McKinleyville High

McKinleyville High sits in one of Humboldt County's quieter coastal communities — a small town with a laid-back, outdoorsy feel sandwiched between redwood forests and the Pacific. The school tends to draw families who value a tight-knit community over a high-pressure academic environment, and its science scores show some genuine strength for those with an interest in the natural world around them. If you're relocating to the area and prioritize small-town belonging and access to incredible outdoor recreation, this is worth a closer look — just go in knowing that families focused on college prep may want to supplement with outside resources.