Humboldt County Schools & Education
Humboldt County, California
School Score
68/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
91.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
91.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,604
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
68/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#4
of 58 counties (1 = best)
Explore Humboldt County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Humboldt County, California
Coastal Education Across 44 Districts
Humboldt County features a highly decentralized system with 89 public schools spread across 44 different districts. The county serves 17,572 students, supported by 48 elementary schools and 22 high schools. A strong charter presence exists here, with 15 schools—nearly 17% of the total—offering alternative curricula.
Strong Outcomes with Coastal Investment
The county earns a school score of 57.8, which is higher than the California state average. Graduation rates are a standout at 91.6%, easily beating the national average of 87.0%. This success is achieved with per-pupil spending of $8,604, staying very close to the state-wide average of $8,762.
Spotlight on Eureka City and Arcata Schools
Eureka City Schools is the largest district, enrolling 3,580 students across eight different campuses. Major high schools like Eureka Senior High (1,295 students) and Arcata High (1,052 students) serve as the primary academic hubs for the region's teenagers. Many smaller districts, such as Klamath-Trinity Joint Unified, serve the more remote parts of the county.
Small-Town Feel with Rural Roots
Education in Humboldt is characterized by small schools, with an average enrollment of only 200 students per campus. Most schools are located in towns or rural settings, ensuring a quiet and focused learning environment. While Eureka Senior High is the largest, many schools in the 44 districts offer much more intimate student-to-teacher ratios.
Find Your Home in a High-Achieving District
Humboldt County's 91.6% graduation rate is a powerful draw for families moving to the North Coast. Homes near Eureka City Schools or Northern Humboldt Union High provide access to some of the county's most successful academic programs. Local school quality continues to be a driving factor for families seeking a balance of lifestyle and education.
School Overview
Total Schools
89
in Humboldt County
Total Enrollment
17,572
students
School Districts
44
districts
Charter Schools
15
17% of total
School Type Breakdown
44 School Districts in Humboldt County
Eureka City Schools
Northern Humboldt Union High
Fortuna Elementary
Fortuna Union High
Klamath-Trinity Joint Unified
McKinleyville Union Elementary
Southern Humboldt Joint Unified
Pacific Union Elementary
Cutten Elementary
Arcata Elementary
89 Public Schools in Humboldt County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eureka Senior High | Eureka City Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,295 |
| Arcata High | Northern Humboldt Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,052 |
| Fortuna Union High | Fortuna Union High | 9–12 | High | 830 |
| McKinleyville High | Northern Humboldt Union High | 9–12 | High | 556 |
| Pacific Union Elementary | Pacific Union Elementary | KG–8 | Primary | 537 |
| Washington Elementary | Eureka City Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 499 |
| Jacoby Creek | Jacoby Creek Elementary | KG–8 | Primary | 459 |
| Catherine L. Zane Middle | Eureka City Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 433 |
| Alder Grove Charter School 2 | Alder Grove Charter School 2 District | KG–12 | Charter | 429 |
| Winship Middle | Eureka City Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 400 |
| Hoopa Valley Elementary | Klamath-Trinity Joint Unified | KG–8 | Primary | 398 |
| Alice Birney Elementary | Eureka City Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 392 |
| McKinleyville Middle | McKinleyville Union Elementary | 6–8 | Middle | 360 |
| Ferndale Elementary | Ferndale Unified | KG–8 | Primary | 344 |
| Norman G. Ambrosini Elementary | Fortuna Elementary | KG–4 | Primary | 323 |
| Cutten Elementary | Cutten Elementary | 3–6 | Primary | 322 |
| Northern United - Humboldt Charter | Northern United - Humboldt Charter District | KG–12 | Charter | 309 |
| Redway Elementary | Southern Humboldt Joint Unified | KG–6 | Primary | 299 |
| Linell K. Walker Elementary | Fortuna Elementary | KG–4 | Primary | 294 |
| Morris Elementary | McKinleyville Union Elementary | 3–5 | Primary | 292 |
Northern United - Humboldt Charter District
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,604
State avg $8,762
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Humboldt County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Humboldt County, California?
Humboldt County features a highly decentralized system with 89 public schools spread across 44 different districts. The county serves 17,572 students, supported by 48 elementary schools and 22 high schools. A strong charter presence exists here, with 15 schools—nearly 17% of the total—offering alternative curricula.
How do schools in Humboldt County perform academically?
The county earns a school score of 57.8, which is higher than the California state average. Graduation rates are a standout at 91.6%, easily beating the national average of 87.0%. This success is achieved with per-pupil spending of $8,604, staying very close to the state-wide average of $8,762.
What are the major school districts in Humboldt County, California?
Eureka City Schools is the largest district, enrolling 3,580 students across eight different campuses. Major high schools like Eureka Senior High (1,295 students) and Arcata High (1,052 students) serve as the primary academic hubs for the region's teenagers. Many smaller districts, such as Klamath-Trinity Joint Unified, serve the more remote parts of the county.
What is the school experience like in Humboldt County?
Education in Humboldt is characterized by small schools, with an average enrollment of only 200 students per campus. Most schools are located in towns or rural settings, ensuring a quiet and focused learning environment. While Eureka Senior High is the largest, many schools in the 44 districts offer much more intimate student-to-teacher ratios.
How can I find homes near good schools in Humboldt County, California?
Humboldt County's 91.6% graduation rate is a powerful draw for families moving to the North Coast. Homes near Eureka City Schools or Northern Humboldt Union High provide access to some of the county's most successful academic programs. Local school quality continues to be a driving factor for families seeking a balance of lifestyle and education.
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Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.