Palo Alto High School

As a 1961 Paly grad reading the comments below, not much has changed through the years. The postings of July 12, 2012 by a student, July 14, 2011, Oct. 27, 2010 could have been taken out of the anals of 1961. When we attended our 50th Class Reunion in Sept. 2011 one thing seemed to be uniform: we looked back on Paly as having been an exceptional school (a premiere public school competitive with private College Prep schools of the day) and the fact that we'd received an excellent education. We learned at Paly what others are learning at college level. Current students may not see it now, but you'll look back in years to come and appreciate the quality of education provided at Paly as exceptional. We were told, "you can go to college wherever you choose, but we're preparing you to qualify to get into Stanford or Cal." Very high standards! An amusing fact is that several classmates were told by their counselor to not waste their time going to college inferring they weren't going to amount to much. A number of them not only have multiple college / postgrad degrees but also became multimillionaires. Don't let anyone count you out just because they lack vision for you!!!

Some teachers are great, some not so much. The student community here is grouped up into exclusive groups (cool here nerds there etc.) Some are nice some are not. Because of this, its hard to make new friends if u are new. School campus is great and the school has lots of money so the resources are plentiful. Sports are also good we won several state championships.
—Submitted by a student

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

Paly has been and always will be an amazing school. It is rated highly since it is one of the best public schools in the nation. Those who find it otherwise often do not utilize all of this amazing school's resources. I think it stands on it's own; Paly is fantastic in all aspects.
—Submitted by a student

I really have no idea why this school has such a high rating. I personally find most of the classes aren't very informative and say that they have among the hardest class courses, which they don't. The choir, however, is very excellent. Perhaps it's only redeeming quality.
—Submitted by a student

great attentive teachers, safe environment
—Submitted by a parent

The classes at paly high are geared for college. Also, strong parental involvement (discipline) coupled with the quality of teachers and curriculum which are very important factors for a successful academic standing are found here! Go paly!
—Submitted by a parent

This is an amazing school. The academic departments could not be better! My child adores it. There is a great sellection of sports and other activities. Paly has many interesting clubs too.
—Submitted by a parent

Great academic choice and high test scores. Large number of arts, music, technology and AP offerings. Arts program contains one of the few high school glass blowing workshops in the country. Open Campus: Any student can enter or leave the campus at will.
—Submitted by a parent

The math program at Paly is the strongest, and the school also boasts a very impressive foreign language department. The orchestra program is very small, but it is taught decently. The work itself is not extremely difficult, but it is the volume of homework that bogs down students.
—Submitted by a former student

My kids have worked hard at Paly, but in the case of my college-age daughter, it has paid off. She learned the discipline necessary to succeed in an honors program in college by taking challenging classes and participating in extra-curricular activities (mostly athletic) at Paly. It's no picnic though, and I've heard others complain of 'pressure' and such. The student body is diverse, thanks to the magnet that is the Bay Area, and the teachers all seem to care a great deal about student progress. My younger daughter is closer to average than her big sister, and has learned to take advantage of the after-school assistance. She refuses to go to dances though, since she believes there are too many drunk kids in attendance at those events.
—Submitted by a parent