As the parents of two high schoolers that could not be any more different, we have a deep appreciation and respect for the value of Palo Alto Prep (PA Prep) and their amazing educational staff. While one child has thrived in a traditional high school, our eldest did not. They are an amazing creative thinker but also challenged with the headwinds of a variety of learning and related social challenges. While they also handled middle school well, even thrived academically, to say that traditional high school was a train wreck is an understatement. We needed help as a family and PA Prep was there. Thankfully we discovered PA Prep through our engagement with the The Bodin Education Group (also highly recommended). After a careful evaluation of options (Bodin know them all!) and engagement with the team at PA Prep we could see that our son would benefit immensely from all that PA Prep is, and all that it offers to students like them. Is it perfect, absolutely not. But the positives for a student/young adult like our son far far FAR outweigh any minor drawbacks. The great: 1. Incredibly intimate teacher/staff/student relationships. You want your child to be known and know their school staff, they will. The ability to cater and focus on what works for your student is incredible. 2. Incredibly capable and proficient teachers who know how to work with students for whom regular school isn't a good fit. 3. Patience, understand and flexibility. Need to take a "break" road trip with your student on a moments notice? PA Prep understands and accommodates with complete understanding. 4. Diversity of classes and programs to engage an out of the box learner. From art, outdoors to flight training. Just because it's small doesn't limit the exposure of options for your student, lots to offer including independent project programs to nurture student led initiative. The realities (not bad but worthy of mention): 1. It is small, and high school is high school, no matter where you attend. This can sometimes magnify any typical social dynamics. The staff is incredibly attuned to this, but you also should be as a parent. It is important to recognize this is still high school and immediately addressing issues is critical, the staff is exceptional at partnering on this. 2. There is a diverse population of students with a diverse set of backgrounds and needs. With this comes the realities of all their experiences, lives and challenges. Your student will be exposed to this, as they would in any high school, it isn't a fully sheltered and manicured but it is absolutely safe. It is incredibly important to stay aware of this as a parent. I will ensure you the staff is very experience and aware also, together this can help any student navigate the realities of high school life safely and holistically. 3. Passion, intent and caring are the hallmarks of PA Prep staff and teachers. Organization and "manicured administration" perhaps not so much the strong suit. Do not go in expecting perfection in communication, organization or logistics. I promise this is ok, and everything is handled with the best of outcomes for the students. If you are used to the polish of a "elite" private/public high school you will notice a difference here. My strongest advice for a successful PA Prep tenure is to invest in your parental (and student) relationships with staff, they are both open and available. This will help your student, and family, easily manage what is lacking in any size, scale, capabilities on this less critical administrative front. In closing: We loved PA Prep, we could not imagine our son achieving high school success without it. For the right student this IS the right place. Attend one graduation ceremony and that is all it takes to see how different, special and wonderful Palo Alto Preparatory School is for its staff, students and families! read more

Backup repost from 11 months ago. "I'm giving four stars because I do not think the issues and censorship I experienced are an atypical response from a school. When I tried to bring light to bad deeds, I was suspended and threatened with expulsion. I never encountered physical violence. Bad deeds included severe emotional abuses, motivated by sexism, from older staff here. This and sex-based victim blaming - resembling misogynistic patterns - contributed significantly to suicidal my thoughts. Dehumanization was added through transphobia. Newer staff were less problematic than integrated ones, suggesting the administration's leadership is a source of problems. Last time I interacted, the administration did their best to manipulate the image to feign their innocence at all costs. These issues are adult topics, which adolescents like me ideally would not face; my experiences occurred about one year ago, and while I have learned to better describe them, I am not mature enough to understand the issue's whole systemic contexts." read more

