Serving 366 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Palo Verde Elementary School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 5%, and reading proficiency is top 5%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 80-84% (which is higher than the California state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75-79% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student:teacher ratio of 19:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Asian), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 366 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 19:1
- Minority Enrollment: 75%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5% in CA
- Math Proficiency: 80-84% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 75-79% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Palo Verde Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Palo Verde Elementary School's student population of 366 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has declined by 9% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Total Students
366 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Palo Verde Elementary School ranks within the top 5% of all 9,602 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Palo Verde Elementary School is 0.65, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#353 out of 9602 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-84%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
75-79%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
19:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
52%
12%
Hispanic
13%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
25%
20%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
8%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Eligible for Free Lunch
7%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Palo Verde Elementary School's ranking?
Palo Verde Elementary School is ranked #353 out of 9,602 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in California.
What schools are Palo Verde Elementary School often compared to?
Palo Verde Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Herbert Hoover Elementary School, Fairmeadow Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
80-84% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CA state average), while 75-79% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
How many students attend Palo Verde Elementary School?
366 students attend Palo Verde Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
52% of Palo Verde Elementary School students are Asian, 25% of students are White, 13% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Palo Verde Elementary School?
Palo Verde Elementary School has a student ration of 19:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Palo Verde Elementary School offer ?
Palo Verde Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5
What school district is Palo Verde Elementary School part of?
Palo Verde Elementary School is part of Palo Alto Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Palo Verde Elementary School located?
Palo Verde Elementary School is located in the Palo Verde neighborhood of Palo Alto, CA.
School Reviews
1 3/8/2021
Grew up here and went to Palo Verde, graduated from JLS, and Gunn High. Quite xenophobic to international students and 2nd generation Asian Americans. Absolutely no curriculum on diversity, SEL, or class differences. Also, how about EL program and SPED? This school is certainly not equitable like the other neighboring elementary schools. My only advice to the parent community is, LISTEN to your child. If your child does not feel comfortable with the teacher, your child should tell you and you need to bring it up to admin. And if admin doesn't bat an eye, talk to other parents, email the district office for student affairs. The teachers here, the bad ones at least, cruising for retirement think their union will protect their butt. Don't be complacent parents, teach your children that their voice matters. It's serious business if the classroom is not a positive nor supportive one. Don't ever be afraid to ruffle feathers and report, report, report if teachers disrespect, undermine your child.
2 9/26/2007
The school has a very opaque method of determining the teachers for its students. While the school maintains that they try to achieve a balance for each class and try to place the students based on their particular needs, the reality is that the placement is done primarily based on behind the scenes lobbying by the parents. The school officially maintains that such lobbying should not happen. The reality, though, is that the aggressive parents work diligently to make sure their child is placed with the 'better' teacher. Children whose parents who are less involved in school activities or choose to play by the rules are grouped into the less popular teachers. This is a long tradition at this school, and the select group of parents, the management, and the teachers are all partners in this together. Externally, everyone maintains that classroom placement is done by the book. The reality is quite obviouse to everyone, including the children. This is very sad, but I guess those who live in 'Shalow Alto' should learn to play by the alternate set of rules or leave town.
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