraud in all public schools.
- A bill promoting evidence-based reading instruction has passed the California Legislature unanimously and now awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature, marking a major step toward adopting “science of reading” methods in classrooms statewide.
This is the part where we encourage you to keep up with local education news stories by bookmarking the OCDE Newsroom, subscribing for emailed updates and following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.