Palo Alto Preparatory School Photo #4 - Palo Alto Prep students go on field trips like kayaking in Monterey Bay, whitewater rafting on the American River, and rock-climbing in the Santa Cruz mountains.

Palo Alto Preparatory School

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 (2024-25)

  • 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:

School Overview

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

Student Body

Total Students
65 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
31%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Palo Alto Preparatory School Student 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
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

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

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.
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 84%.
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  
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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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • 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

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Santa Clara County, CA is $24,435 for elementary schools and $31,245 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Santa Clara County, CA is 84% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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