For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public elementary schools serving 1,845 students in Arcata, CA.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Arcata, CA are Union Street Charter, Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy and Arcata Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Arcata, CA public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the California public elementary school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 46% statewide average). Elementary schools in Arcata have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of California public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary school average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Arcata, CA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
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
Gr: K-5 | 99 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #22.
Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy
Charter School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
285 Bayside Rd.
Arcata, CA 95518
(707) 822-0861
Arcata, CA 95518
(707) 822-0861
Gr: 6-12 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #33.
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
Gr: K-5 | 240 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #44.
Pacific Union Elementary School
(Math: 39% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3001 Janes Rd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4619
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:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1897 S St.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 825-8804
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:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1730 Janes Rd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-3348
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-3348
Gr: K-5 | 150 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #77.
Sunny Brae Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1430 Buttermilk Ln.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5988
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5988
Gr: 6-8 | 232 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #88.
Laurel Tree Charter
Charter School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4555 Valley West Blvd.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5626
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-5626
Gr: K-12 | 197 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: n/an/a
Trillium Charter
Charter School
1464 Spear Ave.
Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4721
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 elementary schools in Arcata, CA?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Arcata, CA include Union Street Charter, Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy and Arcata Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Arcata?
9 public elementary schools are located in Arcata.
What is the racial composition of students in Arcata?
Arcata public elementary schools minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the California public elementary schools average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Arcata are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Arcata include: Coastal Grove Charter vs. Fuente Nueva Charter, Laurel Tree Charter vs. Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy, Fuente Nueva Charter vs. Coastal Grove Charter
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