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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best 95521 California Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 2,899 students in 95521, CA (there are 3 private schools, serving 196 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in 95521, CA are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in 95521, CA are Union Street Charter, Arcata High School and Arcata Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 95521 have an average math proficiency score of 35% (versus the California public school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 47% statewide average). Schools in 95521, CA have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of California public schools.
Minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

Best 95521, CA Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Union Street Charter
Charter School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
470 Union St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4845
Gr: K-5 | 99 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #22.
Arcata High School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1720 M St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-2400
Gr: 9-12 | 1,007 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #33.
Arcata Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
2400 Baldwin St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4858
Gr: K-5 | 240 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #44.
Pacific Union Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
3001 Janes Rd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4619
Gr: K-8 | 534 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #55.
Coastal Grove Charter
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1897 S St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-8804
Gr: K-8 | 235 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #66.
Fuente Nueva Charter
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1730 Janes Rd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-3348
Gr: K-5 | 150 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #77.
Mad River High (Continuation School)
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1300 Murray Rd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 839-6480
Gr: 9-12 | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #88.
Sunny Brae Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1430 Buttermilk Ln.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5988
Gr: 6-8 | 232 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #99.
Laurel Tree Charter
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
4555 Valley West Blvd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5626
Gr: K-12 | 197 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #1010.
Pacific Coast High (Continuation School)
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1720 M St.
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
Gr: 9-12 | 113 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: n/an/a
Trillium Charter
Charter School
1464 Spear Ave.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4721
Gr: K-5 | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 43%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 95521, CA?
The top-ranked public schools in 95521, CA include Union Street Charter, Arcata High School and Arcata Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 95521?
12 public schools are located in 95521.
What percentage of students in 95521 go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in 95521 are educated in public schools (compared to the CA state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in 95521?
95521 public schools minority enrollment is 42% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).

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