GGUSD Wins Best Communities for Music Education Award for 8th Year in a Row

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

For the eighth consecutive year, Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) is being recognized with the Best Communities for Music Education Award. This award spotlights and celebrates school districts across the United States for their exemplary dedication to music education and their ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to music learning. GGUSD is one of only eight districts in Orange County and one of 38 school districts across the state to receive this distinction.

“The Board of Education has a shared understanding of the vital role the arts play in a well-rounded education and we remain committed to ensuring all students have access to a high qualify visual and performing arts program," said Board of Education Vice President Lan Nguyen. “Each year, I attend numerous concerts, plays and art showcase that demonstrate the high caliber of our Visual and Performing Arts Program as well as our teachers and students.”

Recipients of the 2026 BCME Awards were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment to and access to music education.

The GGUSD Visual and Performing Arts program is led by Coordinator Stacy Harris and is supported by 39 elementary through high school vocal music teachers, 26 elementary through high school instrumental music teachers, 9 intermediate school visual art teachers, 32 high school visual art teachers, 8 intermediate & high school theatre arts/drama teachers, five high school dance teachers, and three intermediate school dance teachers.