Arcata High School
Arcata High School is located at 1720 M Street in downtown Arcata, California. It is the primary public high school in Arcata and includes students in grades 9 through 12.
| Arcata High School | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
 | |
1720 M Street , 95521 | |
| Information | |
| School type | Public high school |
| Principal | Lisa Gray |
| Grades | 9 - 12 |
| Color(s) | Black and Orange |
| Team name | Tigers |
| Website | http://www.nohum.k12.ca.us/ahs/ |
History
Arcata High School was stablished in the late 1800s.
Population
The total student population as of 2005 was 978[1]. As of 2006, the school had an ethnic makeup of 76.1% Caucasian, 7.0% Latino, 7.0% Native American, 0.3% Pacific Islander 1.6% African-American, 2.2% Asian-American, and 0.1% Filipino.[2] 5.7% of students either responded twice regarding their ethnic standing or did not respond. 10% of students receive reduced rates on lunches. 96% of teachers are fully credentialed and the average class size is 28. 88% and 90% of students pass California High School Exit Exam in math and language arts, respectively. As of 2005, the school had an API rating of 760[3].
Academics
Arcata High School also has a thriving Advanced Placement program for those who wish to have a challenge beyond high school level work and who wish to earn credit towards college.
The high school contains a charter school on campus as well as a continuation school called Pacific Coast High.
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, and groups such as the orchestra and the jazz band, as well as some drama productions combine students from the schools. Students are also allowed to take classes at the nearby Humboldt State University.
The Arts
Arcata High School has a number of special programs, including the Arcata Arts Institute, which helps students with a particular interest in the arts (music, dance, acting, etc.) to pursue their interests. Arcata high hosts the Ar-Mac Orchestra, conducted by cello virtuoso Carol Jacobson.
In fall of 2007 all four choir members who tried out for the California State Honor Choir were accepted.
Athletics
Fall
- Cheerleading
- Cross Country
- Golf (girls)
- Soccer
- Tennis (girls)
- Volleyball
Winter
- Basketball
- Cheerleading
- Wrestling
Spring
- Baseball
- Golf (boys)
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis (boys)
- Track and Field
Clubs
- Art Club
Participate in the arts
- CEDAR Lab
Arcata High hosts CEDAR academy, a program which allows students to initiate projects that will promote growth in the high school or Arcata community. Programs in the CEDAR academy have included a project to install a solar panel system for the school.[4]
- Chess Club
Play chess, hold tournaments
- CSF (California Scholarship Federation)
Service and scholastic achievement
A youth run organization with the goal of technologically empowering its members, teaching teens to use computers in a business environment.
- Drama Club
Participate in drama activities and theatrical performances
- FFA (Future Farmers of America)
Leadership and personal growth in agricultural education
- Flying Tigers
Ultimate Frisbee and disc golf
- French Club F
un participation in French language and culture
- French Honor Society Scholastic achievement in French language
- German Club
Fun participation in German language and culture
- GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance)
Promote tolerance and understanding of LGBT
- Harmonious Discordia
Produce art and writing magazine
- Interact Club
Community Service
- Media Arts Workshop
Produce yearbook and end of the year video
- National Honor Society Service and scholastic achievement
- Pepperbox
Produce the Pepperbox student newspaper
- ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicles)
Design and build ROVs, participate in competitions
- SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere)
Promote nonviolence, peace and understanding
- Ski Club
Go skiing and snowboarding
- Spanish Club
Participation in Latino language and culture
- Spanish Honor Society
Scholastic achievement in Spanish language
- Student Council
Student government
- Terrestrial Bipeds
Hiking
Notable Alumni
Chris Hesse, the drummer from the rock band Hoobastank, went to Arcata High[5].
Other Famous Graduates
Arcata High School has been the starting point for a number of famous people:
1. Medal of Honor recipient James Allen Taylor[6][7], who graduated in 1954 or 1955 (does anyone have a yearbook photo?).