For the 2025 school year, there are 12 public schools serving 2,901 students in 95521, CA (there are , serving 130 private students). 96% 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, Coastal Grove Charter and Mad River High (Continuation 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 33%), 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 41% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best 95521, CA Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Union Street Charter
Charter School
(Math: 80-89% | Reading: 80-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
470 Union St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4845
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4845
Grades: K-5
| 99 students
Rank: #22.
Coastal Grove Charter
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1897 S St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-8804
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-8804
Grades: K-8
| 220 students
Rank: #33.
Mad River High (Continuation School)
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1300 Murray Rd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 839-6480
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 839-6480
Grades: 9-12
| 48 students
Rank: #44.
Arcata High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1720 M St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-2400
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-2400
Grades: 9-12
| 1,011 students
Rank: #55.
Arcata Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2400 Baldwin St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4858
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4858
Grades: K-5
| 253 students
Rank: #66.
Pacific Union Elementary School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3001 Janes Rd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4619
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4619
Grades: K-8
| 529 students
Rank: #77.
Six Rivers Charter High School
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 40-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1720 M St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-2428
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-2428
Grades: 9-12
| 106 students
Rank: #88.
Sunny Brae Middle School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1430 Buttermilk Ln.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5988
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5988
Grades: 6-8
| 240 students
Rank: #99.
Fuente Nueva Charter
Charter School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1730 Janes Rd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-3348
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-3348
Grades: K-5
| 140 students
Rank: #1010.
Laurel Tree Charter
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
4555 Valley West Blvd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5626
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5626
Grades: K-12
| 173 students
Rank: #1111.
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
Grades: 9-12
| 40 students
Rank: n/an/a
Trillium Charter
Charter School
1464 Spear Ave.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4721
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4721
Grades: K-5
| 42 students
95521, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1897 S St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 826-0134
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 826-0134
Grades: K-6
| 230 students
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, Coastal Grove Charter and Mad River High (Continuation 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?
96% 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 41% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.