Measuring Our Success

Congratulations OPA SOC and OPA SV for being selected as 2023 California Distinguished Schools

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2023 California Distinguished Schools

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced that 356 elementary schools have been selected for the prestigious
2023 California Distinguished Schools Program. The award program is celebrating its return this year after the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily suspended reporting of state and local student data. Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students. “It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 356 elementary schools for providing outstanding public education and opportunities to students. Their innovation and hard work have helped to ensure their students can heal, recover, and thrive—even in the toughest times,” Thurmond said. “California Distinguished Schools represent examples of not just excellent teaching, learning, and collaboration, but also highly successful, data-driven school efforts ranging from professional development for educators to mental health and social-emotional wellness strategies to address the needs of students and families.”

The California Distinguished Schools program recognizes schools for their excellent work in one of two categories: closing the achievement gap and achieving exceptional student performance. Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years; therefore, awardees hold the title for two years. This is OPA SV's first time receiving the California Distinguished School recognition. OPA SOC received the recognition in 2014 and 2018.
For more information, please visit the CDE California Distinguished Schools Program web page.

Both OPA - Saddleback Valley and OPA - South Orange County were selected to receive the 2022 California Pivotal Practice (CAPP) Award. Yesterday, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, announced the recipients of the Award, which was given to only 727 California schools. “I’m incredibly proud of these schools and districts for their creativity, dedication, and innovation in the face of adversity,” Thurmond said. “These schools led incredible efforts to engage students, distribute technology, provide meals, and support the social and emotional well-being of students during an incredibly difficult time for schools and families.”

The CAPP award is being used this year in place of the California Distinguished School Program. It celebrates schools and districts that implemented an innovative practice during the 2020-2021 school year when California required schools to offer distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our schools submitted an online application highlighting practices that included social and emotional learning, interventions and supports, and strong enrichment programs. We are so proud of the way that our school sites met the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are honored that the state of California recognized the tremendous efforts of our families, staff, and students during these difficult times. This honor is another testament to the incredible strength of our OPA community!

Oxford Preparatory Academy - Saddleback Valley received the first 7-year charter renewal in California. The 7-year renewal was based on it's high academic performance and excellent academic programs.

Oxford preparatory Academy - South Orange County has had the top scores in both Math and ELA on the California Assessment of Performance and Progress (CAASPP) in South Orange County for the past 5 years.

Oxford Preparatory Academy - Saddleback Valley has has the top scores in both Math and ELA on the California Assessment of Performance and Progress (CAASPP) compared to its surrounding schools in Saddleback Valley Unified School District for the past 5 years.

California Distinguished Schools

In 2014 and 2018, Oxford Prep – SOC received the California Distinguished Schools award.

A California Distinguished School is an award given by the California State Board of Education to public schools within the state that best represent exemplary and quality educational programs. Approximately five percent of California schools are awarded this honor each year following a selection process. Eligibility is based on federal and state criteria including the No Child Left Behind program, Academic Performance Index (API), and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP).

Civic Learning Award of Merit

Oxford Preparatory Academy – SOC was selected as a recipient of the Civic Learning Award of Merit. Co-sponsored by Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, the Civic Learning Award program recognizes the important role of public schools in preparing students for participation in our democracy. It was designed to both celebrate successful efforts to engage students in civic learning and to identify successful models that can be replicated in other schools.

Niche Ratings

Oxford Prep – SOC was selected by the readers of Parenting OC for Best Charter School in Orange County in both 2014 and 2021.

The institution’s mission is to strive for academic success among their students by involving parents, teachers, and community in their educational program. Oxford Preparatory Academy is a top pick among our readers because of its commitment to academic excellence among its students!

OPA - SOC

Overall A Rating on Niche

#1 Best Charter Elementary Schools in Orange County

#57 Best Public Middle Schools in California

#10 Best Charter Elementary Schools in California

#11 Best Charter Middle Schools in California

#118 Best Charter Middle Schools in America

#119 Best Charter Elementary Schools in America

OPA - SV

Overall A Rating on Niche

#2 Best Charter Elementary Schools in Orange County

#6 Most Diverse Middle Schools in Orange County

#16 Best Charter Elementary Schools in California

#16 Best Charter Middle Schools in California

#147 Best Charter Middle Schools in America

#151 Best Charter Elementary Schools in America

Honor Roll School

Track Record of Success

In 2011, Oxford Preparatory Academy opened its South Orange County (OPA-SOC) campus in Mission Viejo. In 2016, Oxford Preparatory Academy opened its Saddleback Valley (OPA-SV) campus campus in Lake Forrest. Since its inception, our schools have been honored with many prestigious awards.

Perfect 10 Rankings

The South Orange County campus opened its first year with a 993 API, the second highest scoring school in Orange County. In 2013, the school’s API of 990 was the highest in the Capistrano Unified School District.

Our SOC campus was chosen by the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE) as a 2014 Honor Roll Scholar School recipient. SOC received this award again in 2016 and 2018.

This campaign is known for its extensive and rigorous analysis of every public school throughout California. Our schools stood out among thousands because of our success to get our students to higher levels of achievement and beyond.

Each year, CBEE presents this award to individual schools and to school districts that have excelled in raising student achievement and closing achievement gaps, improving the educational system for all students.