We had an agreement for PAP to do specific things for my daughter to advance her education and development. She was recruited by PAP and interviewed over several days, once in 2022 and again in 2024. PAP was provided full disclosure of her needs through the IEP documentation and discussion with parents prior to her placement. We had every expectation as parents that our daughter would feel safe, supported, and would be provided an education that was consistent with her understood learning, health and emotional needs. We had an agreement and an understanding for which we felt we could rely on. Until we received the notice of a 20 day cancellation notice four months after her placement. Right after her placement my daughter presented with a serious health issue as a result of catching a bug from the school environment after being out of the school for over three years. This is not expected; however, what was unexpected is that your teachers failed to excuse her from grades related to participation in class. That and the sheer volume of makeup work and your teacher's decision to not modify resulted in her sudden failing grades. As you can imagine this resulted in her distress, which her school therapist was aware of and made promises to myself and my daughter to advocate with her teachers to reduce this pressure. Nonetheless everyone at the 30 day meeting felt sure my daughter could pull this together and a continued offer of placement was made. Everyone believed it was a good offer. PAP also offered applications for both summer and the fall for which I completed and submitted. A few weeks later my daughter failed to feel safe with one of PAP male staff members who reached out and grabbed at her to take a benign item. This male clearly is not trained in understanding the power differential inherent in that experience with a 15 year old female student. It was at her annual IEP meeting a few weeks after this incident we were informed that "her needs could not be served" and " it was unfair to her teachers". PAP failed to meet their contractual obligations to my daughter for her learning, safety and health. She showed up and participated on most days (except for 10 day protracted illness before spring break and several mental health days due to stress, depression, and increased SIB due to the incident with your male staff member, your therapist not keeping her word to advocate with her teachers to reduce the unnecessary academic stressors and for your teachers failing to modify expectations of participation in face of health related absences and work expectations based upon her learning profile which you were fully aware of). The best thing about PAP for my daughter is she made friends and was exposed to subjects and activities that she really liked. She got in the habit of sleeping on time and getting up on time on her own for school. She learned to try and work hard even when it was hard and asked for help when she needed. Unfortunately she did not get the help she repeatedly asked for. I give this school zero stars. It was a pretty huge act of betrayal to cancel her contract without a discussion of modifications and addition supports that would have been easy to add given my experience in special education. read more

Palo Alto Prep has been a great balance between the local high schools (Paly and Gunn) and individual tutoring for my kid. She has ADHD, Anxiety, and Depression. We first moved her when PAUSD took over 60 days to schedule an IEP after a suicidal episode. When the shelter in place was mandated, they had the kids in zoom sessions within a day! They have continued all classes for the semester with the normal schedule, just virtual. It is difficult to know what to do when your child struggles to live in a world not designed for them, but Palo Alto Prep has been a supportive partner in helping my child and me work through issues as they have arisen. It does have some rough spots (the director scares *me* I can't imagine how the kids feel about him), but overall they are amazing. read more

This school was a terrific fit for our son for Senior Year. Some kids just do not thrive in a comprehensive high school. Palo Alto Prep offers small class sizes, individual attention and experiential learning. There is much to be said about the learning that goes on outside the classroom where kids can display leadership, conflict resolution and social skills. Additionally the staff are motivated, caring and wonderful human beings. They hold kids to high standards and expectations. Our son got back on track with grades and achievements - even earning The Director's Award at graduation. read more

Our son has been at Palo Alto Prep since the summer before Freshman year. He's halfway through his sophomore year now. After spending some time there, I think the school is great. Here's why: 1. Class sizes are small. This is such a big advantage for both teacher and student, and it's a very strong positive for the school. 2. Teachers are great. The teachers are young and engaging, and the kids seem to really love them. 3. Lisa, the Dean of Students, gets an A+ in my book. She is open to criticism, listens to problems, and reacts fairly and evenly, helping the student wherever she can. I think she is wonderful. You will never find someone like that at a public school. 4. The population is quirky and tends to embrace all comers. 5. There is a strict no bullying policy. This is tough but how it needs to be to create a small supportive community. Our son is very engaged at PAP and thriving, chasing his dreams. We all couldn't be happier. read more

Our son was completely falling apart in the public school. The district had trouble meeting his needs in the 32-person classes. Though we had an IEP, it just wasn't effective. Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic and distance learning didn't help. Again the large classes caused our son to completely shut down. Within a week of starting at PAP, our son had a complete turn around in attitude towards school and attitude towards life in general. He went from failing all his classes to passing all his classes with descent grades. When asked why he likes the school, his answer is "When I have a question, the teachers take the time to explain it to me till I get it." He's now in his 3rd semester, and still doing really well. He is looking forward to his future now read more

