Henry M. Gunn Senior High School is one of two public high schools in Palo Alto, California, the other being Palo Alto High School. Established in 1964, Gunn High School was named after Henry Martin Gunn, who served as the Palo Alto superintendent from 1950 to 1961.
Serving 1,643 students in grades 9-12, Henry M. Gunn High 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 78% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 87% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is lower than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Asian), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,643 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 97% (Top 5% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 78% (Top 5%)
- Reading Proficiency: 87% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: 83% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Henry M. Gunn High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Diversity
Student Attention
School Overview
Henry M. Gunn High School's student population of 1,643 students has declined by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 100 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,643 students
Total Classroom Teachers
100 teachers
Year Founded
1964
School Rankings
Henry M. Gunn High School ranks within the top 5% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Henry M. Gunn High School is 0.68, 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
#175 out of 9523 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
78%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
87%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
83%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
47%
12%
Hispanic
13%
56%
Black
1%
5%
White
27%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
12%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
97%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
11%
54%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
8%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Timmy The Titan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Henry M. Gunn High School's ranking?
Henry M. Gunn High School is ranked #175 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in California.
What schools are Henry M. Gunn High School often compared to?
Henry M. Gunn High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Palo Alto High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
78% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 87% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Henry M. Gunn High School?
The graduation rate of Henry M. Gunn High School is 97%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Henry M. Gunn High School?
1,643 students attend Henry M. Gunn High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Henry M. Gunn High School students are Asian, 27% of students are White, 13% of students are Hispanic, 12% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Henry M. Gunn High School?
Henry M. Gunn High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is lower than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Henry M. Gunn High School offer ?
Henry M. Gunn High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Henry M. Gunn High School part of?
Henry M. Gunn High School is part of Palo Alto Unified School District.
In what neighborhood is Henry M. Gunn High School located?
Henry M. Gunn High School is located in the Green Acres neighborhood of Palo Alto, CA. There are 1 other public schools located in Green Acres.
School Calendar
View the Henry M. Gunn High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of School 2026-27 School Year
August 13, 2026 (Thursday)
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