October 13, 2025
Orange, CA – Orange Unified School District is proud to announce that Portola Middle School has been selected as one of the inaugural Orange County Impact Schools, a new recognition program launched by the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) to spotlight innovative educational practices and foster shared learning among educators.
Unlike traditional awards or competitions, the Impact Schools initiative focuses on professional exchange. Throughout the year, OCDE’s Educational Services division will send small teams to each recognized campus to observe classroom practices, learn from educators, and help scale strategies that are making measurable differences for students.
“Orange County Impact Schools represent what’s possible when educators lead with creativity, collaboration, and heart,” said Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean. “These campuses are showing how innovative practices can transform student learning and lift entire communities. As we recognize their success, we’re also creating opportunities to learn from their approaches and amplify what’s working across our county.”
Portola Middle School was selected through an informal nomination process to reflect a diverse range of grade spans, programs, and communities. The school joins 11 other Orange County campuses recognized for their innovation.
“Every one of these schools has found a way to meet the needs of students through fresh ideas, strong relationships, and purposeful design,” said Dr. Jonathan Swanson, OCDE’s Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Academic Enrichment. “Our hope is that by visiting these sites and engaging with their staff, we can share effective strategies that help all schools move forward.”
Each Impact School will receive a certificate featuring a special badge and a formal letter of recognition from OCDE. Over the coming months, cross-functional teams will visit campuses, conduct interviews, and share insights to help expand innovative practices countywide.
Congratulations to Portola Middle School educatiors, staff, and families, for receiving this prestigious recognition.