Business Details
42 Years
experience
Private High School for Diverse Learners in Mountain View, CA
Founded in 1984, Palo Alto Prep has been dedicated to providing alternative education for diverse learners in the Bay Area. Our mission centers on creating a supportive environment where students thrive through small class sizes, personalized attention, and experiential learning. With a student-teacher ratio under 8:1, our experienced faculty specializes in addressing learning differences and fostering academic and personal growth. We offer A-G approved college preparatory courses alongside unique programs like aviation, outdoor education, and international trips. Our holistic approach includes executive functioning support, after-school office hours, and a culture of acceptance that prioritizes student well-being.Over three decades, we've helped students gain admission to institutions like UCSC, Cal Poly, and Lewis & Clark while maintaining a community where every student feels valued. Our staff's commitment to continuous education, including advanced degrees in special education, ensures we meet evolving student needs. We focus on building confidence through non-traditional learning opportunities, from rock climbing to white-water rafting, while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Our graduates leave with not only college readiness but also the self-assurance to navigate life's challenges. We remain a trusted choice for families seeking a nurturing private high school in Santa Clara County.
Services
College Counseling
Experiential Learning Programs
Special Education Support
After-School Enrichment
Aviation Program
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer a 6:1 student-teacher ratio for personalized attention.
- Our faculty specializes in supporting students with learning differences.
- Unique programs include aviation, outdoor education, and international trips.
- We provide executive functioning support and after-school office hours.
- 30+ years of success preparing students for college and life.
Associations and certifications
- California Department of Education
What people say
Dedicated teachers
Small class sizes
Supportive environment
Transformative experiences
College readiness
Services
College Counseling
Our college counseling program provides personalized guidance for students navigating the admissions process. With decades of experience, we help students identify suitable institutions, prepare applications, and develop strategies for academic success. Our graduates have gained acceptance to UCSC, Cal Poly, and Lewis & Clark.
Experiential Learning Programs
We offer hands-on learning experiences through day trips, overnight excursions, and international travel. Students engage in activities like white-water rafting, college campus tours, and cultural immersion programs to develop real-world skills and independence.
Special Education Support
Our staff specializes in supporting students with learning differences through tailored instruction and executive functioning development. Services include after-school office hours, personalized learning strategies, and a supportive environment that addresses social and academic challenges.
After-School Enrichment
We provide after-school programs with mentorship and academic support. Students receive individualized tutoring, organizational guidance, and additional instruction from 3:15-4:00 PM daily, with dedicated mentor teachers for regular attendees.
Aviation Program
Our unique aviation program offers specialized instruction that has launched professional pilots. Students gain hands-on experience through flight training and related coursework, making us the only private high school in the area with this offering.
People
Lisa OHearn-Keck
Dean of Students
Lisa OHearn-Keck leads student affairs at Palo Alto Prep, focusing on creating a supportive educational environment. With extensive experience in special education, she oversees academic and personal development programs for diverse learners.
Questions
What makes Palo Alto Prep different from other high schools?
We focus on personalized learning with a 6:1 student-teacher ratio, experiential education, and specialized support for diverse learners.
Do you accept students with learning differences?
Yes, we specialize in supporting students with learning differences through tailored instruction and accommodations.
What college preparatory services do you offer?
Our college counseling program provides personalized guidance for applications, admissions, and academic preparation for higher education.
Are there extracurricular activities available?
We offer diverse electives including aviation, rock climbing, and international trips for holistic student development.
How do you support student mental health and social development?
Our nurturing environment prioritizes emotional well-being through close teacher-student relationships and social skills development programs.
What is your student-teacher ratio?
We maintain a student-teacher ratio under 8:1 to ensure personalized attention and effective learning.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Kira S.
Sep 23, 2021
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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!
Anna E.
Oct 24, 2020
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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"
Mike R.
Oct 19, 2020
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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.
Cathy K.
Jun 17, 2020
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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?
Sara Y.
Jun 10, 2020
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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
Jay S.
May 28, 2020
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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&apos
Gregory S.
Oct 14, 2019
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Our family was referred to Palo Alto Preparatory by Dr. Brendan Pratt, owner of a local psychology testing facility, the Pratt Center. Our daughter suffers from severe social anxiety and can't function in noisy environments and large crowds. Mountain View High School was just too big and too loud for her. After a traumatic incident at Mtn. View High, she became depressed and refused to go back. Dr. Pratt told us that Palo Alto Preparatory (PAP) would be a good fit for her. We made a huge leap of faith and enrolled her there. We feel so grateful and fortunate, because it was the best decision
