Academy of the Redwoods Earns 2026 California Distinguished School Recognition

Academy of the Redwoods has been named a 2026 California Distinguished School, one of the state's highest honors for public schools. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced the recognition, which went to 408 middle schools and high schools across California. The California Department of Education made the announcement between March 10 and 12.

The school, operated by the Fortuna Union High School District on the College of the Redwoods campus in Eureka, has run its middle-college model since 2005. With fewer than 200 students, it works in partnership with College of the Redwoods and the Humboldt County Office of Education to blend A-G aligned high school coursework with transferable college credit. "The AR community is honored and proud to receive this distinction," the school said in a statement.

The program draws motivated students from across Humboldt County and grounds its approach in what it calls the values of Respect, Responsibility, and Choice. Academic support runs through a tiered structure that emphasizes time management, organization, engagement, and study skills, with the stated aim of preparing students for college, career, and civic life.

The award arrives amid a busy stretch for the school's students. Just days before the statewide announcement, AR highlighted student Mackenzie Wall's acceptance to San Francisco State University, Cal Poly Humboldt, St. Thomas University, and Sacramento State University. Earlier that week, James Bowerman was named the school's Academy Award Winner, recognized by a teacher identified as Ms. Holtski.

All 408 schools named in the 2026 cohort will be recognized at a ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on April 24, 2026.