I regret that my child ever attended Palo Alto Prep. I was told that it was the perfect place for a child who had been bullied at school. What I wasn't told was this was a place for troubled children with drug issues, mental health issues, and behavioral problems. The teachers were fantastic but the administration is just after tuition and will tell you anything to secure your enrollment. Once you are enrolled, they have your money and won't return it. My child was exposed to drug use and troubled teens. My child told me she felt badly as she had a happy home life and everyone at Palo Alto Prep was so troubled. Look elsewhere if you are considering this school. read more

The administration will sell their school and make you think it is the answer to all adolescent problems. Beware! During the initial interview when my child was asked if she was told it is either military academy or Palo Alto Prep I should have realized this school was for more than a shy child! The kids here are troubled. The admin is just after non-refundable tuition. read more

PAP is a very special school. The staff and educators are there because they love what they do and they are genuinely interested in helping every child see their true potential. Our son has blossomed academically, improved his self confidence tremendously, learned to control his anxiety and branched out socially. We feel so fortunate to have the opportunity for our child to learn in this supportive environment and feel it will alter the trajectory of his future. Thank you PAP team! read more

I would give Palo Alto Prep more stars if Yelp allowed it! As a parent of a dyslexic student, we feel so blessed to have found PAP. We didn't know where we were headed for high school. We were looking for small class sizes, and teachers who were able to differentiate curriculum in order to reach each individual student. We found that, and even more! The teachers and administrators are second to none. They work hard to get to know each student, and help them build on their particular strengths and skill sets. They are truly dedicated to their students. They have successfully built a very supportive learning environment. The academic program is great. They take care in meeting their students needs, and challenging them to continually improve as students and human beings. They offer a wide variety of elective programs. Students can select to participate in Music, Rock Climbing, Art, Archery, Field Sports, Photography, Scuba and Aeronautics. In other words, there is something for everyone. It is a wonderful place for students to learn and grow. I feel very grateful to the entire staff at PAP! read more

I am a parent. My son transferred from Palo Alto High on his Sophomore year. He was down, discouraged and had lacked confidence at his previous public school. PAP has put a lot of effort and time in building my son's confidence back both personal and academics. Today he is accepted to one of the top universities, he is a soccer player, he speaks a new language. He is a happy, positive individual with a bright future. We could not have achieved this without the support of PAP and the wonderful teachers who have been a teacher, a mentor and a friend. I am grateful to PAP. read more

Palo Alto Prep is the only school in the world that has been on top of online classes since covid-19 shut down school on campus. They started weeks earlier planning, and when the county shut down all schools, they were ready the very next day. Every day, all day, school is engaged online with teachers and students live. I work with people all over the world. I have not met anyone who can say their school has been able to do this. Lastly, this school has been a godsend for my son. So many young people don't have a place to learn, that fits their needs. Palo Alto Prep is top-notch. Don't think twice if your child is in need. read more

Our son started PAP in 9th grade and is currently a senior there. It was a game-changer for him. The small class size, the emphasis on social emotional learning, frequent field trips to complement academics and individualized learning plans made sure he excelled. The dedication of the teachers and staff set the school apart. The teachers are not only competent and empowered to try new and different approaches/curriculum, but go out of their way to develop friendships and trust with the students. My son felt very supported throughout the school and learned the important life skills of self advocacy, collaboration, confidence and time management. He is now applying to college and PAP has helped him every step of the way. Most of all, I can honestly say he looks forward to going to school every day! read more

Our son has been a student at PAP for the past 3 years and has grown so much. It's hard to pin down exactly why the school has been so transformational for him, but the compassionate teachers and staff, small class sizes and nurturing environment are certainly key. They challenge the students to advocate for themselves and provide an amazing array of opportunities for experiential learning, including an optional annual international trip. I sure wish there was a PAP when I was in high school! Who knew learning could be so enjoyable? read more

Palo Alto Prep is a wonderful, transformative, caring, safe place for students to learn and be themselves. Since going there, my son is happier, less stressed out, and does chores without being asked. This school gets the connection between learning and physical activity that teenagers need. read more

This school is exactly what my son needed; a smaller environment and a more holistic approach to student development. He went from spotty attendance and truancy at the local public high school to straight As and ASB President. So proud of him and the school! read more

