On the Peninsula
Palo Alto
On the Peninsula
Palo Alto
Home to Stanford University, a walkable downtown, and one of the highest-rated unified school districts on the Peninsula.
Palo Alto is served by a single K-12 district. Every address in the city is zoned into Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD), so buyers do not need to check which district a home falls in. Attendance zones still determine which specific elementary and middle school a given address is assigned to within PAUSD.
Quick summary
Palo Alto is covered by a single district, Palo Alto Unified, which runs kindergarten through twelfth grade and ranks in the top 3 percent of California districts. The strength is unusually even: even the district's lowest-ranked schools sit well above the state average, so your exact address matters less here than in most Peninsula towns. The district has 12 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 2 high schools, Gunn and Palo Alto High (known as Paly), assigned by address. Homes are among the most expensive on the Peninsula. Always verify your assigned schools by exact address with the district.
Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD)
A single K-12 district covering all of Palo Alto. Every address in the city is zoned into PAUSD; attendance zones then determine which specific elementary and middle school a given address is assigned to.
District office: 25 Churchill Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
At a glance
Better than 97% of California districts · top 3%
This ranks Palo Alto Unified among the top 3% of California public school districts.
Elementary
- Palo Alto Unified School District (K-12), see the school tabs below.
Middle
- Palo Alto Unified School District (K-12), see the school tabs below.
High school
- Gunn or Palo Alto High (Paly), by address, within Palo Alto Unified School District.
10,124
Students
5 stars
District rating
$4,100,829
Median home price
Test proficiency
Percent proficient or above
Last verified: October 2026. Rank and rating from SchoolDigger. Median home price from MLSListings. Enrollment from the California Department of Education, 2025-26. Test proficiency from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Buyers should confirm current figures directly with Palo Alto Unified School District, the authoritative source.
Schools in Palo Alto Unified (PAUSD)
Proficient means the share of students scoring Advanced or Proficient, the two highest of California's four achievement levels. These were called Standard Met and Standard Exceeded before 2025-26.
Schools are listed by California statewide rank, highest-ranked first.
Address: 445 East Charleston Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Grades: K-5
Enrollment: 382
Student-teacher ratio: 19.4 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $30,834
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Address: 500 East Meadow Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Grades: K-5
Enrollment: 404
Student-teacher ratio: 19.9 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $36,294
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Address: 4100 Orme St, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Grades: K-5
Enrollment: 244
Student-teacher ratio: 19.4 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $41,293
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Address: 950 Amarillo Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Grades: K-5
Enrollment: 461
Student-teacher ratio: 21.8 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $33,819
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Address: 1711 Stanford Ave, Stanford, CA 94305
Grades: K-5
Enrollment: 345
Student-teacher ratio: 18.9 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $40,215
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Address: 3450 Louis Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Grades: K-5
Enrollment: 344
Student-teacher ratio: 18.8 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $35,373
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Address: 890 Escondido Rd, Stanford, CA 94305
Grades: K-5
Enrollment: 445
Student-teacher ratio: 17.8 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $37,368
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Address: 650 Addison Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Grades: K-5
Enrollment: 377
Student-teacher ratio: 19.6 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $33,822
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Address: 1525 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Grades: K-5
Enrollment: 310
Student-teacher ratio: 20.5 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $38,115
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Address: 705 Alester Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Grades: K-5
Enrollment: 342
Student-teacher ratio: 21.2 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $35,669
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Address: 3024 Bryant St, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Grades: K-5
Enrollment: 290
Student-teacher ratio: 19.2 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $39,930
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Address: 800 Barron Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Grades: K-5
Enrollment: 258
Student-teacher ratio: 18.2 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $40,674
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Address: 480 East Meadow Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Grades: 6-8
Enrollment: 989
Student-teacher ratio: 14.8 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $43,117
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Address: 655 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Grades: 6-8
Enrollment: 573
Student-teacher ratio: 13.9 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $47,672
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Address: 750 North California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Grades: 6-8
Enrollment: 762
Student-teacher ratio: 14.6 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $44,658
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Address: 780 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 1,606
Student-teacher ratio: 16.4 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $42,570
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Address: 50 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 1,828
Student-teacher ratio: 16.7 to 1
Per-pupil spending: $40,594
Math, English, and science from CAASPP, 2025-26 (California Department of Education). CA figures are the California statewide average, all grades, 2025-26. Enrollment and address from California Department of Education. Rank, rating, ratio, and per-pupil spending from SchoolDigger.
Beyond the ratings
Academic Culture and School Community
Quick summary
Palo Alto Unified is one of California's highest-achieving districts, with strong performance from elementary through its two high schools, Gunn and Palo Alto High (Paly). The culture is rigorous and college-focused, featuring an active community dialogue on advanced course access and student mental health. Families thrive here by helping students balance ambitious academic goals with personal well-being.
