Friday, March 20, 2026: Credo High School named a California Distinguished School 

Great news for Ed FitzGerald and all the faculty, staff and students at Credo High School. Credo High along with 2 other schools in Sonoma County, earned the prestigious California Distinguished School distinction.

“Being named a California Distinguished School is a huge honor,” Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Amie Carter said. “These schools really illustrate the connection between academic success, disciplined instructional practices, school culture and climate, strong leadership, and a commitment to innovation.” 

Only five to 10% of schools across California receive the distinction, which lasts for two years.

Credo High School Executive Director Andrea Akmenkalns said she believes the school was chosen because of the school’s strong overall achievement and work closing gaps for students who have been historically underserved.

“In a world that can often feel fragmented, we are working to inspire a sense of wholeness and creative imagination,” Akmenkalns said. “As a public Waldorf high school, our curriculum is cohesive and developmentally attuned, integrating the arts with traditional academics to cultivate rigorous critical thinking and a strong sense of humanity and purpose, alongside strong academic outcomes.”

Students at Credo High School dive deeply science, math, history and literature and have the opportunity to study world languages, music, art and pathways for careers in the product design, biomedical and agriculture industries.

“This recognition is truly an honor for our team and our community,” Akmenkalns said. “At the same time, we hold it with humility. Educators across California are working incredibly hard in very different contexts, each with their own challenges and opportunities. For us, it’s a moment of gratitude and a reminder to keep doing the work.”