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Schools in 94301 — Palo Alto, California

94301 has 3 ranked schools averaging a Scope Score of 79.4 — 35.6 points above the California state average of 43.8. Scores range from 71.6 to 87.7, a 16.1-point spread. 3 schools rank in the 90th percentile or above statewide.

Avg Scope Score
79.4
State avg: 43.8
SchoolScope composite
Score Range
16.1
71.6 – 87.7
Avg Exceeded %
56.1%
State avg: 21.6%
Chronic Absenteeism
13.6%
State avg: 18.1%
Schools Ranked
3
With Scope Scores

How 94301 schools perform

The top-ranked school is Palo Alto High with a Scope Score of 88 and 55.0% of students exceeding standard.

High-ceiling zip code: Schools here average 56.1% exceeding standard — well above the statewide average of 21.6%. These schools aren't just meeting proficiency; they're pushing students beyond it.

Chronic absenteeism across 94301 averages 13.6%, above the state average of 18.1%.

How 94301 compares to nearby zip codes

Zip CodeCitySchoolsAvg Scorevs 94301
94301Palo Alto3Strong
79.4/100
94303East Palo Alto7Solid
54.7/100
-24.6
94306Palo Alto8Strong
81.6/100
+2.2

School archetypes in 94301

3 High Ceiling

Archetypes are data-driven labels based on Scope Score dimensions. Learn more

All schools in 94301

#SchoolExceededScore
1Palo Alto High
Palo Alto Unified High Ceiling
55.0%Strong
88/100
2Walter Hays Elementary
Palo Alto Unified High Ceiling
58.9%Strong
79/100
3Addison Elementary
Palo Alto Unified High Ceiling
54.4%Strong
72/100

Schools in 94301 on the map

Data source: California Department of Education · CAASPP 2024-25 · Methodology

Scores are SchoolScope's analysis of public data, not official CDE ratings. They represent one way of interpreting test results and should not be the sole basis for school decisions.

What Scope Scores can't tell you about 94301

  • Class sizes and student-teacher interaction quality
  • Quality of arts, music, athletics, and enrichment programs
  • Teacher experience, turnover, and professional development
  • Campus safety, bullying climate, and social-emotional support
  • Parent and community engagement levels
  • Quality of special education and gifted programs
  • How school zones and enrollment boundaries affect access

Scope Scores measure academic performance and school climate using public data. They are one lens among many. Full methodology

Frequently asked questions

Are the schools in Palo Alto good?
Palo Alto's 3 ranked elementary schools average a Scope Score of 79.4/100, which is 35.6 points above the California state average of 43.8. 56.1% of students exceed the state standard on average (state average: 21.6%). The Scope Score weights six dimensions: exceeded standard (40%), met standard (22%), grade-level growth (15%), chronic absenteeism (10%), suspension rate (5%), and ELPAC proficiency (5%). Data source: California Department of Education CAASPP 2025, analyzed by SchoolScope.
What is the best elementary school in Palo Alto?
The highest-scoring elementary school in Palo Alto is Palo Alto High with a Scope Score of 88/100 and 55.0% of students exceeding the state standard. Rankings are based on SchoolScope's 2025 Scope Score, which measures academic performance and school climate using publicly available California data. See full methodology.
How do Palo Alto schools compare to the state average?
Palo Alto elementary schools average a Scope Score of 79.4 vs. the statewide average of 43.8 (35.6 points above). The exceeded rate averages 56.1% vs. 21.6% statewide. Chronic absenteeism averages 13.6% vs. 18.1% statewide. Scores range from 71.6 to 87.7, a 16.1-point spread.
How many schools are in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto has 3 ranked elementary schools with Scope Scores. Schools are ranked using a weighted composite of CAASPP test performance, growth trajectory, chronic absenteeism, and suspension rate. Schools with insufficient testing data are not ranked.
What does the Scope Score measure?
The Scope Score is SchoolScope's proprietary composite rating (0–100) based on six dimensions of publicly available California school data: the exceeded-vs-met standard split, overall proficiency, grade 3–5 growth, chronic absenteeism, suspension rate, and ELPAC English Learner proficiency. Unlike single-number ratings, the Scope Score separates students who "exceeded" from those who "met" the standard — revealing whether a school pushes students beyond proficiency or paces toward it. Full methodology and weights.