Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD): A Real Estate-Focused Guide for Silicon Valley Homebuyers
🎓 District Overview
The Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD), founded in 1893, is one of California’s most prestigious public school systems. It serves approximately 12,000 students across 13 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 2 high schools, in addition to multiple choice programs and early childhood centers.
Covering most of Palo Alto and parts of Stanford University’s campus, PAUSD is nationally recognized for its academic excellence, college readiness, and innovation in education. The district consistently ranks among the top in California for test scores, graduation rates, and college matriculation, with students regularly accepted to top-tier universities including Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Ivy League schools.
📍 Neighborhoods Served by PAUSD
PAUSD serves the entirety of Palo Alto and parts of the Stanford campus, as well as limited sections of nearby unincorporated areas. School attendance boundaries often correlate closely with real estate pricing, and certain school zones (like those assigned to Palo Alto High or Addison Elementary) command substantial premiums.
Key neighborhoods within PAUSD:
Old Palo Alto – Classic luxury estates, near top-ranked schools
Midtown Palo Alto – Family-friendly, walkable, centrally located
Green Gables – Close to Duveneck Elementary and Eleanor Pardee Park
Barron Park – A mix of historic homes and tech-forward builds
Professorville – Historic charm with walkability to downtown
Southgate – Coveted neighborhood with access to Palo Alto High
Community Center – Near Rinconada Library, Lucie Stern Center
College Terrace – Near Stanford, tree-lined with academic roots
Crescent Park – River-adjacent luxury, access to top public schools
🗺️ Note: School boundaries can shift and are highly influential in home valuations. The Boyenga Team provides personalized boundary maps to ensure clients are fully informed when buying or selling within PAUSD.
🏫 Middle Schools (Grades 6–8)
🏫 High Schools (Grades 9–12)
🎓 Palo Alto High School (Paly)
Address: 50 Embarcadero Rd
Rating: 10/10
College Readiness: 95%
AP Courses: 30+
Notable: Student-run publications (Verde, Campanile), robust journalism & arts, adjacent to Stanford
🎓 Henry M. Gunn High School
Address: 780 Arastradero Rd
Rating: 10/10
College Readiness: 97%
AP Courses: 32+
Notable: Robotics team, DECA, strong athletics, mental health initiatives
💡 Both schools are among the highest performing in California and rank in the top 2% nationally for college prep and AP success.
🧠 Academic Performance & Achievements
State Test Scores: Consistently in top 3% of CA districts
College Matriculation: Over 90% of students attend 4-year universities
National Recognition: Blue Ribbon Schools, California Distinguished Schools
Innovation: Early STEM adoption, robust 1:1 tech programs
Diversity & Equity: Ongoing DEI efforts, mental health prioritization
🏡 Real Estate Impact
Living within the PAUSD boundary comes with a significant pricing premium. Homes in Palo Alto often trade 15–30% higher than comparable homes in adjacent districts such as Mountain View–Whisman, Los Altos, or Menlo Park–Atherton, largely due to school desirability.
Key Insights:
Top zones (Duveneck, Addison, Palo Verde) see the most buyer competition
Inventory is tight in high-performing elementary school zones
New development near Stanford and transit hubs may affect boundary lines
School district verification is essential before purchasing—some properties are near boundaries that shift year to year
The Boyenga Team provides school-verified property searches to ensure you invest in the right zone.
🚸 Lifestyle & Community
Parent Involvement: Active PTAs and support from Partners in Education (PiE) Foundation
After-School Programs: Available at most campuses via City of Palo Alto or YMCA
Diversity & Inclusion: Wide mix of cultures and languages
Mental Health: On-site counselors, wellness centers at high schools
Enrichment: Strong music, arts, science fairs, sports leagues
📌 Enrollment & Transfers
Residency Required: PAUSD enrollment is address-based
School Assignment: Based on home address—verify with district map
Open Enrollment: Limited; Ohlone and Hoover via application/lottery
Inter-District Transfers: Very restricted; exceptions for Stanford families
Enrollment Deadlines: Typically January–March for priority placement
📊 PAUSD School Summary Table
👥 Real Estate Expertise by the Boyenga Team
With nearly 30 years of experience, Eric and Janelle Boyenga of the Boyenga Team at Compass are leading experts in Silicon Valley real estate—especially when schools matter. As top-producing agents, they help families strategically navigate the competitive PAUSD market.
What Sets the Boyenga Team Apart:
🔎 Custom school boundary property searches
🗺️ Interactive maps & walkability guides
🎯 Deep understanding of school-to-home value correlations
🧠 Expertise in lottery-based enrollment zones like Ohlone & Hoover
🏡 Proven track record representing buyers & sellers near Paly, Gunn, and top elementary zones
📈 Tailored marketing for homes in school-priority zones to maximize value
Whether you're buying near top-ranked schools or selling in a high-demand attendance zone, the Boyenga Team will optimize your outcome with data, care, and precision.