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Very Good

#2663 of 9,539 schools in CA

Top 28% in state

Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy

High School · Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy District

PO Box 276, Arcata, CA 95518

Charter

Enrollment

130

Student-Teacher

43.3:1

Score

7.4

Grades

6th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

California schools

#2,663 of 9,539

In Arcata

#4 of 11

public schools

Academic growth

9.2 / 10

Excellent

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Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy

7.4/10

High School in Arcata · grades 6th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Coastal Grove Charter

8.8/10

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Mad River Montessori

Nearby

0.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy

Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy is a public high school in Arcata, CA, part of Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy District. Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy serves approximately 130 students, and covers grades 6th-12th, and has a 43.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.4 out of 10 and ranks #2,663 of 9,539 schools in CA.

Structured state assessment records for Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy show 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 77% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

How it compares0.9 pts above CA schools
  • This school 7.4 · Very Good
  • CA avg 6.5

What Parents Should Know

At 130 students, Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy runs 43.3:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.2Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data6
Annual Change-0.14 pts/yr
Data Period2018–2024
TrendStable
Academics8.2Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency52.3% (2024 CAASPP)
Reading/ELA Proficiency75% (2024 CAASPP)
Math vs. State Avg+17.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+29.1 pts
Overall Proficiency64% (2024 CAASPP, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)62% (model expectation from 2024 CAASPP)
vs. Expected+1.8 pts
Adjusted Percentile73th
College Readiness9.3Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
AP Participation32.3%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment1.1Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio43.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$14,513

Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy — Students at Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy score 64% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 62%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

22.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)

Math Proficiency 49.1% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
32.7% (2024 CAASPP)
ELA Proficiency 77.3% (multi-year average, 2018-2024)
School
State
48.5% (2024 CAASPP)

Based on 20 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2018
Math
47%
ELA
77%
2019
Math
47%
ELA
77%
2020*
Math
47%
ELA
87%
2021*
Math
47%
ELA
87%
2022
Math
42.7%
ELA
69.5%
2024
Math
52.1%
ELA
75.2%

* 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: 9.2/10.

How Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy Compares

See how Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.4/10
72th percentile in CA
Academic
8.2/10
Excellent
Growth
9.2/10
Excellent
Environment
1.1/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
22%
Teaching Staff
43:1 student-teacher ratio
3 teachers

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs IB Programme
32.3% participation·State avg: 2.6 AP courses·81 IB enrolled·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

PO Box 276, Arcata, CA 95518

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Arcata High (rated 6.6/10, 0.5 miles away), with a comparable rating. Another option is Pacific Coast High (Continuation) (rated 6.2/10, 0.5 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Six Rivers Charter High (rated 5.7/10, 0.5 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Arcata, see our Arcata schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 4.2 mi
School Distance Rating
Coastal Grove Charter Arcata 0.4 mi 8.8
MAD RIVER MONTESSORI Arcata 0.5 mi
Fuente Nueva Charter Arcata 0.5 mi 4.7
Arcata High Arcata 0.5 mi 6.6
Pacific Coast High (Continuation) Arcata 0.5 mi 6.2
Six Rivers Charter High Arcata 0.5 mi 5.7
Arcata Elementary Arcata 0.9 mi 6.3
ARCATA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Arcata 1.1 mi 4.3
Union Street Charter Arcata 1.3 mi 9.8
Pacific Union Elementary Arcata 1.6 mi 7.2
Laurel Tree Charter Arcata 2.0 mi 7.5
Sunny Brae Middle Arcata 1.8 mi 6.0
SIX RIVERS MONTESSORI Arcata 2.1 mi
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 3.2 mi
Seaforth Montessori Mckinleyville 4.8 mi
McKinleyville Middle Mckinleyville 5.1 mi 3.7
Redwood Coast Montessori Eureka 4.2 mi 8.9

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Bitney Prep High Grass Valley, CA 7.4
Central Coast High Seaside, CA 7.4
FUSION ACADEMY WARNER CENTER Woodland Hills, CA 7.4
MAYBECK HIGH SCHOOL Berkeley, CA 7.4
Maxwell Sr High Maxwell, CA 7.4
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY FCE Los Angeles, CA 7.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy

What grades does Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy serve?

Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy serves students in grades 6th through 12th.

How many students attend Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy?

Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy has an enrollment of approximately 130 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy is 43.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy rank in CA?

Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy ranks #2,663 of 9,539 schools in CA.

What is Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.4 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 Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy has 49% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024) and 77% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2018-2024).

Is Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy a charter school?

Yes, Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy a Title I school?

No, Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy?

22.3% of students at Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
74 Very Walkable
Bike Score
95 Biker’s Paradise

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
6th – 12th
Enrollment
130
Student-Teacher Ratio
43.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
3
Free/Reduced Lunch
22.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Town
County
Humboldt County
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy District
District Enrollment
130
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$14,513
District Rank
#1 of 1

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