Henry M. Gunn High

Summary:

Henry M. Gunn High is a public high school located in Palo Alto, California, serving grades 9-12 with a total enrollment of 1,787 students. The school is part of the Palo Alto Unified School District, which is ranked 39th out of 1,568 districts in California and is rated 5 out of 5 stars by SchoolDigger.

Henry M. Gunn High has consistently been one of the top-performing high schools in California, ranking within the top 50 schools in the state for the past several years. In the 2023-2024 school year, the school ranked 32nd out of 2,323 California high schools and received a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school's academic performance is exceptional, with a high percentage of students proficient or better in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, significantly outperforming the state and district averages. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, 83.59% of 11th-grade students were proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to 55.73% statewide and 77.93% in the Palo Alto Unified School District.

Henry M. Gunn High also stands out for its high graduation rates, with a 96.9% four-year graduation rate in the 2022-2023 school year, significantly higher than the state average. The school's student population is diverse, with a significant representation of Asian (46.1%), White (32.1%), and Multi-racial (11.1%) students. While Henry M. Gunn High performs well across different student subgroups, the school has a relatively low percentage of free and reduced-price lunch recipients (10.3% in 2022-2023) compared to some nearby schools, such as KIPP Esperanza High, Menlo-Atherton High, and East Palo Alto Academy, which have significantly higher percentages, indicating a more socioeconomically diverse student population.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 780 Arastradero Rd.
       Palo Alto, CA  94306-3827


(650) 354-8200

District: Palo Alto Unified

SchoolDigger Rank:
32nd of 2,323 California High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $14,036 Help


Feeder schools for Henry M. Gunn High:

Elementary:    Barron Park Elementary
    Fairmeadow Elementary
    Juana Briones Elementary
    Lucille M. Nixon Elementary
Middle:    Ellen Fletcher Middle
    Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle

Student/teacher ratio:  16.9 Help
Number of students:  1,713

Racial breakdown:

Asian:
46.6%
White:
28.8%
Hispanic:
12.3%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  9.5% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Henry M. Gunn High ranks better than 98.6% of high schools in California. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 97.91. (See more...)
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The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Henry M. Gunn High who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
Help
Compare Details Student population at Henry M. Gunn High is diverse. Racial makeup is: Asian (46.6%), White (28.8%), Hispanic (12.3%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 9.5% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Henry M. Gunn High is 16.9. (See more...)
Help
Compare Henry M. Gunn High employs 100.8 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Henry M. Gunn High is $14,036.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Henry M. Gunn High:

SchoolDigger ranks Henry M. Gunn High 32nd of 2323 California public high schools. (See Henry M. Gunn High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Asian students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Palo Alto Unified:

SchoolDigger ranks Palo Alto Unified 39th of 1568 California school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Henry M. Gunn High

