Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Middle Schools in Arcata, CA (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Arcata Public Middle Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public middle schools serving 1,316 students in Arcata, CA.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Arcata, CA are Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy, Pacific Union Elementary School and Coastal Grove Charter. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Arcata, CA public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 33% (versus the California public middle school average of 32%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 46% statewide average). Middle schools in Arcata have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of California public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public middle school average of 78% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Middle Schools in Arcata, CA (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
285 Bayside Rd.
Arcata, CA 95518
(707) 822-0861
Gr: 6-12 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Arcata, CA?
How many public middle schools are located in Arcata?
5 public middle schools are located in Arcata.
What is the racial composition of students in Arcata?
Arcata public middle schools minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public middle schools average of 78% (majority Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Arcata are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (CA):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links: