Palisades Charter High School is an independent charter secondary school in Los Angeles, United States. The high school serves the neighborhoods of Pacific Palisades, Palisades Highlands, Kenter Canyon, and portions of Brentwood.
Serving 2,920 students in grades 9-12, Palisades Charter High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 38% (which is higher than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 69% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,920 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 25:1
- Minority Enrollment: 49%
- Graduation Rate: 95% (Top 30% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 38% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 69% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 32% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Palisades Charter High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Palisades Charter High School's student population of 2,920 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 119 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,920 students
Total Classroom Teachers
119 teachers
Year Founded
1961
Colors
White, Blue
School Calendar
School Rankings
Palisades Charter High School ranks within the top 30% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Palisades Charter High School is 0.67, 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
#2203 out of 9523 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
38%
34%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
69%
47%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
21:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
7%
12%
Hispanic
24%
56%
Black
9%
5%
White
51%
20%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
95%
87%
Eligible for Free Lunch
21%
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: Dolphins
- Palisades Charter High School (usually abbreviated as "Pali High," "PaliHi," or uncommonly as "PCHS" / "PHS" ) is a secondary school in Los Angeles, California, United States. The public high school serves the neighborhoods of Pacific Palisades and Kenter Canyon and portions of Brentwood. Residents in Topanga, an unincorporated section of Los Angeles County, may attend Palisades or Taft High School.
- The school serves grades 9 through 12. Formerly directly administered by the Los Angeles Unified School District school, with the land still owned by the district, the school is now an independent charter school, no longer administered by LAUSD. Its current charter status expires on June 27, 2010.
- In 2005, "Pali" was recognized as a California Distinguished School.
- Disregarding a majority vote of the stakeholders, which came down 1740-1010 against, the board of directors voted to change the starting date of school for the 2007-2008 school year, which upset the student body, many of whom took action in executing a walkout.
- The school is located at 15777 Bowdoin Street, Pacific Palisades, California, 90272.
- Paul Revere Charter Middle School feeds into Palisades.
- History: The school was founded in 1958. The Class of 2006 was the 42nd graduating class.
- Campus: The campus is bounded by Temescal Canyon Road to the east, Sunset Boulevard to the north, El Medio Street to the west, and Temescal Canyon Continuation School to the south. It is bisected by Bowdoin Street, which runs between the school's football field and the academic center of the school.
- Notable alumni: "Pali" is the alma mater of many football stars including Jay Schroeder of the Los Angeles Raiders, Kiki Vandeweghe General Manager and NBA Forward for the Denver Nuggets (he started as Center graduating in 1976) record holding Cal receiver Geoff McArthur, and former UCLA quarterback/national high school record holder, David Koral.
- Other famous people that attended Pali include the following: Jeff Madsen - poker player, youngest winner of a wsop bracelet at 21 years 1 month and 9 days; Jeff Bridges - actor; Ted Stryker - KROQ DJ; Christie Brinkley - model; Peter DeLuise - actor; Susanna Hoffs - member of the Bangles; Jennifer Jason Leigh - actor and director; Steve Kerr - Former NBA player; Michael Medved - film critic and commentator; Penelope Ann Miller - actor; Daniel S. Loeb - hedge fund manager; Katey Sagal - actor; David Wallechinsky - writer; Forest Whitaker - actor, director and producer; William James Adams Jr (will.i.am) - member of black eyed peas; Alex Greenwald - actor and musician; Matthew Berry - writer; J.J. Abrams - television show creator.
- Many movies have been filmed at Palisades, including Carrie (1976),Crazy/Beautiful (2001), Havoc (2005), Old School, The Glass House, and Freaky Friday (2003).
- This school was the focus of a false email chain letter started around 2002. This was reported on several web sites. Few examples are truthorfiction.com, snopes.com, breakthechain.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Palisades Charter High School's ranking?
Palisades Charter High School is ranked #2203 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in California.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
38% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Palisades Charter High School?
The graduation rate of Palisades Charter High School is 95%, which is higher than the California state average of 87%.
How many students attend Palisades Charter High School?
2,920 students attend Palisades Charter High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
51% of Palisades Charter High School students are White, 24% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Black, 9% of students are Two or more races, and 7% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Palisades Charter High School?
Palisades Charter High School has a student ration of 25:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Palisades Charter High School offer ?
Palisades Charter High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Palisades Charter High School part of?
Palisades Charter High School is part of Palisades Charter High School District.
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