Schools in 95521 — Arcata, California
95521 has 5 ranked schools averaging a Scope Score of 39.8 — 4.0 points below the California state average of 43.8. Scores range from 24.7 to 65.1, a 40.3-point spread.
How 95521 schools perform
The top-ranked school is Arcata High with a Scope Score of 65 and 23.4% of students exceeding standard.
Strong growth trajectory: Schools in 95521 show an average grade 3-to-5 improvement of +9.6 percentage points, suggesting these schools are adding real value over time.
Chronic absenteeism across 95521 averages 31.6%, below the state average of 18.1%. This elevated rate may indicate systemic attendance challenges in the area.
How 95521 compares to nearby zip codes
School archetypes in 95521
Hidden gems: 2 schools in 95521 are classified as On the Rise (2) — showing positive growth trajectories that raw proficiency scores alone don't capture. These are schools where students leave with more than they arrived with.
Archetypes are data-driven labels based on Scope Score dimensions. Learn more
All schools in 95521
| # | School | Exceeded | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arcata High Northern Humboldt Union High Building Momentum | 23.4% | Solid 65/100 |
| 2 | Pacific Coast High (Continuation) Northern Humboldt Union High Building Momentum | 3.9% | Developing 40/100 |
| 3 | Pacific Union Elementary Pacific Union Elementary Building Momentum | 14.5% | Developing 36/100 |
| 4 | Sunny Brae Middle Arcata Elementary On the Rise | 16.5% | Developing 33/100 |
| 5 | Arcata Elementary Arcata Elementary On the Rise | 8.5% | Needs Support 25/100 |
Schools in 95521 on the map
Data source: California Department of Education · CAASPP 2024-25 · Methodology
Scores are SchoolScope's analysis of public data, not official CDE ratings. They represent one way of interpreting test results and should not be the sole basis for school decisions.
What Scope Scores can't tell you about 95521
- Class sizes and student-teacher interaction quality
- Quality of arts, music, athletics, and enrichment programs
- Teacher experience, turnover, and professional development
- Campus safety, bullying climate, and social-emotional support
- Parent and community engagement levels
- Quality of special education and gifted programs
- How school zones and enrollment boundaries affect access
Scope Scores measure academic performance and school climate using public data. They are one lens among many. Full methodology