Palisades Charter High vs Santa Monica High
A head-to-head comparison of two high schools in California, United States, 5.8 km apart, using official American 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Palisades Charter High
Pacific Palisades · Charter high · Grades 9–12
2,920 students
Santa Monica High
Santa Monica · Public high · Grades 9–12
2,588 students
| Measure | Palisades Charter High Pacific Palisades, California | Santa Monica High Santa Monica, California |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (US) | 67 Top 25% | 68 Top 25% |
| State rank | #152 of 1,343 | #137 of 1,343 |
| National rank | #4178 of 16,910 | #3712 of 16,910 |
| Sector | Charter | Public |
| Type | High | High |
| Year range | Grades 9–12 | Grades 9–12 |
| Students | 2,920 | 2,588 |
| Enrollment | 2,920 | 2,588 |
| Free/reduced-price lunch | 21.5% | 35.4% |
| Students per teacher | 24.5 | 19.9 |
| Reading proficiency | 80% | 81% |
| Math proficiency | 46% | 56% |
| city | Pacific Palisades | Santa Monica |
| state | California | California |
| Website | – | – |
The verdict
- •Santa Monica High scores higher on the Success Index (US) (68.4 vs 66.5).
- •Santa Monica High does better on math proficiency (56% vs 46%).
- •Santa Monica High does better on reading proficiency (81% vs 80%).
- •Palisades Charter High does better on community advantage (fewer free/reduced-price lunch) (21.5% vs 35.4%).
- •Santa Monica High does better on students per teacher (19.9 vs 24.5).
- •Palisades Charter High is the larger school with 2,920 students compared with 2,588.
- •Palisades Charter High is a charter school while Santa Monica High is a public school, so fees and admission rules differ.
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 Palisades Charter High better than Santa Monica High?
On the Success Index (US), Santa Monica High ranks higher (68.4 vs 66.5 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 Palisades Charter High and Santa Monica High?
About 5.8 km in a straight line, between Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica in California.
Which has the better Enrollment?
Palisades Charter High: 2,920. Santa Monica High: 2,588. Students enrolled in the latest NCES directory year.
How do Palisades Charter High and Santa Monica High rank in California?
Palisades Charter High is 152nd of 1,343 and Santa Monica High is 137th of 1,343 among high schools in California on the 2025 Success Index (US).