The Academy of the Redwoods (AR), a school of the Fortuna Union High School District (FUHSD), 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 that 408 middle schools and high schools across California were selected for the prestigious recognition. The AR community is honored and proud to receive this distinction.
The California Distinguished Schools Program, established in 1985, celebrates schools that demonstrate exceptional student outcomes and innovative instructional practices. Schools are selected based on performance metrics from the California School Dashboard, including academic achievement, graduation rates, and college and career readiness.
“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 408 schools for their efforts to move the needle for student achievement, no matter what,” said Superintendent Thurmond. “An excellent public education has the power to transform lives, and I commend the educators and school communities who have dedicated themselves to producing exemplary results.”
Located on the campus of College of the Redwoods(CR) in Eureka, AR is a middle college high school operated by the FUHSD in partnership with CR and the Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE). Founded in 2005, the school serves motivated students from across Humboldt County in a small, supportive learning community that blends high school coursework with college immersion.
Students complete a full A-G aligned high school program while earning transferable college credit and developing the skills needed for college, career, and civic life. Grounded in the values of Respect, Responsibility, and Choice, the school emphasizes independence, academic confidence, and strong relationships through personalized support and a tiered system focused on Time Management, Organization, Engagement, and Study Skills.
With fewer than 200 students, dedicated staff, and strong partnerships with families and the community, AR provides an inclusive and academically challenging environment where students can thrive.
The 2026 California Distinguished Schools will be recognized at an awards ceremony at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on April 24, 2026.