It's hard for me to narrow down to one memory at Palo Alto Prep. It's all been so good. When my son interviewed with Palo Alto Prep at the end of 9th grade, he was one glowering, angry, shut down kid. At Palo Alto Prep not only did the teasing and bullying stop, but the students were incredibly nice to each other. My son was accepted for who he was. In time, he was able to get over the anger and show his giving and compassionate side. Now, his nickname is Teddy Bear even by people who meet him and have nothing to do with Palo Alto Prep. He spontaneously gave roses to all the girls and staff on a school trip. He's helped with tutoring. He's supportive, funny, and confident. You can only be that confident, compassionate and giving if you have good self worth. My son has found self worth at Palo Alto Prep because it's been a loving and accountable community. It's been a super experience. Mary, mom of graduating senior, 2012 read more

My teen attended this horrible school for one long dreadful and horrific year. After an initial interview, so many promises and assurances by the Head of School and none delivered. Head of School has no formal training that we are aware of in educating teens with learning disabilities or mental health challenges. Head of School was the cruelest administrator and seems to pride himself on screaming at, swearing and humiliating the kids. This is what he did to my teen and when we questioned his tactics in screaming at our kid and dropping F bombs, his response was "He knows what teens need" . Actually what teens need is an emotionally safe space to learn and grow and this isn't it. His wife is Dean of Students and her role seems to be to play the "good guy" and gain the confidence of the kids. We were not told accurately the backgrounds/makeup of teens at this school; kids from recovery programs, wilderness camps and many depressed and suicidal kids. Several of the teachers did not have bachelor's degrees or teaching credentials. This is a private school owned by the Head of School and his wife, there is no Board or accountability. Biggest waste of money ever! read more

My daughter started at Palo Alto Prep in 8th grade. She had just come home from after being at wilderness for 3 months followed by 9 months at a residential program. I was lucky that they accepted 8th graders and after the school year had already started. She continued to have challenges at home and school for some time and it was really rough. Despite this, the school supported her to become a better person. She is doing great in school, contributes as a member of ASB and is considered a leader by students and teachers alike. The teachers are really good and she loves the small class size where interactive discussions can happen. And, they don't give tons of homework, so she's not freaking out with hours of work every night. It's about the learning, not the workload at Palo Alto Prep. She has her sites on college and will be ready because she knows how to ask questions, learn and think, not just plow through masses of homework assignments like in many public schools around here. I dread to think what the situation would be today if Palo Alto Prep hadn't stood by her side and helped her when she needed it most. I'm a very grateful. It has truly been a turn around story. read more

Find an alternative to PA Prep. I enrolled my son at PA Prep, paid the annual tuition in full and then the problems started. The Director is abusive and intimidating. During a meeting held at my request, the Director stated that he was a black belt and then threatned to knock all of my son's teeth down his throat . The decision was then made to remove my son from the school - PA Prep refused to refund any of the unused tuition. This was terrible place to send my son, and a terrible waste of money. PA stood to gain - now that had more room to enroll the next student. Beware. read more

We couldn't be more delighted to find Palo Alto Prep- this school is a haven for children to learn and thrive in. I've never before seen a high school like this - one that inspires kids to a level that they want to participate in and attend with enthusiasm. This school has had the best impact on our daughter and our family has been welcomed with warmth and kindness by the administration and faculty, I only wish we had discovered Palo Alto Prep sooner! read more

My child did not receive the individual attention that the school administration led me to believe was the standard. I was told the staff established positive relationships with all students and the student body was like a family. In reality, this is not the case. Instead, a high percentage of the students have behavior problems, drug issues and have been in the juvenile justice system and this is the only school the parents can find that will take them. Other students are placed in Palo Alto Prep by the public school system because of various issues. The school administration is more interested in maximizing tuition than in creating a safe and nurturing school environment. The school is not a safe place in my opinion. read more

I cannot say enough positive things about Palo Alto Prep! It is truly a special place. They welcomed my son with open arms and supported him without judgment. Their teachers and staff are incredible - smart, caring, thoughtful and creative. The outdoor programs and day-long electives help kids discover their strengths and gain confidence. My son made friends quickly and soon felt at home there. We are so glad we found Palo Alto Prep. read more

My son went through the Palo Alto school system with academic and behavioral challenges. I received a recommendation for him to shadow and attend Palo Alto Prep for High School. It was a complete blessing for my son and our family. The staff and students are very supportive and kind. I cannot say enough about their positive teaching skills. The teachers are brilliant and serve as excellent role models for their students. I'm proud to say that my son is graduating from Palo Alto Prep in June 2012. Thank you, Chris and Lisa for all you do and all that you've done these past 25 years. read more

