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Awards Criteria

Recognition is an important part of OPA's core philosophy and one of the ways students are encouraged to excel. Accomplishments are recognized in a way that promotes future achievement and supports the mission of building the foundation for lifelong learning and success. Awards are distributed to all deserving students who have met or exceeded the school's high expectations. Achievement and C.H.A.M.P. awards were created with the help of OPA staff from all school sites. Criteria for President's Education Awards and Pathway to Civic Learning Awards are established by the issuing authority. 

Achievement Awards Criteria

At the end of each grading trimester, students are recognized for their achievement in the subject areas of English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. Awarded at the end of each trimester.
 
  • Chancellor's List (1st-5th grade): 4.0 GPA for the trimester
  • Dean's List (1st-5th grade): 3.5-3.9 GPA for the trimester (no D or F grades)
  • Outstanding Champion Award (TK, K): Kindergarten recognizes 1-2 students for Outstanding Effort in Core Subject Areas (ELA, Math, Science or Social Studies).   TK students are recognized at the 3rd Trimester Awards ceremony.

CHAMP Awards Criteria

CHAMP awards are presented each trimester to students who exhibit the characteristics of: Compassion, Honesty, Accountability, Mindfulness, and being Prepared. Each professor will recognize five students each trimester for following school-wide expectations based on our school C.H.A.M.P.S. matrix. Awarded at the end of each trimester to all grade levels. 
 
  • Compassionate Scholar Award
  • Honest Scholar Award
  • Accountable Scholar Award
  • Mindful Scholar Award
  • Prepared Scholar Award

President's Education Awards

Founded in 1983, the President's Education Awards Program honors graduating elementary, middle, and high school students for their achievement and hard work. The program provides individual recognition from the President and the U.S. Secretary of Education to those students whose outstanding efforts have enabled them to meet challenging standards of excellence. This program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Awarded at the end of each school year to 5th graders. 
 
Educational Excellence Award Educational Achievement Award
  • Overall 3.6 GPA minimum in core subjects 4th and 5th grade
  • 3.0 minimum overall GPA in core subjects in 4th and 5th grade
  • Level of 4 (exceeded standards) on CAASPP ELA and Math in 4th grade
  • At least level of 3 (met standards) on CAASPP ELA and Math in 4th grade
 

Pathway to Civic Learning Awards

The Civic Learning Pathways certificate/award aligns elementary and middle school grades to the State Seal of Civic Engagement that can be earned in high school. Awards are distributed by the Orange County Department of Education to students who have met specific performance outcomes upon completion of designated grades. Awarded at the end of each school year to 3rd and 5th graders.