Arcata High School was the first high school in Humboldt County, established in the late 19th century. In August 1894, an election was held involving the elementary school districts of Janes, Bayside, and Jacoby. The vote resulted in favor of founding a new high school. It was determined that the high school should be placed in Arcata, and named Arcata Union High School. In 1903, in order to support the growth of the high school, a 6,000 dollar bond passed. This bond was used to construct the first school building on 16th and G streets, in Arcata. In 1912 enrollment reached 100 students. New buildings opened in 1920, 1924, and 1943. In 1944, enrollment had reached 500 students and 21 teachers were employed. In 1947, construction began on a new classroom wing and gymnasium. In 1952, the schools metal shop building, and science wing, began construction. In 1956, construction began on the wood shop building. In 1994, Arcata High School had an enrollment of 940 students, 53 certified staff, and 24 classified support staff.
Demographics
The total student population as of 2012 - 2013 was 826, with 49% male and 51% female. As of 2010, the school had an ethnic makeup of 93.6% Caucasian, 2.5% Latino, 13.9% Native American, 3.0% Asian-American, 1.6% African-American, 1.0% Pacific Islander, and 0.8% Filipino. 29% of the students are socioeconomically disadvantaged, 1.0% are English learners, and 13.5% have disabilities.
Arcata High School has a number of special programs through the Arcata Arts Institute, which helps students with a particular interest in the arts to pursue their interests. In addition to the Arcata Arts Institute, Arcata High School has a Concert Choir, Madrigal Choir, Jazz Band, and the ArMack Orchestra. As part of the Northern Humboldt Union High School District, Arcata High School is closely affiliated with the only other public high school in the district, McKinleyville High School. Groups such as the orchestra and the jazz band, as well as some drama productions, combine students from both schools.
Athletics
Arcata High School is part of the Humboldt-Del Norte League of the CIF North Coast Section. The school fields a varsity team for every sport NCS offers.
Clubs
Arcata High School has various student-managed clubs, which are supervised by the faculty. These include a wide variety of foreign language clubs including French, German, and Spanish. The school has a thriving maker culture, shown by the Maker Club, Girls Who Code, and Entrepreneurs' Club. Many clubs are dedicated to social change such as the Gay-Straight Alliance, Interact Club, The Girl Effect, Green Club, and Peace on Earth Movement. Arcata High School also has clubs relating to art, such as Art Club and Drama Club. Arcata High School publishes its own newspaper written by the Pepper Box Club.
