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)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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: #44.
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: #55.
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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Arcata, CA?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Arcata, CA include Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy, Pacific Union Elementary School and Coastal Grove Charter.
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?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Arcata include: Laurel Tree Charter vs. Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy, Northcoast Preparatory And Performing Arts Academy vs. Laurel Tree Charter
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