Serving 2,208 students in grades 9-12, Palmdale High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 3% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 24% (which is lower than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 97% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,208 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1
- Minority Enrollment: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 76% (Btm 50% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 3% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 8% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Palmdale High serves the southeast part of Palmdale, CA, covering an area of approximately 24.7 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive, with the average distance from the school to the edge of the attendance zone being about 2.7 miles and the furthest boundary located 4.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Palmdale High School's student population of 2,208 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 101 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,208 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
101 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1956
Campus Size
80 acres (320,000 m2)
School Rankings
Palmdale High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Palmdale High School is 0.34, which is less 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
#9004 out of 9523 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
3%
34%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
24%
47%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
8%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
80%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
14%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
3%
20%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
2%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
76%
86.2%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)39.9%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
65%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
8%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Black, Green
School Mascot
Falcon
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Palmdale High School's ranking?
Palmdale High School is ranked #9004 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Palmdale High School often compared to?
Palmdale High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like William J. (Pete) Knight High School, Highland High School, Palmdale Aerospace Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
3% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Palmdale High School?
The graduation rate of Palmdale High School is 76%, which is lower than the California state average of 86.2%.
How many students attend Palmdale High School?
2,208 students attend Palmdale High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
80% of Palmdale High School students are Hispanic, 14% of students are Black, 3% of students are White, 2% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Palmdale High School?
Palmdale High School has a student ration of 22:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Palmdale High School offer ?
Palmdale High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Palmdale High School part of?
Palmdale High School is part of Antelope Valley Union High School District.
School Calendar
View the Palmdale High School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Thanksgiving Break
November 23, 2026 (Monday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 24, 2026 (Tuesday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 26, 2026 (Thursday)
Thanksgiving Break
November 27, 2026 (Friday)
School Reviews
Review Palmdale High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
