Palo Alto Prep

I am a parent. My son transferred from Palo Alto High on his Sophomore year. He was down, discouraged and had lacked confidence at PALY. PAP has put a lot of effort and time in building my son's confidence back both personal and academics. Today he is accepted to one of the top universities, he is a soccer player, he speaks a new language. He is a happy, positive individual with a bright future. We could not have achieved this without the support of PAP and the wonderful teachers who have been a teacher, a mentor and a friend. I am grateful to PAP.
--Submitted by a parent

My son has been at Palo Alto Prep (PAP) for two years and is now entering his Junior year. I can't even begin to express what a positive difference PAP has made in his life on the academic, social and emotional level. My son has a progressive neuromuscular disorder called Charcot-Marie-Tooth, which does not affect intelligence, but definitely affects his physical body. Grade school years proved to be challenging due to the fact that he felt different than his peers. So when I called PAP for the first time, I was relieved to know that the Admissions officer not only was familiar with CMT, but encouraged us to visit the school. We immediately felt accepted and welcomed by staff and student body. As a parent, it is a great relief to know that my son is happy, academically challenged, physically comfortable and making friends for life. An awesome experience.
--Submitted by a parent

I transferred to Palo Alto Prep because I was not a very good student in public school. I guess i was too social, and had a tendency to skip classes. At Palo Alto Prep however I actually wanted to go to class. The small atmosphere helps the teachers actually teach the students. The student body is a mix of social kids, anti social kids, and everything in between, and that is a good thing. i made a lot of good freinds whom otherwise would never have spoken to. And the teachers are grade A. Never ever thought someone could teach me chemistry. Every teachers knows every student. I am now a senior at Arizona State University, so if you want your children to get a great education, meet some good people, and go to some amazing places (White water rafting ..scuba diving..ITALY), Then look no further.
--Submitted by a student

My teenager, who is gifted, has several learning disabilities and ADHD, has blossomed in the first year at Palo Alto Prep. At the end of last year, my teen was very shut down and angry due the almost daily bullying in public high school. At Palo Alto Prep, the small class sizes, the supportive culture, the personal relationships with the teachers and students have all been a springboard for positive change. The staff and teachers have very artfully responded to any challenges so that my teen has felt heard and supported and even when the challenge involved a consequence. My teen is now out - going instead of distrustful and sullen, making A s and working independently, has friends, feels safe and LOVES the school. At Palo Alto Prep, my teen is on the path of being a successful student and well rounded person.
--Submitted by a parent

Yes, one should ALWAYS do your homework before you join a private school. Our son was there for two years and we found that the student body was as advertised, some different, some needing extra help and we did not encounter any that had problems that were not addressed during the enrollment process. They DO ask kids that cannot follow the rules to leave.
--Submitted by a parent

Before you enroll your child in this school, do you homework and ask the questions that I didn't ask. Ask about the credentials of the administration. Ask about the credentials of the teachers. Ask about the make-up of the student body. Don't listen to why the administration says the student body is there - it isn't because they are different, need extra help, were bullied in their last school - these kids have problems, serious problems. I didn't ask any of these questions; however, the administration made the school seem perfect for my child. It wasn't, she was introduced to a group of kids that I would have never wanted her to be associated. It takes a special, well-qualified teacher and administration to deal with children from these backgrounds and the administration in particular are not academically qualified.
--Submitted by a parent

Our son came here with multiple LDs and associated issues. Educating bright kids, who function so differently from the average student, requires experience, flexibility, a socially safe environment, and the ability to meet kids where they are, and move them to where they need to be, which is what we found at Palo Alto Prep. Our son was finally able to succeed here and is now a successful and engaged student at Foothill College, thanks to Lisa, Chris, and a dedicated staff, who because they have overcome difficulties themselves, can serve as believable and authentic role models. You can find schools with a more attractive physical plant and amenities, but what really counts is the soul you can feel in a place, and the spirit an organization serves. At Palo Alto Prep that spirit is about making a difference in the lives of individuals, while preparing them for the future.
--Submitted by a parent

Palo Alto Prep takes the time to research any special needs a child may have. They know each child by the 2nd week well enough to help guide them through the school year.
--Submitted by a parent

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Palo Alto Prep for the invaluable guidance i received during my time there. I credit Palo Alto Prep's guidance for the 2 (soon to be 3) Dean's List Academic Awards that I received at Menlo College, as well as my near 4.0 cumulative GPA. Your institution allowed me to adopt a strong work ethic that I will use for the rest of my life. Give the staff my best wishes and I hope to see you all in the near future.
--Submitted by a student

Palo Alto Prep is a fantastic school. We have been searching for an alternate school for our daughter . She is extremely intelligent but unfortunately, the public school system could not meet her needs. Until we found PAP we didn't think we could find a school where she could thrive both academically and emotionally. The Founder Chris Keck and Dean of Students, Lisa O'Hearn Keck have been incredible. They have literally turned our daughter's life around. Mainstream high school became so overwhelming for her, we couldn't get through a day without phone calls wanting us to pick her up. Since attending Palo Alto Prep, our daughter not only makes it through every day with the special attention and encouragement from the staff, she is smiling again and looks forward to going to school. I highly recommend PAP. We consider this school our lifesaver!
--Submitted by a parent