Northcoast Preparatory Academy, formerly known as Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy and abbreviated as NPA, is an independent public charter high school located in Arcata, California. It is currently the top ranked high school in Humboldt County, California.
Serving 118 students in grades 6-12, Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy ranks in the top 20% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45-49% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 6-12
- Enrollment: 118 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 31%
- Graduation Rate: ≥80% (Btm 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-69% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Community Size
School Overview
Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy's student population of 118 students has declined by 33% over five school years.
The teacher population of 6 teachers has declined by 40% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 6-12
Total Students
118 students
Total Classroom Teachers
6 teachers
Year Founded
2000
Colors
White, Navy Blue
School Motto
Creating a respectful and inspiring learning environment in which academic achievement and responsible citizenship are valued equally.
School Rankings
Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy ranks within the top 20% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy is 0.49, 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
#1626 out of 9523 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-69%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
21:1
American Indian
3%
1%
Asian
3%
12%
Hispanic
6%
56%
Black
n/a
5%
White
69%
20%
Hawaiian
2%
n/a
Two or more races
17%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥80%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
23%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
10%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Heron
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy's ranking?
Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy is ranked #1626 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in California.
What schools are Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy often compared to?
Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Laurel Tree Charter, Pacific View Charter 2.0 by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy?
The graduation rate of Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy is 80%, which is lower than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy?
118 students attend Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy students are White, 17% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are American Indian, 3% of students are Asian, and 2% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy?
Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy has a student ration of 20:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy offer ?
Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy offers enrollment in grades 6-12
What school district is Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy part of?
Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy is part of Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy School District.
School Reviews
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