Sunny Brae Middle School

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!

As much as I find PU charming, I find it terrifyingly lacking in technology! Many of my child's teachers tend to shy away from learning new skills. When are they going to join the modern age? Art and gardening is lovely, but there also needs to be up-to-date computing skills taught as well!

Wonderful so far except the lunch situation

As a previous parent of Mistwood students, I wholeheartedly recommend this small private school. Mistwood provides an individualized education, respecting and understanding different student and family needs. My adult children appreciated not only the education they received at Mistwood but also the friendships they made and the love of learning they still have.

I can’t say enough good things about Arcata Christian School. It’s a safe place for your child to learn and grow. They have rigorous curriculum and the teachers and faculty love what they do and care about the students. So thankful for this school and would highly recommend it!

My first interactions with the staff at Coastal Grove came when my wife was first hired there, and full disclosure; she still works there. Getting to know the parents and the staff through school functions brought me into contact with an amazing group of dedicated people focused on developing young people as a whole, and not just as test takers. Over the last few years I have volunteered at their Medieval Festival of Courage and run an after school club with Heather, their Special Education Specialist. At each turn I have gotten to witness the care, compassion, and professionalism this school fosters from top to bottom. I have also gotten to know the parents, not just as parents at the school my wife works at, but as members of the community and call many of them my friends. This school is a special place.