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Rank History for all students at Henry M. Gunn High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2004 92.15 9th 1653 99.5%
2005 90.40 24th 1901 98.7%
2006 91.90 18th 1968 99.1%
2007 87.12 55th 2063 97.3%
2008 87.45 39th 2117 98.2%
2009 86.28 35th 2238 98.4%
2010 89.87 34th 2281 98.5%
2011 85.29 72nd 2367 97.0%
2012 88.06 45th 2354 98.1%
2013 87.31 52nd 2426 97.9%
2015 95.76 58th 1994 97.1%
2016 97.91 18th 2039 99.1%
2017 94.80 88th 2021 95.6%
2018 97.79 27th 2017 98.7%
2019 98.21 33rd 2133 98.5%
2021 98.16 12th 1290 99.1%
2022 98.83 22nd 2123 99.0%
2023 97.78 38th 2348 98.4%
2024 97.91 32nd 2323 98.6%
See the entire list of California High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Henry M. Gunn High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 94.90 6th 366 98.4%
2019 92.57 13th 422 96.9%
2022 96.71 4th 515 99.2%
2023 93.46 18th 786 97.7%
2024 91.21 28th 804 96.5%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Henry M. Gunn High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 80.37 32nd 1323 97.6%
2024 97.86 3rd 1350 99.8%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Special Education students at Henry M. Gunn High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 97.31 15th 1547 99.0%
2024 95.77 23rd 1534 98.5%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Henry M. Gunn High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 92.67 110th 1862 94.1%
2019 80.66 278th 1937 85.6%
2021 93.93 51st 1126 95.5%
2022 93.10 104th 1943 94.6%
2023 94.14 99th 2247 95.6%
2024 88.33 144th 2235 93.6%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Henry M. Gunn High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 96.74 27th 1760 98.5%
2019 97.37 36th 1833 98.0%
2021 97.73 9th 1054 99.1%
2022 97.67 33rd 1858 98.2%
2023 97.07 40th 2118 98.1%
2024 97.28 31st 2098 98.5%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Henry M. Gunn High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 93.70 53rd 1117 95.3%
2021 97.99 15th 555 97.3%
2022 98.54 25th 1161 97.8%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Male students at Henry M. Gunn High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 98.17 34th 1834 98.1%
2019 98.45 38th 1880 98.0%
2021 98.16 20th 1122 98.2%
2022 99.32 14th 1916 99.3%
2023 97.89 37th 2207 98.3%
2024 98.09 39th 2172 98.2%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Henry M. Gunn High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 87.75 38th 581 93.5%
2019 86.82 55th 582 90.5%
2022 91.08 17th 581 97.1%
2023 86.80 42nd 731 94.3%
2024 85.49 60th 712 91.6%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Henry M. Gunn High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 93.65 93rd 1742 94.7%
2019 66.97 490th 1814 73.0%
2022 92.12 104th 1861 94.4%
2023 90.06 116th 2142 94.6%
2024 84.96 169th 2125 92.0%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Henry M. Gunn High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools CA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 94.95 23rd 1173 98.0%
2019 96.99 12th 1222 99.0%
2022 97.09 16th 1204 98.7%
2023 91.38 58th 1434 96.0%
2024 93.14 34th 1406 97.6%
See the entire list of Best California High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: California Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Henry M. Gunn High Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: California Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Henry M. Gunn High

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 995 49 194 40 2 n/a n/a 0 1280
1989 928 46 210 44 0 n/a n/a 0 1228
1990 828 42 216 38 0 n/a n/a 0 1124
1991 804 53 230 43 1 n/a n/a 0 1131
1992 819 52 260 57 0 n/a n/a 0 1188
1993 803 49 266 68 1 n/a n/a 0 1187
1994 795 42 291 63 1 n/a n/a 0 1192
1995 847 42 322 73 0 n/a n/a 0 1284
1996 847 42 322 73 0 n/a n/a 0 1284
1997 902 49 366 55 2 n/a n/a 0 1374
1998 948 57 389 61 1 n/a n/a 0 1456
1999 955 64 418 69 2 n/a n/a 0 1508
2000 1002 59 458 73 3 n/a n/a 0 1595
2001 1079 44 447 78 5 n/a n/a 1 1654
2002 1104 41 461 78 6 n/a n/a 13 1703
2003 1104 41 461 78 6 n/a n/a 13 1703
2004 1019 31 495 92 5 n/a n/a 76 1718
2005 959 35 556 87 2 n/a n/a 92 1731
2006 958 35 573 91 1 n/a n/a 104 1762
2007 924 32 642 92 1 n/a n/a 158 1849
2008 922 33 648 101 1 n/a n/a 0 1705
2009 889 32 679 106 1 3 207 0 1917
2010 852 40 714 147 0 2 157 0 1912
2011 883 32 728 143 0 5 94 0 1885
2012 807 29 758 149 0 4 107 0 1854
2013 762 25 782 160 1 2 118 0 1850
2014 771 27 816 173 1 3 113 0 1904
2015 734 27 846 167 2 4 117 0 1897
2016 733 25 876 173 2 4 126 0 1939
2017 733 24 865 167 1 8 121 0 1919
2018 766 22 884 176 2 12 146 0 2008
2019 742 21 885 184 2 14 158 0 2006
2020 686 24 901 203 2 15 165 0 1996
2021 628 28 877 210 3 13 177 0 1936
2022 572 27 853 219 2 8 186 1 1868
2023 504 22 840 227 2 7 181 4 1787
2024 494 22 799 210 2 4 180 2 1713

