Very Good
#3142 of 9,539 schools in CA
Top 33% in state
Pacific Union Elementary
Elementary School · Pacific Union Elementary
3001 Janes Rd., Arcata, CA 95521
Enrollment
529
Student-Teacher
18.2:1
Score
7.2
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
529
Student-Teacher
18.2:1
Score
7.2
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
California schools
#3,142 of 9,539
In Arcata
#5 of 11
public schools
Academic growth
7.6 / 10
Very Good
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Pacific Union Elementary
Elementary School in Arcata · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Laurel Tree Charter
0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Six Rivers Montessori
0.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Pacific Union Elementary
Pacific Union Elementary is a public elementary school in Arcata, CA, part of Pacific Union Elementary. Pacific Union Elementary serves approximately 529 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 18.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Pacific Union Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 out of 10 and ranks #3,142 of 9,539 schools in CA.
Structured state assessment records for Pacific Union Elementary show 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
- This school 7.2 · Very Good
- CA avg 6.2
What Parents Should Know
31% of students at Pacific Union Elementary 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 · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Pacific Union Elementary — Students at Pacific Union Elementary score 44% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
57.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CA CAASPP (2023-24)
Based on 40 test records from CA state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 7.6/10.
How Pacific Union Elementary Compares
See how Pacific Union Elementary 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
3001 Janes Rd., Arcata, CA 95521
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Pacific Union Elementary may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Union Street Charter (rated 9.8/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is Coastal Grove Charter (rated 8.8/10, 1.3 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Jacoby Creek (rated 7.9/10, 3.6 miles away, in nearby Bayside), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Arcata, see our Arcata schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Laurel Tree Charter Arcata | 0.6 mi | 7.5 |
| SIX RIVERS MONTESSORI Arcata | 0.8 mi | — |
| Arcata Elementary Arcata | 0.9 mi | 6.3 |
| Fuente Nueva Charter Arcata | 1.1 mi | 4.7 |
| MAD RIVER MONTESSORI Arcata | 1.2 mi | — |
| Coastal Grove Charter Arcata | 1.3 mi | 8.8 |
| Arcata High Arcata | 1.3 mi | 6.6 |
| Pacific Coast High (Continuation) Arcata | 1.3 mi | 6.2 |
| Six Rivers Charter High Arcata | 1.3 mi | 5.7 |
| Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy Arcata | 1.6 mi | 7.4 |
| ARCATA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Arcata | 1.7 mi | 4.3 |
| Union Street Charter Arcata | 2.4 mi | 9.8 |
| Sunny Brae Middle Arcata | 2.9 mi | 6.0 |
| Seaforth Montessori Mckinleyville | 3.3 mi | — |
| McKinleyville Middle Mckinleyville | 3.6 mi | 3.7 |
| Jacoby Creek Bayside | 3.6 mi | 7.9 |
| Morris Elementary Mckinleyville | 3.9 mi | 4.9 |
| MISTWOOD EDUCATIONAL CENTER Bayside | 4.0 mi | — |
| Mistwood Educational Center Bayside | 4.0 mi | — |
| McKinleyville High Mckinleyville | 4.2 mi | 5.3 |
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 |
|---|---|
| ALMADEN COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL San Jose, CA | 7.2 |
| Alamosa Park Elementary Vista, CA | 7.2 |
| Alisal Elementary Pleasanton, CA | 7.2 |
| Alta Elementary Reedley, CA | 7.2 |
| Armada Elementary Moreno Valley, CA | 7.2 |
| Belvedere Elementary Los Angeles, CA | 7.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pacific Union Elementary
What grades does Pacific Union Elementary serve?
Pacific Union Elementary serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Pacific Union Elementary?
Pacific Union Elementary has an enrollment of approximately 529 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Pacific Union Elementary?
The student-teacher ratio at Pacific Union Elementary is 18.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Pacific Union Elementary rank in CA?
Pacific Union Elementary ranks #3,142 of 9,539 schools in CA.
What is Pacific Union Elementary's MySchoolScout rating?
Pacific Union Elementary has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.2 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 Pacific Union Elementary?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Pacific Union Elementary has 42% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024) and 50% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2024).
Is Pacific Union Elementary a charter school?
No, Pacific Union Elementary is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Pacific Union Elementary a Title I school?
No, Pacific Union Elementary is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pacific Union Elementary?
57.1% of students at Pacific Union Elementary qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 529
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 29
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 57.1%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- Humboldt County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 31.2%
- Phone
- (707) 822-4619
Resources & Links
District
Pacific Union Elementary- District Enrollment
- 530
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,205
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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