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.
Quick Stats (2025)
- 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
Top Rankings
Palo Alto Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
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
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
School Motto
Changing Lives, Redefining Education
School Mascot
Rio, The German Shepherd
Student Body
Total Students
65 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
31%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
85%
Average Class Size
8 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
none
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$43,990
Tuition Notes
includes books, reg fees, some field trips
Summer Program Cost
$1,500
% on Financial Aid
10%
Acceptance Rate
85%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Lisa OHearn-Keck
Application URL
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
4 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Arts and Music Programs:
Recording Studio
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Aviation Program, International trip yearly, Monthly outdoor excursions and field trips
Recording Studio
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Aviation Program, International 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, 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
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 80%.
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).
Related Schools
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People that viewed Palo Alto Preparatory School also viewed these schools: Pinewood School, Mid-peninsula High School, The King's Academy, Cambrian Academy and School For Independent Learners.
The nearest high school to Palo Alto Preparatory School is Living Widsom High School (0.1 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Imagination Lab School (0.0 miles away)
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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.
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