For the 2026-27 school year, there are 6 public high schools serving 1,487 students in Arcata, CA.
The top-ranked public high schools in Arcata, CA are Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy, Arcata High School and Mad River High (Continuation School). Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Arcata, CA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the California public high school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 56% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Arcata have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of California public high schools.
Arcata, CA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 93%, which is more than the California average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Arcata High School, with 98% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in California or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public high school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Arcata, CA (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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%
Arcata, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1897 S St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 826-0134
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 826-0134
Gr: K-6 | 230 students Minority enrollment: 24%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Arcata, CA?
The top-ranked public high schools in Arcata, CA include Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy, Arcata High School and Mad River High (Continuation School).
How many public high schools are located in Arcata?
6 public high schools are located in Arcata.
What is the racial composition of students in Arcata?
Arcata public high schools minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public high schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Arcata are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Arcata include: Six Rivers Charter High School vs. Arcata High School, Laurel Tree Charter vs. Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy, Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy vs. Laurel Tree Charter
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