I graduated high school from Palo Alto Prep this year, and I'm so thankful for that. It is the best school I have ever gone to! The staff are friendly and supportive, and the Dean of Students, Lisa Keck, especially helped me be able to push though the last tough few months at school so I could graduate. The best teachers and staff I've ever met have been at this school, and they really do care about their students, and go far above and beyond what's required or even expected of them. If you ever need someone to talk to, in my experience, the staff, especially Mr. Cannon and Lisa Keck, are always happy to help students even if it's not directly related to school. The school encourages the students to try new things and have new experiences-on Fridays there are a list of electives that students can choose from that switch every few months, such as Woodworking, hiking, rock climbing, art, ceramics, aviation, etc. It's an open campus, and there are many good places to eat lunch within walking distance, such as Bajis Cafe, Taco Bell, In N Out, Erik's Deli, Starbucks, etc. There are fun field trips the school takes students on, some mandatory and some only a few students can go on (like their once a year international trips). This school changed my life for the better, as well as interacting with the staff and fellow students there. I don't think I would have been able to survive and even thrive at any other school. Some students, like me, went to Esther B Clark school before coming to PAP, and I can say in my opinion, PAP is a much kinder, gentler, more understanding and even a nurturing environment than EBC ever was for me. I cannot say enough good things about this school. In my opinion, this school goes far beyond what's required in education. The staff don't just care about students academically, they genuinely want students to be happy and thrive and grow, which isn't something I've experienced in any other school. I'd recommend Palo Alto Prep to anyone who is struggling in school. PAP is a safe, wonderful environment, and for me, I was able to truly turn my life around, start to change for the better, and head in the right direction because of the staff, students, and school itself. As a nice bonus, there are dogs at PAP you can pet and play with if you're having a tough day- Rio, a German Shepard, and Pinto Bean, who is a miniature pincher and chihuahua mix. All in all? This school is as close to perfect as it can be, and I wish I could give it even more stars. read more

I'm a proud parent and I can't say enough about how great Palo Alto Prep is for teen boys. My son has enjoyed school here like no where else. HIs grades have improved simply by being given options in addition to strait core academics. At Palo Alto Prep students are offered great skill building classes like Rock Climbing, Scuba and Aeronautics. They are taken on trips to the great outdoors - hiking in the mountains and kayaking on the water. They have dances and other social events. They are given opportunities to be of service to others. As an upper classman my son has been able to work as a Teacher's Assistant in classes he's enjoyed but has "aged out of". At PAP they see each student as an individual and work with them to reach their true potential. The teachers, administration, students and parent community are all lively and engaged. I would encourage you to go on a tour or shadow this school. Your child will know immediately if this is the place for them. Good luck! read more

First off, I must say that Palo Alto Prep is not for everyone. It's a very unique environment, and I don't think the people who reviewed it before me quite understood that. I graduated from Palo Alto Prep in 2009, and I'm am so glad that I found a school that cared. Before attending Palo Alto Prep, I was an unhappy student at Paly. The thing that was most disturbing about my public school education is the fact that no one seemed to care whether I passed or failed. To them, I was just another statistic. People at Palo Alto Prep care if your child succeeds. For example: Lisa, the dean of students, put a lot of effort toward helping me graduate early. Also, Dylan, one of the teachers, stayed until past 6 on a Thursday to help me catch up on all my late assignments. I don't think I've seen a staff so dedicated to their students. The teacher's upbeat attitudes and passion made it easy to learn. Their passion for their subjects was contagious, and I found myself enjoying learning about things that I had never cared about in the past. The school may have a bad reputation, but I am proud to call myself a Palo Alto Prep graduate. It would have been so easy for me to give up on myself, like the teachers in public school had given up on me, but I was lucky enough to find Palo Alto Prep, and the people there believe in me. I know, that sounds super corny, but it's so true. If you want your kids to go to a school that is strict about academics, and with keep your kid on a conveyor belt, don't send your child here. But if you want your child to be happy learning, become passionate, and embrace his/her differences, this is a perfect school for you. It's a bit strange, but the best of them are. read more