Arcata Elementary School

2400 Baldwin Street

School District

Arcata Elementary
Grade

K-5
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Arcata Elementary School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 01, 2018

My two daughters love this school. They have learned so much and are excited to go to school each day. The teachers are positive and work very hard to keep the school a successful learning environment for all the students. There are lots of field trips and fun family events throughout the school year. They have dance class, music class, library and computer class. There is a beautiful organic garden in which there is a planter bed for each class. The children learn what needs to be recycled, thrown in the trash or vermicomposted which is done on school grounds. The compost is then used for the gardens. The school uses solar panels to help light the school. There is bus transportation available for the students. The principle is a very effective leader. The parents, students and the teachers all feel very supported by her. The secretaries are positive and wonderful. I was amazed how quickly they remembered both my children's names when they first began to attend. We have had such a great experience at this school. I am extremely happy that we decided to send our girls to here. There are so many charter schools in the area and we were very conflicted on where to enroll our children but in the end Arcata Elementary School was the best choice for our family!
Submitted by other on June 21, 2015

Arcata Elementary is an amazing school. The school has small class sizes, a music teacher, a dance teacher, awesome teachers, and a great after school program right on campus. The school was recently remodeled and updated. AES has also remodeled its garden and connected it with a nature trail as well as added a computer lab and tech teacher. The staff and the PTO work very hard to host events like a Fall Carnival, Bowl of Beans (for MLK Day), an art auction, a talent show, and an environmental fair. Arcata Elementary, and its district, Arcata School District, strive to make the school a positive and safe environment for students to learn.
Submitted by parent on March 21, 2015

My daughter (4th grade) comes home at least twice a week telling me that other students in her class tease, intimidate, or say rude/mean things to her (or others in the class). When I speak to her teacher about these things, she tells me that my daughter needs to learn how to ignore the other kids that pick on her. That is not a solution! Ignoring unacceptable behavior does not promote a welcoming or nurturing learning environment! I am tired of being made to feel like my daughter is the one that has a problem when she is surrounded by kids who prey on others to make themselves feel strong. Thank goodness she will be at a new school next year!
Submitted by parent on October 11, 2014

I know this is a simplification, but my experience as a 4th grade teacher for the past 8 years is that learning happens best when you combine (1) dedicated and involved parents, (2) curious and well-fed kids on a regular sleep and exercise schedule, and (3) creative, enthusiastic, and professional teachers and administrators. Unfortunately, Arcata Elementary only has about 1 and a half of these ingredients going for them. They have a lot of skilled, nurturing, and enthusiastic teachers and a new principal who tries hard to lead and cultivate a positive and safe learning environment. But, they have dismal parent involvement (only 4 parents of the 22 kids in my daughter's class attended the back to school night event) and many children struggle with a variety of behavioral problems and many more are at least 1 grade level below the grade that they attend. What can this school do to change the parenting the kids receive? Not much. I don't see how it can improve, although I wish things were better.
Submitted by parent on September 12, 2014

Amazing, love the staff and the learning environment. I love the school and how positive everyone is.
Submitted by parent on September 28, 2013

Arcata Elementary has great teachers and good programs. Seems like every year the site council struggles to keep the classroom aides and art/music/dance programs in place as the district admin doesn't seem to care about those things. I am hopeful the new principal can help keep the school going at top notch.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

I have two sons at Arcata Elementary, and I'm confident they are getting the best education available in Humboldt. Other schools may have higher test scores, but they have nothing on the richness of programs Arcata Elementary has to offer. This school has extraordinary teachers and an amazing array of support programs. Arcata Elementary's program is broad and deep, focused on helping my children develop all parts of themselves. The teachers are excellent, highly trained, committed, and enthusiastic. There are dance and music classes, along with fine arts in the classroom. The school counselor is working on friendship skills. A new garden on campus will be supplementing lunches with fresh veggies. The after school program includes physical education, arts and crafts, and service learning opportunities. Also, I love that Arcata Elementary reflects the Arcata community. Humboldt isn't a particularly diverse place, but my kids are getting the benefits of what diversity we have. They have friends from all walks of life, and that's a lift gift you can't measure.
Submitted by parent on July 22, 2013

Arcata Elementary School, in my opinion, is the best school in within Humboldt County. The teachers there love what they do and work hard to give their students (our children) the best elearning experience possible. I would recommend this school to any parents looking for a great school for their children to learn amd grow in. My daughter goes to Arcata Elementary qnd she absolutely loves it! I volunteer a couple of days a week so I have had the opportunity to witness first hand how awesome this school is. From the office, to the teachers and aides, to the lunch room staff, after school program, and the custodians; they all take care in all they do. Don't just take my word for it, check it out of yourself!
Submitted by parent on April 28, 2010

Great school. Great art and geography programs. Dedicated teachers. Great for special education kids. Wish there was a school like that where we moved.