K-12 education

A group of young children sit in a canoe and paddle down a stream on a river in the middle of a sunny day. Down the river in the background is a group of more children paddling in their canoes.

K-12 Education

Their families keep California farms running. Trump cuts just stripped a ‘lifeline’ from them

Migrant Education programs serve students whose parents work in California’s agricultural fields, dairies, fisheries and timberlands.

By

Carolyn Jones

• July 23, 2025

A group of students walks and chats in a shaded outdoor corridor between school buildings. Some are looking at papers or phones, while others carry backpacks and wear casual clothing. Sunlight filters through the space, casting shadows along the walkway. The atmosphere is lively and social.

Education

Trump administration releases after school grant money — with a catch

Trump withheld about $7 billion in education funds for various school programs nationwide, including about $800 million for California.

By

Carolyn Jones

• July 21, 2025

K-12 Education

‘Like having a hand cut off’: California schools reeling after AmeriCorps cuts

Trump cut AmeriCorps, laying off over 5,600 of California’s public service workers. Because of a lawsuit, the state’s program can restart, at least temporarily, but schools and disaster relief sites are still reeling from staffing shortages.

By

Adam Echelman

and

Carolyn Jones

• July 18, 2025

A teacher sits at a table with a small group of students in a classroom, leading a discussion. A whiteboard behind them displays vocabulary words like “enough” and “jewelry.” The walls are covered with educational posters and a word wall. Empty desks and bins of supplies are visible in the foreground.

Commentary

California is finally adopting phonics, fulfilling a grandmother’s dream

Four decades after education reformer Marian Joseph pushed phonics in schools to change the way young readers learn, California lawmakers are embracing it.

By

Dan Walters

• July 18, 2025

The burnt remaining structure of a high school building that was destroyed during a wildfire. Student desks are left among the ruins.

Commentary

‘I’ve noticed changes in all of us’: The LA fires put what really matters most into focus

A former Palisades high schooler reflects on a tumultuous year and the way many teens have gained a whole new perspective, rethinking what's important.

By Lauren Ades • July 16, 2025

Students wearing red and beige uniforms sit on the floor of a classroom as they look up at a teacher pointing to a projected lesson on a whiteboard.

Commentary

Charter schools need reform. This proposal could kneecap them

Lawmakers are considering creating an inspector general role just to oversee charter schools. It might slow the charter school movement.

By

Dan Walters

• July 11, 2025

A dimly lit elementary school classroom with a whiteboard displaying vocabulary and grammar lessons written in marker. Above the board, an alphabet banner with illustrated objects runs across the wall. A “MASK REQUIRED” sign is prominently posted. In the foreground, children wearing face masks are partially visible and out of focus, seated at desks. A projector and children's book are seen on a cart near the board, contributing to the classroom setting.

K-12 Education

Heinous, heartbreaking — and expensive. California schools face avalanche of sex abuse claims

A California law took effect in 2020 that dropped the statute of limitations for filing lawsuits, provided a three-year window for victims to file claims and otherwise made it easier for them to sue school districts and counties.

By

Carolyn Jones

• July 10, 2025

Students line up in the courtyard at Stege Elementary School in Richmond on Feb. 6, 2023. Photo by Shelby Knowles for CalMatters

K-12 Education

Homeless student counts in California are up. Some say that’s a good thing

In the latest state enrollment data released, California had 230,443 homeless students — a 9.3% increase from the previous year.

By

Carolyn Jones

• July 2, 2025

A lively elementary school classroom is filled with students engaged in various activities. Two children sit across from each other, one reading aloud from a book while the other leans in, listening attentively with a smile. In the background, a teacher assists a student wearing a headscarf at a desk, while other students stand and interact. The walls are covered in colorful educational posters and student artwork, and the classroom is furnished with bookshelves, desks, and storage bins, creating a vibrant learning environment.

K-12 Education

Trump is withholding $800 million from California schools. How kids will be affected

California districts have not received Congressionally appropriated money for after school programs, academic enrichment, English-learner services, teacher professional development and migrant education.

By

Tara García Mathewson

and

Carolyn Jones

• July 1, 2025

A student sits in a study space wearing a “Highlander” sweatshirt, with a relaxed expression. Behind them is a whiteboard filled with colorful handwritten notes and chemistry diagrams. A computer monitor, posters, and study materials are visible on the desk and walls, including artwork from “Super Smash Bros.” and “Arcane.” The environment is personal and academic, reflecting a mix of schoolwork and individual interests.

Education

Pandemic graduates: They had no prom, no pomp and circumstance, and started college on Zoom

Five years after COVID shut down most California high schools, today's college students describe a difficult transition to adulthood, marked by fear, loss and a lack of preparation.

By

Deborah Brennan

• June 25, 2025