HENRY M. GUNN HIGH SCHOOL

Henry M. Gunn High is a public high school that is part of the Palo Alto Unified school district, located in Palo Alto, CA with about 2,008 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. Student demographics can be found below. With about 115 teachers, Henry M. Gunn High has a student/teacher ratio of about 17:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Henry M. Gunn High School, located in Palo Alto, California, is widely recognized as one of the top-performing public secondary schools in the United States. Serving students in grades 9 through 12, the school is part of the Palo Alto Unified School District and is renowned for its rigorous academic environment, high standardized test scores, and a strong culture of intellectual achievement. The campus attracts families from across the region due to its extensive selection of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, diverse elective offerings, and a robust support system designed to prepare students for admission to top-tier universities.

Beyond its academic focus, Gunn High School offers a comprehensive array of extracurricular activities, including championship-level sports teams, award-winning performing arts programs, and a wide variety of student-led clubs. The school culture is often described as high-pressure, which has led the administration to prioritize student mental health and wellness initiatives in recent years. With its proximity to Silicon Valley, the school fosters a unique environment that emphasizes innovation, global citizenship, and community involvement, consistently maintaining its reputation as a prestigious institution within the California public education system.

For more information, contact Henry M. Gunn High at (650) 354-8200 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.