Henry M. Gunn High School

Henry M. Gunn High School

Public High School | Grade 9-12
780 Arastradero Rd,  Palo Alto, CA
Barron Park Neighborhood
Palo Alto Unified School District
3.8
3.9
1,868 Students
A+
Niche Grade

School Details

Head of School
Denise Herrmann
Student Teacher Ratio
17:1
Average SAT Score
1430
Average ACT Score
32
Math Proficiency
82%
Reading Proficiency
87%
Average GPA
3.73
Graduation Rate
97%

Niche Grade

A+
Academics
A+
Teachers
A+
College Prep
C+
Administration
B
Resources/Facilities
B+
Clubs and Activities
B
Sports
C
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.73
Reading Proficiency
87%
Math Proficiency
82%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
17:1
Teachers
105
Full Time Teachers
105
Teachers in First or Second Year
6.8%
College Prep
Average SAT
1430
Math
730
Verbal
700
Average ACT
32
Math
32
English
33
Reading
32
Science
31
Number of AP Courses
26
AP Pass Rate
95.5%
AP Math Enrollment
Very High
AP Science Enrollment
Very High
Other AP Enrollment
Very High
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
High

GreatSchools Rating

10
Test Scores
8
Equity
10
College Readiness
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Math
63.8%
State Average
17.9%
Science
38.8%
State Average
9.9%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
215:1

Student Diversity

Male
54.8%
Female
45%
Asian or Pacific Islander
47%
White
28.2%
Hispanic
12.7%
Two or more races
10.1%
Black
1.2%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
<1%
Native American
<1%
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School Rankings

#4 Best Public HS in California
#8 Best College Prep Public HS in California
#18 Best Public HS Teachers in California
Source: Niche

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
University of California - Los Angeles 481 Students
University of California - Berkeley 397 Students
University of California - San Diego 374 Students
University of Southern California 318 Students
University of California - Davis 313 Students
University of California - Santa Barbara 303 Students
Stanford University 290 Students
University of California - Irvine 277 Students
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 247 Students
University of California - Santa Cruz 227 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Computer Science 209 Students
Biology 203 Students
Business 186 Students
Psychology 181 Students
Economics 112 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 94 Students
Political Science and Government 82 Students
Engineering 71 Students
Environmental Science 67 Students
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 59 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.8 279 Reviews
4.0 Freshman
5/14/2024
As a student, I like that we have a lot of clubs, activities, and our classes are pretty good as well. Administration could use some improvement, though.
5.0 Senior
4/5/2024
While Gunn doesn't have the best reputation, a lot of one's high school experience will come down to what they make of it.
5.0 Alum
1/29/2024
The standard of education was very high, with good teachers and very motivated and committed sutedents. This obvioulsy implies that the school is very competitive, students aim to thrive and work hard to excell. I liked the diverse multicultural nature of the school, and the outstanding sports facilities for those wanting to practice sports.
See All Niche Reviews
GreatSchools Reviews
3.9 14 Reviews
5.0 other
4/14/2025
I went here 2010-2014. It's true that a lot of students did get outside tutoring but I never did, and I did very well at this school (skipped a lot of classes in university from AP credits, and honestly the teaching here was better than in uni). There are some exceptional teachers and a handful of m...
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5.0 other
8/22/2023
Many great students and teachers, some better than others.
Read Full Review
1.0 student
3/7/2023
I went to this school for my freshman and sophomore years. Probably the worst experience I've ever had at a school.
Read Full Review
2.0 parent
10/5/2022
As a parent with children in this school district I think it's important that people realize that a _huge_ chunk of kids are tutored and/or get outside instruction after school for many hours for many years--mainly because the content taught in the schools is not very rigorous (math for example). Th...
Read Full Review
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California Santa Clara County Palo Alto 94306 Barron Park
Henry M. Gunn High School
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