The following student news roundup provides a recent snapshot of some of the outstanding accomplishments of our more than 35,000 students, including Artists of the Year, IUSD's Student Advisory Committee, Academic Decathlon, Ethics Bowl, Regeneron Science Talent Search, 2021 Edison Scholar and more.  

Northwood and University high schools have been named 2021 California Distinguished Schools.  This designation is the state’s top honor for schools.  

For the ninth consecutive year, IUSD has been named one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. IUSD joins only four percent of school districts nationwide to receive this prestigious honor for its commitment to music and education.

Once again, University High School earned first place at the recent Science Bowl Regional competition.  Hosted by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, this annual competition tests students' knowledge of math, physics, chemistry and biology, among other topics.

Northwood High School Principal, Dr. Leslie Roach has received Administrator of the Year honors from the Association of California School Administrators, for her outstanding leadership and significant contributions to education during her 22-year career with IUSD.   

IUSD students in grades 6-12 participated in the District’s 40th annual Science Fair, presenting an impressive array of biological, physical and engineering projects. USD will advance 137 students to the OC Science and Engineering Fair and 38 students will advance to the Broadcom MASTERS.  

University High School earned top honors at the Orange County Academic Decathlon, after finishing first in the 10-event virtual competition.  Woodbridge High School placed second, with both teams advancing to the state competition in March.    

The county’s 28 public school superintendents received top honors from the Orange County School Boards Association (OCSBA) this week, “In Recognition of Exemplary Leadership for Youth and the Education Community Amidst a Global Health Pandemic.”  

The Irvine Company presented IUSD with a check for $2 million as part of the Excellence in Education Enrichment Fund grant. This Fund supports art, music and science education for IUSD students in grades four through six.

The Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) has been ranked a top school district in Orange County and one of the best in California, according to a new report by the review site Niche.