The stunning city of Palo Alto is located in California's San Francisco Bay Area and is home to many high-quality schools. With a population of just under 70,000, Palo Alto is a relatively small city. However, it is home to Stanford University, one of the world's most prestigious universities.
If you're looking for an excellent education in Palo Alto, CA, you'll find plenty of great options. In this article, we'll take a look at the top 6 best schools in Palo Alto, CA for 2022.
Schools In Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto is often known for being a progressive city, and that ongoing mindset extends to the city's public schools. Palo Alto Unified School District has been at the forefront of educational equity measures, ensuring that all students have access to the resources they need to succeed.
As a result, Palo Alto's schools are some of the best in California. In fact, several of the city's schools are ranked among the best in the nation. So if you're on the hunt for high-quality education, Palo Alto should definitely be on your radar. And with warm weather and proximity to Silicon Valley, it's no wonder that Palo Alto is one of the most desirable places to live in California.
Top 6 Schools In Palo Alto, CA
- Fairmeadow Elementary School
- Herbert Hoover Elementary School
- Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle School
- Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School
- Henry M. Gunn High School
- Palo Alto High School
1. Fairmeadow Elementary School
Fairmeadow Elementary School in Palo Alto is a K-5 school that prides itself on being an exceptional public school. With a focus on academics, Fairmeadow offers a challenging and engaging curriculum that has been designed to nourish the whole child. The school also benefits from strong community support and fundraising efforts, which have helped to provide additional resources for students and ways to grow the school.
Despite being located in one of the wealthiest districts in the country, Fairmeadow Elementary does not have its own dedicated funding source. As a result, the school relies on fundraising and donations to help supplement its well-funded system. Even with these challenges, Fairmeadow Elementary remains an excellent choice for families looking for a top-notch K-5 education.
The homes surrounding this school mostly consist of single-family homes, with a smaller selection of townhomes and cozy condos. Those who move to this area can expect to find a close-knit community with strong ties to the school.
2. Herbert Hoover Elementary School
Herbert Hoover Elementary School in Palo Alto, CA may look like any other school from the outside, but step inside and you'll see what sets it apart. The commitment of the staff to providing a cohesive and structured learning environment for children in grades K-5 is evident from the moment you walk in the door.
And yet, within this framework, they also nurture each individual's potential. Students are supported with targeted instruction that meets their unique needs, whether it's extra help with reading or enrichment opportunities in science and math. This school is designed to foster a love of learning in every child that walks through its doors.
Homes for sale in the area are typically single-family homes with a few condo options as well. Families enjoy living close to the school and being able to walk or bike to most places in town.
Programs & Services features at this school include:
- Limited-English Proficient
- Reading Support
- Special Education
3. Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle School
Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle School in Palo Alto, CA is a community of students in grades 6-8. It is one of the Palo Alto middle schools that promotes resilience and respect in every student. The school community provides a supportive environment that helps students learn and grow while taking risks.
Academically, Greene Jr. Middle School offers a wide variety of courses and programs to meet the needs of all students. The school also has an extensive extracurricular program that includes sports, clubs, and other activities. Families enjoy being able to participate in their child's education and support their interests outside of the classroom.
This excellent school is conveniently located near two highly sought-after neighborhoods including College Terrace and Crescent. Some of the homes in these communities come with a higher price tag but more than make up for it in quality. Residents also appreciate being close to the school and all that downtown Palo Alto has to offer.
Some of the amazing clubs offered at this school include:
- Art Club
- Robotics Club
- Drama Club
- Writing Club
4. Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School
Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School is a social and emotional oasis in the heart of Silicon Valley. As one of the oldest middle schools in the district, Jane Lathrop Stanford has a long tradition of excellence and a reputation for producing well-rounded and contributing citizens.
The school is large, with over 1000 students in grades 6-8, but its small class sizes create a sense of community that is both warm and welcoming. The curriculum is ever-changing, and the staff is committed to meeting the needs of all students. With an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving, Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School provides an excellent foundation for success in high school and beyond.
The Meadow Park and Midtown Palo Alto neighborhoods are both popular communities for those who have children attending Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle Schools. These two neighborhoods offer a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to apartments, and are convenient for local shopping and dining.
5. Henry M. Gunn High School
Henry M. Gunn High School was established in 1964 and has since become known for its outstanding academics and college readiness programs. Located in Palo Alto, California, Gunn is a 9-12 public school that serves the community of Silicon Valley. Students who attend this school come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, making it a truly unique learning environment.
Henry M. Gunn High School is dedicated to empowering its students to reach their full potential, and this is reflected in the school's diverse range of courses and extracurricular activities. The school is also home to an outstanding athletics program, which has produced numerous state and national champions. In addition to their academic and athletic achievements, Henry M. Gunn is also widely recognized for its commitment to social justice and equity.
There are several neighborhoods near this school but one of the most popular is Barron Park. Many of the homes have generous lot sizes and the residents enjoy being close to the city while still feeling like they're in a suburban community.
Some of the athletic opportunities at this school include:
- Football
- Golf
- Baseball
- Tennis
6. Palo Alto High School
Palo Alto High School is a comprehensive public high school located in Palo Alto, California. The school serves over 2,000 students in grades 9-12 and is known for its strong academics and commitment to community service.
Advanced placement courses are available in a wide range of subjects, and the school's graduates have been accepted to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country.
Palo Alto High School is a remarkable institution that has something to offer everyone. Whether you're looking for rigorous academics, exciting extracurricular activities, or opportunities to give back to the community, you'll find it all here.
For those looking to find a home in the area, there are several great neighborhoods to consider. Midtown Palo Alto is one of the most favored choices among Palo Alto High School families. This central location is convenient for getting around town, and the homes here are some of the most sought-after in the city.
Some of the excellent programs & pathways offered at this school include:
- AP Capstone
- Advanced Authentic Research
- Social Justice Pathway
- Blended Learning
After reading about these top Palo Alto public schools, it's easy to see why this city is such a desirable place to live. All of these schools fall under the jurisdiction of the Palo Alto Unified School District and are highly respected for their academic excellence.
And when it comes to finding a home near one of these schools, you'll have no shortage of great neighborhoods to choose from. Start your search today and see for yourself why so many people have chosen to call this beautiful city home.
Silicon Valley Real Estate is a team of invested industry professionals ready to help clients through the entire buying and selling process. The local knowledge the Don Orason Real Estate Group has will ensure clients get the results they want and deserve.