Palo Alto Preparatory School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (26-27)

Top Ranked CA School
Grades: 8-12
Enrollment: 65 students
Yearly Tuition: $43,990
Acceptance rate: 85%
Average class size: 8 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Palo Alto Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades 8-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade

Grade	Palo Alto Preparatory School
8	4
9	10
10	15
11	16
12	20

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ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

Dyslexia, ADD, Mild Learning Differences

Year Founded

1984

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

School Calendar

View School Calendar

School Motto

Changing Lives, Redefining Education

Student Body

Total Students

65 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

31%

State avg.: 52%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

14 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

8:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

85%

Average Class Size

8 students

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

none

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Schools) (ACS WASC)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$43,990

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

includes books, reg fees, some field trips

Summer Program Cost

$1,500

% on Financial Aid

10%

Acceptance Rate

85%

National avg.: 85%

Admissions Director

Lisa OHearn-Keck

Application URL

Online Application

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Sports

School Mascot

Rio, The German Shepherd

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

4 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Arts and Music Programs:

Recording Studio

Recreational Athletic Programs:

Aviation ProgramInternational trip yearly

Monthly outdoor excursions and field trips

School Notes

A tightly knit school community, Palo Alto Prep operates on two assumptions: Teenagers want to feel good about themselves and they want to enjoy school.
In response to that, both staff and students strive to understand and appreciate individual differences, and they build fun and variety into learning.
Palo Alto Prep ensures that every student "fits in," because teachers adapt to the student`s learning style and they develop a foundation for self-esteem and personal responsibility.
Students are taught to think, to solve problems and to operate creatively, and 95 percent of graduates go directly to college.
State certified and accredited by WASC, UC A-G College Prep School Palo Alto Prep helps students see and experience the best in themselves.

A tightly knit school community, Palo Alto Prep operates on two assumptions: Teenagers want to feel good about themselves and they want to enjoy school. In response to that, both staff and students strive to understand and appreciate individual differences, and they build fun and variety into learning. Palo Alto Prep ensures that every student "fits in," because teachers adapt to the student`s learning style and they develop a foundation for self-esteem and personal responsibility. Students are taught to think, to solve problems and to operate creatively, and 95 percent of graduates go directly to college. State certified and accredited by WASC, All Classes are UC A-G certified Palo Alto Prep helps students see and experience the best in themselves.

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- David Kanter, Accepted to Willamette University in 2025 -

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Palo Alto Preparatory School cost?

Palo Alto Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $43,990 for private students and $1,500 for summer students.

What is the acceptance rate of Palo Alto Preparatory School?

The acceptance rate of Palo Alto Preparatory School is 85%, which is higher than the national average of 83%.

Who are famous alumni from Palo Alto Preparatory School?

Palo Alto Preparatory School famous alumni include: David Kanter, Accepted to Willamette University in 2025.

Does Palo Alto Preparatory School offer a summer program?

Yes, Palo Alto Preparatory School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What is Palo Alto Preparatory School's ranking?

Palo Alto Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.

When is the application deadline for Palo Alto Preparatory School?

The application deadline for Palo Alto Preparatory School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

5 12/15/2021

After teaching English here for 4 years I can honestly say that Palo Alto Preparatory has the most dynamic and caring teaching staff I have ever worked with. PAP students benefit from small classes and individual attention/relationships with teachers and the field trip program is phenomenal.

- Posted by Teacher - April Stallone

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Mountain View, CA is $33,127 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).