Palo Alto High School

When you see the school, meet the teachers, and interact with the highly motivated students you would never guess this is a public school. The teachers are Palo Alto High school (Paly) work hard to ensure a wonderful education for the students as well as a friendly atmosphere. Over Paly offers a well rounded educations that both parents and students love!
--Submitted by a student

Some teachers are ok but most are terrible and don't teach. My daughter has been told repeatedly she is not smart enough by one.
--Submitted by a parent

Great school, great teachers, great leadership, and bright kids. A winning combination.

We have a number one football team! All of my siblings and my children have gone to PALY and graduated. They have a great monthly flea market to support the music program. Please vote for PALY so they can build a new theatre and keep the sports programs going
--Submitted by a parent

Palo Alto High School recruits and retains excellent teachers who light the fires of the intellect rather than just trying to stuff information into the students' heads. The kids at Paly learn material and explore ideas I never heard of until I was at University. Also, cliquishness is minimal and individual character and expression are encouraged. Extensive free peer tutoring is available, teachers welcome students during office hours, and the counselors and Academic Resource Center are tops. Additionally, fine extracurricular on-campus groups such as the Robotics Club provide both an outlet for talent and enthusiasm, and opportunities for real public service: the Robotics Club recently won an award for the various useful equipment they have invented to help a local quadriplegic man live more independently. Paly is wonderful!
--Submitted by a parent

In alot of ways Paly is more like college. The course offers are diverse and the teaching staff are enthusiastic and highly qualified. There are extensive foreign language offerings and exchange student programs are done every year. If you put out the effort you can avoid all the sports/school competativeness/clique bull. The Gay Straight Alliance there has been going strong for over 10 years and the campus is one of the most lgbtq friendly around. The arts programs have their own building, with enough space for 4 choirs, a band, and visual arts space including a full sculpture area with kiln. To top it all off Lavar Burton does every commencement speech because his sister is on the faculty.
--Submitted by a student

College is easy after Paly.
--Submitted by a parent

We're right next to Stanford, so good influence comes from it. We have open campus and a lot of freedom, which gives us responsibility and fun :) Our departments are top notch, and they also offer extensive tutoring. The campus is beautiful as well. I love PALY. Go Vikes!
--Submitted by a student

I came from another school district prior to my freshmen year. People here aren't always accepting, but there are definetly a few oustanding good friends. As the third quarter is wrapping up, I'm completely transitioned and adapted to Paly. Because of the wealthy district, we as students have more opportunities and choices for classes and can spend more money on giving the best to our school
--Submitted by a student

The teachers are awesome and the kids are great. The pressure is intense but that is to be expected considering the location and the community. There are all kinds of kids at Paly, not just rich kids. That is what makes it a great school.
--Submitted by a parent