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Very Good

#2587 of 9,533 schools in CA

Top 27% 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

7.3

Grades

6th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Arcata

#3 of 11

public schools

California high schools

#465 of 1,892

Equity

8.6 / 10

Exceptional

About Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy

Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy serves 130 students in grades 6-12 as a charter school in Arcata, California. This unique public institution combines rigorous academics with performing arts education, creating a distinctive learning environment in Humboldt County. With a MySchoolScout rating of 7.1 out of 10 and ranking in the 75th percentile statewide (#2434 out of 9566 California schools), the academy demonstrates solid academic performance.

Students show particular strength in English Language Arts, with 75% achieving proficient or above levels across grade levels. Math performance stands at 52% proficient or above, indicating room for continued growth in STEM subjects. The school operates with 3 full-time equivalent teachers serving its student body, resulting in a student-teacher ratio of 43.3:1.

As a charter school, Northcoast Preparatory has the flexibility to design specialized programming that integrates performing arts with traditional academics, appealing to students seeking both artistic expression and college preparation. The academy's academic score of 8.7 out of 10 reflects its commitment to educational excellence within its specialized mission. Located in the remote town of Arcata, the school serves families throughout Humboldt County who value both academic achievement and arts education in a close-knit community setting along California's scenic North Coast.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 130 students, Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

The student-teacher ratio at Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy is 43.3:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress8.5Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+0.26 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2024
TrendStable
Academics8.2Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency52.3%
Reading/ELA Proficiency75%
Math vs. State Avg+17.9 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+29.1 pts
Overall Proficiency64%
Expected (poverty-adj.)63%
vs. Expected+0.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile72th
College Readiness9.8Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation32.3%
IB ProgramYes
Resources & Environment1.1Significantly Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio43.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,485

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: 63%).

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 50.7%
School
State
32.7%
ELA Proficiency 77.1%
School
State
48.5%

Based on 14 test records from CA state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
Math
47%
ELA
77%
2021*
Math
47%
ELA
87%
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: 8.5/10.

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
7.3/10
73th percentile in CA
Academic
8.2/10
8.2/10
Growth
8.5/10
Above average
Environment
1.1/10
Below average

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·81 IB enrolled·CRDC 2020-21

Data as of 2020-21 · 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. Pacific Coast High (Continuation) (rated 7.0/10, 0.5 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Arcata High (rated 5.8/10, 0.5 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, Six Rivers Charter High (rated 5.1/10, 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 8.0
MAD RIVER MONTESSORI Arcata 0.5 mi
Fuente Nueva Charter Arcata 0.5 mi 5.0
Arcata High Arcata 0.5 mi 5.8
Pacific Coast High (Continuation) Arcata 0.5 mi 7.0
Six Rivers Charter High Arcata 0.5 mi 5.1
Arcata Elementary Arcata 0.9 mi 5.1
ARCATA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Arcata 1.1 mi 4.3
Union Street Charter Arcata 1.3 mi 9.5
Pacific Union Elementary Arcata 1.6 mi 7.0
Laurel Tree Charter Arcata 2.0 mi 6.9
Sunny Brae Middle Arcata 1.8 mi 5.6
SIX RIVERS MONTESSORI Arcata 2.1 mi
Jacoby Creek Bayside 2.3 mi 7.5
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 5.4
Redwood Coast Montessori Eureka 4.2 mi 8.1

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Collegiate Charter High School of Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA 7.3
Glacier High School Charter Oakhurst, CA 7.3
Hayfork High Hayfork, CA 7.3
Leadership Military Academy Moreno Valley, CA 7.3
Opportunities for Learning - Capistrano Covina, CA 7.3
Santa Cruz County Career Advancement Charter Freedom, CA 7.3

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 is ranked #2587 out of 9,533 schools in CA.

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

Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy has a composite rating of 7.3 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy has 50.7% math proficiency and 77.1% reading/ELA proficiency.

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
City Safety
High (2,282/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Arcata). Data >1 year old.

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
Data Year
2023–2024

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

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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