Average
#4255 of 9,539 schools in CA
Top 45% in state
Arcata High
High School · Northern Humboldt Union High
1720 M St., Arcata, CA 95521
Enrollment
1,011
Student-Teacher
19.4:1
Score
6.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,011
Student-Teacher
19.4:1
Score
6.6
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#4,255 of 9,539
In Arcata
#6 of 11
public schools
In district
#1 of 5
Northern Humboldt Union High
Equity
7.2 / 10
Very Good
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Arcata High
High School in Arcata · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Pacific Coast High (continuation)
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Six Rivers Charter High
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Arcata High
Arcata High is a public high school in Arcata, CA, part of Northern Humboldt Union High. Arcata High serves approximately 1,011 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 19.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Arcata High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10 and ranks #4,255 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Arcata High show 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 71% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 6.6 · Average
- District avg 6.0
- CA avg 6.5
What Parents Should Know
39% of students at Arcata High were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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Arcata High — Students at Arcata High score 49% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
39.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 30 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.2/10.
How Arcata High Compares
See how Arcata High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1720 M St., Arcata, CA 95521
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Arcata High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy (rated 7.4/10, 0.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Pacific Coast High (Continuation) (rated 6.2/10), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Six Rivers Charter High (rated 5.7/10), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Arcata, see our Arcata schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Coast High (Continuation) Arcata | 0.0 mi | 6.2 |
| Six Rivers Charter High Arcata | 0.0 mi | 5.7 |
| Arcata Elementary Arcata | 0.5 mi | 6.3 |
| Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy Arcata | 0.5 mi | 7.4 |
| Coastal Grove Charter Arcata | 0.5 mi | 8.8 |
| MAD RIVER MONTESSORI Arcata | 0.6 mi | — |
| Fuente Nueva Charter Arcata | 0.6 mi | 4.7 |
| ARCATA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Arcata | 0.7 mi | 4.3 |
| Union Street Charter Arcata | 1.1 mi | 9.8 |
| Pacific Union Elementary Arcata | 1.3 mi | 7.2 |
| Laurel Tree Charter Arcata | 1.6 mi | 7.5 |
| SIX RIVERS MONTESSORI Arcata | 1.8 mi | — |
| Sunny Brae Middle Arcata | 1.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Jacoby Creek Bayside | 2.3 mi | 7.9 |
| MISTWOOD EDUCATIONAL CENTER Bayside | 2.7 mi | — |
| Mistwood Educational Center Bayside | 2.7 mi | — |
| HUMBOLDT BAY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bayside | 3.4 mi | — |
| Seaforth Montessori Mckinleyville | 4.6 mi | — |
| McKinleyville Middle Mckinleyville | 4.9 mi | 3.7 |
| Morris Elementary Mckinleyville | 5.2 mi | 4.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 95521 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$54,324
Median Home Value
$478,600
Median Rent
$1,300/mo
Population
21,684
College Educated
45%
Homeownership
36.7%
Avg Commute
18.3 min
Poverty Rate
26.7%
Median Age
29.2
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cabrillo High Lompoc, CA | 6.6 |
| Capuchino High San Bruno, CA | 6.6 |
| Cesar E. Chavez High Delano, CA | 6.6 |
| Del Norte High Crescent City, CA | 6.6 |
| Fillmore Senior High Fillmore, CA | 6.6 |
| Greenfield High Greenfield, CA | 6.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Arcata High
What grades does Arcata High serve?
Arcata High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Arcata High?
Arcata High has an enrollment of approximately 1,011 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Arcata High?
The student-teacher ratio at Arcata High is 19.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Arcata High rank in CA?
Arcata High ranks #4,255 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Arcata High's MySchoolScout rating?
Arcata High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.6 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Arcata High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Arcata High has 52% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 71% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Arcata High a charter school?
No, Arcata High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Arcata High a Title I school?
No, Arcata High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Arcata High?
39.3% of students at Arcata High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,011
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 52
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 39.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- Humboldt County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 39.2%
- Phone
- (707) 825-2400
- 4-Year Graduation
- 95%+
Resources & Links
District
Northern Humboldt Union High- District Enrollment
- 1,756
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,026
- District Rank
- #1 of 5
Other Schools in This District
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