Academics

95% of Palo Alto Prep graduates go directly to college.

While Palo Alto Prep ensures that every student meets the basic minimum California requirements for high school graduation, we also prepare students for potential acceptance into the UC advanced education system. In keeping with our mission of opening doors for students to realize their full potential and life goals, we offer all the courses needed to meet the academic requirements of the UC advanced education system. We encourage all students to challenge themselves and exceed their own expectations.

Our students go on to graduate from a remarkable variety of colleges and universities -- small and large, public and private, business schools and liberal arts colleges -- institutions as diverse as our student body. We will be happy to provide, upon request, a complete list of colleges our students have attended.

We teach students how to think. We believe the education process has been successful when the student is prepared not only for advanced education but also for living life effectively and happily. We are convinced that a student who leaves high school with the ability to solve problems, anticipate challenges and operate creatively has an advantage in the world.

We engage our students through a variety of teaching methods. We stimulate curiosity, invite participation, challenge assumptions and address current world issues. Our teaching staff:

• Responds and adapts to individual learning styles
• Keeps students involved through visual, auditory and kinesthetic techniques
• Helps students overcome limitations and obstacles
• Generates energy and enthusiasm

The teaching staff believes that most academic work should be completed at school, and teachers are always available to assist students after school with anything needing further explanation or demonstration. However, certain assignments are expected to be completed at home. These assignments enable students to demonstrate commitment, independence and responsibility.

We offer an online grading system that allows parents and students to check their updated grades weekly. Current assignments and attendence are updated daily, so that students can see their assignments even when they are home sick.

Friday School
Any student who has a D+ or lower as of 3:00 pm on Thursday is required to attend Friday School from 1:30pm to 5:00pm. This event provides a supervised opportunity to catch up on incomplete work and focus on academics.

Course grades are based on several components: attendance, homework, quiz and exam grades, papers, projects and a final examination. Because we recognize and celebrate the diverse ways in which our students learn and excel, we do not impose a strict formula for determining a final grade. Our intention is to reinforce areas of strength while building confidence and competence in areas needing improvement.

Students are supported and encouraged to challenge themselves with courses at local community colleges. Credits may also be earned through work experience, community service and certain types of individualized independent study.

• Excellence Awards: Teachers in each academic discipline select a student annually whose consistent exceptional performance stands out from all others. Includes English, math, social studies, science, Spanish, and art.
• Alumni Award: Alumni staff members present this award to the graduating senior who most completely embodies and demonstrates the mission and values of the school. Emphasis is placed on self esteem and personal responsibility.
• Principal's Award: The principal gives this award at graduation to the student who has come the farthest and who shines the brightest.
• Most Improved Award: Presented annually to the student who has made the greatest personal progress in both academic performance and in attitude.
• Honor Society: Students achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher for a semester become members of the Palo Alto Prep Honor Society and receive a personalized certificate.
• National Honor Society: Students achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher for the semester are invited to join the National Honor Society. They receive an official award certification and patch for this recognition.