A top-tier, college-focused district
Palo Alto Unified consistently ranks among California's strongest districts at every level. Both high schools send large numbers of graduates to selective universities and offer extensive Advanced Placement catalogs alongside advanced STEM pathways. While both schools share high academic standards, their campus cultures differ: Gunn skews heavily toward STEM competitions, math teams, and robotics, whereas Paly pairs academic rigor with media arts, nationally recognized student journalism, and high-energy athletics.
Rigor and the acceleration debate
Palo Alto's academic culture is intense and achievement-oriented. A central community conversation revolves around math acceleration and advanced coursework. For example, after the district approved higher-level math electives, school leadership opted not to list Multivariable Calculus in campus catalogs to avoid accelerating peer pressure. Instead, advanced math students frequently access college-level coursework through local community colleges or Stanford University programs. For prospective families, course selection directly shapes daily workload and stress levels.
Student wellness
Student wellness and academic stress remain primary topics of discussion across Palo Alto. In response, PAUSD has established dedicated, full-time Wellness Centers on both the Gunn and Paly campuses. These centers offer drop-in mental health support, social-emotional learning coursework, and partnerships with local counseling organizations. Families evaluating Palo Alto schools often benefit from asking administrators directly how each campus balances academic ambition with wellness support.
What families say
The perspectives below reflect viewpoints shared by families and students on community review sites and local forums, rather than verified facts. Families frequently highlight exceptional teaching staff, well-funded facilities, and college preparation. Others note that peer pressure can feel intense in high-achieving circles, making it essential for students to set healthy personal boundaries around extracurricular commitments and course selection.
The bigger picture
The academic experience varies depending on a student's chosen track, activities, and personal goals. Palo Alto provides world-class educational resources, and families who enter with an understanding of the environment are best positioned to help their children maintain healthy balance. Prospective buyers are encouraged to visit both campuses and speak with local families to gauge the right cultural fit.
This section reflects a mix of public data and community perspectives. School culture is subjective and changes over time. We encourage families to visit schools directly.
Neighborhoods
Where to Look in Palo Alto
Every Palo Alto neighborhood is part of Palo Alto Unified, so the district is the same citywide. What changes by address is your assigned high school, set by geographic zones divided roughly along the Oregon Expressway and Embarcadero Road corridor. Homes north of that line generally feed Palo Alto High (Paly), homes south generally feed Henry M. Gunn High, and central areas like Midtown are split street by street, so always verify by exact address.
Paly zone (north of Oregon Expressway)
Old Palo Alto
District and schools
Palo Alto Unified (K-12): Walter Hays → Greene Middle → Palo Alto High (Paly) by exact address; verify with the district.
Historic luxury estates on oversized lots.
What you'll find
Some of the city's largest and priciest homes.
Price context
$7,750,000
Tends to suit
Buyers seeking estate-scale homes.
Crescent Park
District and schools
Palo Alto Unified (K-12): Duveneck or Addison → Greene Middle → Palo Alto High (Paly) by exact address; verify with the district.
Grand Tudors and Spanish Revivals, mature trees, near Eleanor Pardee Park.
What you'll find
Prestigious, quiet streets close to downtown.
Price context
$6,200,000
Tends to suit
Buyers wanting classic Palo Alto elegance near downtown.
Community Center
District and schools
Palo Alto Unified (K-12): Walter Hays → Greene Middle → Palo Alto High (Paly) by exact address; verify with the district.
Park-centric, near Rinconada Park, the Lucie Stern Center, and museums.
What you'll find
Well-kept homes near civic and cultural amenities.
Price context
$4,500,000
Tends to suit
Families wanting parks and culture close by.
Green Gables (Duveneck)
District and schools
Palo Alto Unified (K-12): Duveneck → Greene Middle → Palo Alto High (Paly) by exact address; verify with the district.
Family favorite, tree-lined streets.
What you'll find
A mix of traditional and Eichler homes.
Price context
$4,490,000
Tends to suit
Families wanting a classic residential feel.
Professorville
District and schools
Palo Alto Unified (K-12): Addison → Greene Middle → Palo Alto High (Paly) by exact address; verify with the district.
Historic Craftsman and Victorian heritage district.
What you'll find
Preserved period homes, walkable to University Avenue.
Price context
$4,315,000
Tends to suit
Buyers who value historic character and walkability.
College Terrace
District and schools
Palo Alto Unified (K-12): Escondido → Greene Middle → Palo Alto High (Paly) by exact address; verify with the district.
Grid-pattern, Stanford-adjacent, popular with academics.
What you'll find
Single-family and some multifamily near the university.
Price context
$3,300,000
Tends to suit
Academics and professionals wanting to be near Stanford.
Downtown / University South
District and schools
Palo Alto Unified (K-12): Addison → Greene Middle → Palo Alto High (Paly) by exact address; verify with the district.
Urban-suburban grid, walkable to University Avenue and Caltrain.
What you'll find
A mix including some condos and smaller lots.
