Orange County Department of Education

06/12/2026

New faces have arrived at the Kalmus campus for the summer.

Andrea Rivas, Justin Nguyen, Dominic Pham and Sailee Charlu are spending the next several weeks gaining hands-on experience, exploring career pathways and learning from staff across multiple OCDE departments.

Three students are participating through Orange County United Way’s Youth Career Connections Summer Workplace Mentorship Program, while Sailee joins the team through a separate internship opportunity.

Swipe to see highlights from their first day and orientation.

06/12/2026

This week’s Orange County education roundup includes students from Warner Middle School and Westminster High School collaborating on a mural inspired by the Bolsa Chica Wetlands and the region’s native ecosystems.

Other stories highlight student achievement, school recognitions and innovative programs from districts across Orange County.

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 Bo…

06/12/2026

Meet Leslie Bubb, coordinator with OCDE's School for Learning and Leadership.

For the past 10 years, Leslie has helped oversee the Classified Employee Grant Consortium, a partnership that provides financial support and mentorship to classified employees pursuing teaching credentials. Through the program, more than 800 participants each year receive support as they work toward becoming educators.

When asked what motivates her, Leslie points to the opportunity to help people achieve their goal of becoming teachers while contributing to the future of schools and students.

Fun fact: Before joining OCDE, Leslie was a dancer in the Disneyland parade and portrayed a character from "It's a Small World."

06/11/2026

On the latest episode of FutureCurrent, OC Schools Bright Futures Foundation Executive Director David Blair discusses his path from professional opera singer to nonprofit leader and how that journey now shapes his work supporting students across Orange County.

The conversation explores student-centered innovation, community partnerships and efforts to expand educational opportunities through the Bright Futures Foundation.

Learn more: https://newsroom.ocde.us/futurecurrent-bright-futures-foundation-leader-david-blair-discusses-student-centered-innovation/

06/11/2026

Original student compositions celebrating freedom, unity and America’s upcoming 250th anniversary took center stage during the USA 250-OC Theme Song Competition showcase and awards ceremony June 6 at OCDE.

JSerra Catholic High School student Ella Wu earned the grand prize for her song, “A Country for Us All,” and received an invitation to perform at the Pacific Symphony’s July 4 Spectacular.

Read more: https://newsroom.ocde.us/watch-original-student-compositions-take-center-stage-in-usa-250-oc-songwriting-showcase/

06/11/2026

The OCDE logo is more than a familiar symbol.

A new OCDE Newsroom story explores how the bell in the department’s logo connects to California’s historic El Camino Real and why it has remained part of OCDE’s identity for decades.

Quick look: Learn more about how the OCDE logo nods to a foundational piece of California’s history: The El Camino Real. Ever wondered about the history and meaning behind the Orange County D…

06/10/2026

Orange County students earned top team placements and dozens of individual medals at the 2026 United States Academic Pentathlon National Finals in Nashville, Tennessee.

McGarvin Intermediate School’s seventh-grade team captured a national championship, while teams from Gordon H. Beatty Middle School, McGarvin Intermediate School and Fairmont Schools’ Historic Anaheim campus also earned second-place finishes in their divisions.

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 McGa…

06/09/2026

Graduation season is underway across Orange County, with students crossing commencement stages and celebrating a milestone years in the making.

To celebrate the Class of 2026, the OCDE Newsroom has compiled a collection of commencement photos and social media posts from schools and districts throughout the county.

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.

06/09/2026

What role does civic literacy play in building stronger schools, communities and government systems?

Join education, business and regional leaders for an upcoming OC Forum panel on June 11 to explore how civic engagement can shape informed citizens and strengthen democratic participation ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary.

"The Power of Civic Literacy" will feature distinguished speakers including Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean and California National Civics Bee champion Arlo Fravien.

Education, business and civic leaders will convene June 11 for The Power of Civic Literacy panel discussion hosted by OC Forum, featuring Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean, Ca…

06/03/2026

Sixty-eight AVID 8th Grade Standouts representing schools across 15 Orange County districts were recognized May 13 at Angel Stadium.

Hosted by OCDE in partnership with the Los Angeles Angels and the Angels Baseball Foundation, the annual event celebrated students for their academic achievement, leadership and commitment to success. Eight students were also named 2026 Angels Scholars, earning $10,000 college scholarships through the Angels Baseball Foundation.

Learn more: https://newsroom.ocde.us/orange-county-avid-honors-68-eighth-grade-standouts-awards-eight-10000-scholarships/