For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public high schools serving 3,935 students in Palo Alto, CA. The top-ranked public high schools in Palo Alto, CA are Henry M. Gunn High School, Palo Alto High School and Oxford Day Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Palo Alto, CA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 69% (versus the California public high school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 80% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Palo Alto have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of California public high schools.
Palo Alto, CA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 96%, which is more than the California average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Palo Alto High School, with 98% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in California or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the California public high school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Palo Alto, CA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Henry M. Gunn High School
(Math: 78% | Reading: 87%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
780 Arastradero Rd.
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 354-8200
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 354-8200
Gr: 9-12 | 1,643 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #22.
Palo Alto High School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 88%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
50 Embarcadero Rd.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-3701
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 329-3701
Gr: 9-12 | 1,891 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #33.
Oxford Day Academy
Charter School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20% )
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
763 Green St.
Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 260-3152
Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 260-3152
Gr: 9-12 | 108 students Student-teacher ratio: 36:1
Rank: #44.
East Palo Alto Academy
Charter School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1050 Myrtle St.
Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 893-8900
Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 893-8900
Gr: 9-12 | 278 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: n/an/a
725 Welch Rd.
Palo Alto, CA 94304
(650) 497-8230
Palo Alto, CA 94304
(650) 497-8230
Gr: K-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Palo Alto, CA?
The top-ranked public high schools in Palo Alto, CA include Henry M. Gunn High School, Palo Alto High School and Oxford Day Academy. Palo Alto has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in California.
How many public high schools are located in Palo Alto?
5 public high schools are located in Palo Alto.
What is the racial composition of students in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto public high schools minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Asian), which is less than the California public high schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Palo Alto are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Palo Alto include: Palo Alto High School vs. Henry M. Gunn High School, Henry M. Gunn High School vs. Palo Alto High School
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