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Henry M. Gunn High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1280 71.1 18.0 n/a
1989 1228 69.2 17.7 n/a
1990 1124 71.7 15.6 n/a
1991 1131 63.7 17.7 n/a
1992 1188 64.7 18.3 n/a
1993 1187 63.6 18.7 4.7
1994 1192 69.8 17.1 4.4
1995 1284 73.2 17.5 4.8
1996 1284 73.2 17.5 4.8
1997 1374 74.5 18.4 4.5
1998 1456 78.5 18.5 4.3
1999 1508 82.4 18.3 3.4
2000 1595 87.5 18.2 3.2
2001 1654 92.3 17.9 2.3
2002 1703 91.6 18.6 4
2003 1703 91.6 18.6 4
2004 1718 89.3 19.2 3.3
2005 1731 89.7 19.3 3.5
2006 1762 96.5 18.3 4.6
2007 1849 115.9 16.0 4.6
2008 1705 133.5 12.8 6.2
2009 1917 119.2 14.2 6.1
2010 1912 107.3 17.8 6.1
2011 1885 n/a n/a 8.2
2012 1854 103.9 17.8 n/a
2013 1850 108.0 17.1 6.3
2014 1904 108.5 17.5 7
2015 1897 110.0 17.2 7.4
2016 1939 100.0 19.3 5.9
2017 1919 116.2 16.5 7.1
2018 2008 115.6 17.3 9.2
2019 2006 105.1 19.0 7.1
2020 1996 n/a n/a 7.4
2021 1936 103.6 18.6 8.9
2022 1868 109.6 17.0 9.4
2023 1787 105.3 16.9 10.3
2024 1713 100.8 16.9 9.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Henry M. Gunn High

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Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 1280 71.1 18.0 n/a
1989 1228 69.2 17.7 n/a
1990 1124 71.7 15.6 n/a
1991 1131 63.7 17.7 n/a
1992 1188 64.7 18.3 n/a
1993 1187 63.6 18.7 4.7
1994 1192 69.8 17.1 4.4
1995 1284 73.2 17.5 4.8
1996 1284 73.2 17.5 4.8
1997 1374 74.5 18.4 4.5
1998 1456 78.5 18.5 4.3
1999 1508 82.4 18.3 3.4
2000 1595 87.5 18.2 3.2
2001 1654 92.3 17.9 2.3
2002 1703 91.6 18.6 4
2003 1703 91.6 18.6 4
2004 1718 89.3 19.2 3.3
2005 1731 89.7 19.3 3.5
2006 1762 96.5 18.3 4.6
2007 1849 115.9 16.0 4.6
2008 1705 133.5 12.8 6.2
2009 1917 119.2 14.2 6.1
2010 1912 107.3 17.8 6.1
2011 1885 n/a n/a 8.2
2012 1854 103.9 17.8 n/a
2013 1850 108.0 17.1 6.3
2014 1904 108.5 17.5 7
2015 1897 110.0 17.2 7.4
2016 1939 100.0 19.3 5.9
2017 1919 116.2 16.5 7.1
2018 2008 115.6 17.3 9.2
2019 2006 105.1 19.0 7.1
2020 1996 n/a n/a 7.4
2021 1936 103.6 18.6 8.9
2022 1868 109.6 17.0 9.4
2023 1787 105.3 16.9 10.3
2024 1713 100.8 16.9 9.5

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Henry M. Gunn High

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2018 $14,036

Data source: California Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Henry M. Gunn High

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 33rd of 2133 High schoolsRanks 38th of 2348 High schools
 0.1%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
10th Grade Science (Henry M. Gunn High)68.275.1
 6.9%
   10th Grade Science (Palo Alto Unified)64.467.4
 3%
   10th Grade Science (California)23.224.1
 0.9%
11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Henry M. Gunn High)87.682.8
 4.9%
   11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (Palo Alto Unified)85.678.8
 6.8%
   11th Grade English Language Arts/Literacy (California)57.355.4
 1.9%
11th Grade Mathematics (Henry M. Gunn High)83.378.6
 4.7%
   11th Grade Mathematics (Palo Alto Unified)8075.1
 4.9%
   11th Grade Mathematics (California)32.227.4
 4.9%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students20061787
 10.9%
African American2122
 4.8%
American Indian22
Asian885840
 5.1%
Hispanic184227
 23.4%
Pacific Islander147
 50%
White742504
 32.1%
Two or More Races158181
 14.6%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients7.1%10.3%
 3.2%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Henry M. Gunn High

In the 2023-24 school year, 1,713 students attended Henry M. Gunn High.

Yes! Henry M. Gunn High is one of the best high schools in the state. It ranks 32nd of 2323 California high schools.

Students at Henry M. Gunn High are 47% Asian, 29% White, 12% Hispanic, 11% Two or more races, 1% African American.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the California Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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