Arcata High School is the primary public high school in Arcata, serving students in grades 9 through 12. It is located in Arcata, California and is part of the Northern Humboldt Union High School District.
Serving 1,007 students in grades 9-12, Arcata High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 39% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 60% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 19:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,007 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Graduation Rate: 98% (Top 5% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 39% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 60% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Arcata High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Arcata High School's student population of 1,007 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 53 teachers has grown by 20% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,007 students
Total Classroom Teachers
53 teachers
Year Founded
1894
Colors
Black, Orange
School Calendar
School Motto
To provide meaningful educational experiences in a safe, supportive environment through innovative programs aimed at empowering students to reach their full potential to be prepared for future college and career opportunities.
School Rankings
Arcata High School ranks within the top 30% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Arcata High School is 0.57, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2589 out of 9523 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
60%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
19:1
21:1
American Indian
4%
1%
Asian
3%
12%
Hispanic
18%
56%
Black
2%
5%
White
62%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
11%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
98%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
40%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
1%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arcata High School's ranking?
Arcata High School is ranked #2589 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What schools are Arcata High School often compared to?
Arcata High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Eureka Senior High School, Mckinleyville High School, Six Rivers Charter High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 60% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Arcata High School?
The graduation rate of Arcata High School is 98%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Arcata High School?
1,007 students attend Arcata High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Arcata High School students are White, 18% of students are Hispanic, 11% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are American Indian, 3% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Arcata High School?
Arcata High School has a student ration of 19:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Arcata High School offer ?
Arcata High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Arcata High School part of?
Arcata High School is part of Northern Humboldt Union High School District.
School Reviews
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