Menlo-Atherton High vs Palo Alto High
A head-to-head comparison of two high schools in California, United States, 3.2 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Menlo-Atherton High
Atherton · Public high · Grades 9–12
2,158 students
Palo Alto High
Palo Alto · Public high · Grades 9–12
1,891 students
| Measure | Menlo-Atherton High Atherton, California | Palo Alto High Palo Alto, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 68 Top 25% | 82 Top 10% |
| State rank | #139 of 1,343 | #11 of 1,343 |
| National rank | #3819 of 16,910 | #963 of 16,910 |
| Sector | Public | Public |
| Type | High | High |
| Year range | Grades 9–12 | Grades 9–12 |
| Students | 2,158 | 1,891 |
| Enrollment | 2,158 | 1,891 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 33% | 13.3% |
| Students per teacher | 18.0 | 16.9 |
| Reading proficiency | 73% | 83% |
| Math proficiency | 55% | 75% |
| city | Atherton | Palo Alto |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Palo Alto High scores higher on the Success Index (US) (82.4 vs 68.0).
- •Palo Alto High does better on math proficiency (75% vs 55%).
- •Palo Alto High does better on reading proficiency (83% vs 73%).
- •Palo Alto High does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (13.3% vs 33%).
- •Palo Alto High does better on students per teacher (16.9 vs 18.0).
- •Menlo-Atherton High is the larger school with 2,158 students compared with 1,891.
The Success Index (US) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Menlo-Atherton High better than Palo Alto High?
On the Success Index (US), Palo Alto High ranks higher (82.4 vs 68.0 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Menlo-Atherton High and Palo Alto High?
About 3.2 km in a straight line, between Atherton and Palo Alto in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Menlo-Atherton High: 2,158. Palo Alto High: 1,891. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Menlo-Atherton High and Palo Alto High rank in California?
Menlo-Atherton High is 139th of 1,343 and Palo Alto High is 11th of 1,343 among high schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).