ExploreMapCompareBlogSign in

Schools in 94306 — Palo Alto, California

94306 has 8 ranked schools averaging a Scope Score of 81.6 — 37.8 points above the California state average of 43.8. Scores range from 56.3 to 92.0, a 35.7-point spread. 7 schools rank in the 90th percentile or above statewide.

Avg Scope Score
81.6
State avg: 43.8
SchoolScope composite
Score Range
35.7
56.3 – 92.0
Avg Exceeded %
60.9%
State avg: 21.6%
Chronic Absenteeism
9.9%
State avg: 18.1%
Schools Ranked
8
With Scope Scores

How 94306 schools perform

The top-ranked school is Herbert Hoover Elementary with a Scope Score of 92 and 79.2% of students exceeding standard.

High-ceiling zip code: Schools here average 60.9% 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 94306 averages 9.9%, above the state average of 18.1%.

How 94306 compares to nearby zip codes

Zip CodeCitySchoolsAvg Scorevs 94306
94306Palo Alto8Strong
81.6/100
94303East Palo Alto7Solid
54.7/100
-26.9
94301Palo Alto3Strong
79.4/100
-2.2

School archetypes in 94306

7 High Ceiling1 Building Momentum

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

All schools in 94306

#SchoolExceededScore
1Herbert Hoover Elementary
Palo Alto Unified High Ceiling
79.2%Strong
92/100
2Henry M. Gunn High
Palo Alto Unified High Ceiling
62.9%Strong
89/100
3Juana Briones Elementary
Palo Alto Unified High Ceiling
65.5%Strong
88/100
4Fairmeadow Elementary
Palo Alto Unified High Ceiling
65.9%Strong
88/100
5Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle
Palo Alto Unified High Ceiling
63.5%Strong
87/100
6Ellen Fletcher Middle
Palo Alto Unified High Ceiling
57.6%Strong
81/100
7El Carmelo Elementary
Palo Alto Unified High Ceiling
51.6%Strong
72/100
8Barron Park Elementary
Palo Alto Unified Building Momentum
40.9%Solid
56/100

Schools in 94306 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 94306

  • 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 8 ranked elementary schools average a Scope Score of 81.6/100, which is 37.8 points above the California state average of 43.8. 60.9% 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 Herbert Hoover Elementary with a Scope Score of 92/100 and 79.2% 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 81.6 vs. the statewide average of 43.8 (37.8 points above). The exceeded rate averages 60.9% vs. 21.6% statewide. Chronic absenteeism averages 9.9% vs. 18.1% statewide. Scores range from 56.3 to 92.0, a 35.7-point spread.
How many schools are in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto has 8 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.