For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 3,017 students in Arcata, CA (there are 3 private schools, serving 182 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in Arcata, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in Arcata, CA are Union Street Charter, Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy and Arcata High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Arcata, CA public schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in Arcata have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 41% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Arcata, CA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Union Street Charter
Charter School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
470 Union St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4845
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4845
Gr: K-5 | 99 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #22.
Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
285 Bayside Rd.
Arcata, CA 95518
(707) 822-0861
Arcata, CA 95518
(707) 822-0861
Gr: 6-12 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #33.
Arcata High School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1720 M St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-2400
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-2400
Gr: 9-12 | 1,007 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #44.
Arcata Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2400 Baldwin St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4858
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4858
Gr: K-5 | 240 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #55.
Pacific Union Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3001 Janes Rd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4619
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4619
Gr: K-8 | 534 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #66.
Coastal Grove Charter
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1897 S St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-8804
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-8804
Gr: K-8 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #77.
Fuente Nueva Charter
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1730 Janes Rd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-3348
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-3348
Gr: K-5 | 150 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #88.
Mad River High (Continuation School)
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1300 Murray Rd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 839-6480
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 839-6480
Gr: 9-12 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #99.
Sunny Brae Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1430 Buttermilk Ln.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5988
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5988
Gr: 6-8 | 232 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #1010.
Laurel Tree Charter
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4555 Valley West Blvd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5626
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5626
Gr: K-12 | 197 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #1111.
Pacific Coast High (Continuation School)
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1720 M St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-2443
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-2443
Gr: 9-12 | 24 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: n/an/a
Six Rivers Charter High School
Charter School
1720 M St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-2428
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-2428
Gr: 9-12 | 113 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: n/an/a
Trillium Charter
Charter School
1464 Spear Ave.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4721
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4721
Gr: K-5 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Arcata, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in Arcata, CA include Union Street Charter, Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy and Arcata High School.
How many public schools are located in Arcata?
13 public schools are located in Arcata.
What percentage of students in Arcata go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in Arcata are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Arcata?
Arcata public schools minority enrollment is 41% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Arcata are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Arcata include: Six Rivers Charter High School vs. Arcata High School, Coastal Grove Charter vs. Fuente Nueva Charter, Laurel Tree Charter vs. Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy
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