Price context
$3,200,000
Tends to suit
Buyers wanting walkability and transit.
Ventura
District and schools
Palo Alto Unified (K-12): Escondido → Greene Middle → Palo Alto High (Paly) by exact address, though select border streets near Matadero Creek shift to Gunn; verify with the district.
Mixed residential near California Avenue dining and Caltrain.
What you'll find
Smaller, more accessible homes.
Price context
$2,880,000
Tends to suit
Buyers wanting relative value near a lively corridor.
Split zone
Midtown
District and schools
Palo Alto Unified (K-12): El Carmelo, Fairmeadow, or Hoover → JLS Middle (or Greene) → northern Midtown feeds Palo Alto High (Paly), southern Midtown feeds Henry M. Gunn High; verify the high school by exact address with the district.
Central, family-oriented, ranch homes and new builds.
What you'll find
Walkable to the Midtown shops and neighborhood parks.
Price context
$3,880,000
Tends to suit
Families wanting a central location who will verify the high school by address.
Gunn zone (south of Oregon Expressway)
Palo Alto Hills
District and schools
Palo Alto Unified (K-12): Nixon → Fletcher Middle → Henry M. Gunn High by exact address; verify with the district.
Foothill estate privacy, sweeping Bay views, near the Palo Alto Hills Golf Club.
What you'll find
Large estate lots.
Price context
$4,600,000
Tends to suit
Buyers wanting privacy and views.
Green Acres
District and schools
Palo Alto Unified (K-12): Juana Briones → Fletcher Middle → Henry M. Gunn High by exact address; verify with the district.
Quiet cul-de-sacs adjacent to Gunn High, family-centered.
What you'll find
Well-kept single-family homes.
Price context
$4,378,800
Tends to suit
Families wanting to be near Gunn.
Barron Park
District and schools
Palo Alto Unified (K-12): Barron Park → Fletcher Middle → Henry M. Gunn High by exact address; verify with the district.
Semi-rural feel, larger lots, famous for its donkey pasture.
What you'll find
Bungalows and newer Craftsman homes, strong neighborhood association.
Price context
$4,250,000
Tends to suit
Buyers wanting space and a village feel.
South Palo Alto / Greenmeadow
District and schools
Palo Alto Unified (K-12): Fairmeadow or Palo Verde → JLS Middle → Henry M. Gunn High by exact address; verify with the district.
Concentrated Eichler tracts and post-war homes, community pools.
What you'll find
Mid-century modern homes, more accessible pricing.
Price context
$3,500,000
Tends to suit
Buyers who love Eichler design and value.
Price figures show the median sale price of single-family homes in each area over the last 12 completed months, sourced directly from the MLS. Median is used rather than average because it better reflects a typical home in areas with relatively few sales.
School District Verification Notice
Every Palo Alto neighborhood is in Palo Alto Unified, but your assigned high school depends on your exact address, generally Palo Alto High (Paly) north of the Oregon Expressway corridor and Henry M. Gunn High to the south, with street-by-street split zones like Midtown in between. Elementary and middle school assignments also vary by address. Always confirm exact parcel assignments with the PAUSD address locator before writing an offer.
FAQ
Common questions
What is the difference between Gunn and Palo Alto High (Paly)?
Both are top-rated PAUSD high schools with strong college placement. Gunn tends to have a stronger STEM and math competition profile. Paly offers equal academic rigor with a stronger focus on humanities, media arts, athletics, and open-campus access to nearby Town & Country.
Are Palo Alto schools stressful?
PAUSD schools are academically rigorous, and student stress is a recognized community concern. To offset academic pressure, the district operates on-campus wellness centers and counseling services. Student workload varies based on course choices and outside commitments.
How does Palo Alto support student mental health?
PAUSD operates dedicated, staffed Wellness Centers on both high school campuses, integrates social-emotional learning into the curriculum, and collaborates with Bay Area mental health organizations to provide student support.
Which Palo Alto neighborhoods feed Gunn versus Paly?
Palo Alto Unified splits high school assignment geographically, roughly along Oregon Expressway. Northern neighborhoods like Crescent Park, Old Palo Alto, and Professorville feed Palo Alto High (Paly), while southern areas like Barron Park, Green Acres, and South Palo Alto feed Henry M. Gunn High. Midtown is split by street, so verify by address.
Which Palo Alto neighborhoods are most affordable?
Areas such as Ventura, South Palo Alto, and parts of Midtown tend to offer relatively more accessible pricing, often featuring Eichler and post-war homes, though all of Palo Alto is expensive by national standards.
Do all Palo Alto neighborhoods have access to the same schools?
All are in Palo Alto Unified, one of California's top districts, but the specific elementary, middle, and high school depend on the home's attendance zone. Confirm assignments with the PAUSD address locator.
Last verified: October 2026 (reflecting 2025-26 state results).
Sources: SchoolDigger, the California Department of Education, and CAASPP. See the district section above for the specific attribution behind each figure.
