Schools in 95521 — Arcata, California: 95521 schools average near the state. The 56.1-point spread is where the choice actually lives.
95521 has 12 ranked schools in Arcata, averaging a Scope Score of 46.7/100 — within 1.8 points of the state average of 44.8 (CDE CAASPP 2025). Scores range from 26.1 to 82.2, a 56.1-point spread. 1 school ranks in the 90th percentile or above statewide.
How 95521 schools perform
The top-ranked school is Union Street Charter with a Scope Score of 82 and 56.4% of students exceeding standard.
Schools in 95521 show an average grade 3-to-5 growth of +15.3 percentage points, suggesting these schools are adding real value over time.
Chronic absenteeism across 95521 averages 23.5%, above the state average of 17.9%. CDE CAASPP 2025.
How 95521 compares to nearby zip codes
| Zip | City | Schools | Avg Score | vs 95521 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95521 | Arcata | 12 | Developing 46.7/100 | — |
| 95519 | McKinleyville | 4 | Developing 39.6/100 | -7.1 |
| 95531 | Crescent City | 9 | Developing 31.9/100 | -14.7 |
Source: CDE CAASPP 2025, analyzed by SchoolScope.
School archetypes in 95521
Hidden gems: 6 schools in 95521 are classified as Growth Engine (3) or On the Rise (3) — 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
ranked by Scope Score · 2024–25 CAASPP
| # | School | Exceeded | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Union Street Charter Arcata Elementary High Ceiling | 56.4% | Strong 82/100 |
| 2 | Arcata High Northern Humboldt Union High Building Momentum | 23.4% | Solid 57/100 |
| 3 | Six Rivers Charter High Northern Humboldt Union High Building Momentum | 31.0% | Solid 56/100 |
| 4 | Coastal Grove Charter Arcata Elementary Growth Engine | 18.9% | Solid 55/100 |
| 5 | Northcoast Preparatory and Performing Arts Academy Humboldt County Office of Education Growth Engine | 25.9% | Solid 53/100 |
| 6 | Fuente Nueva Charter Arcata Elementary Growth Engine | 13.9% | Developing 45/100 |
| 7 | Redwood Coast Montessori Arcata Elementary On the Rise | 16.5% | Developing 43/100 |
| 8 | Pacific Union Elementary Pacific Union Elementary Building Momentum | 14.5% | Developing 39/100 |
| 9 | Sunny Brae Middle Arcata Elementary On the Rise | 16.5% | Developing 39/100 |
| 10 | Pacific Coast High (Continuation) Northern Humboldt Union High Building Momentum | 3.9% | Developing 36/100 |
| 11 | Laurel Tree Charter Northern Humboldt Union High Building Momentum | 5.9% | Needs Support 29/100 |
| 12 | Arcata Elementary Arcata Elementary On the Rise | 8.5% | Needs Support 26/100 |
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.
Numbers tell you whether students are clearing the bar. A school visit tells you whether they're happy doing it. These metrics are intentionally missing from the Scope Score: class sizes and student-teacher interaction quality; arts, music, athletics, and enrichment programs; teacher experience and turnover; campus safety and social-emotional support; parent and community engagement; quality of special education and gifted programs; how school zones and enrollment boundaries affect access. Full methodology