Palo Duro High School is a school located in the city of Amarillo, Texas, United States, and is one of four high schools in the Amarillo Independent School District. As of the 2016–17 school year, it has 2,075 students. The school was named after Palo Duro Canyon, a canyon system in the Texas Panhandle.
Serving 1,902 students in grades 9-12, Palo Duro High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Texas for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 41% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 44%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 32% (which is lower than the Texas state average of 51%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Texas state level of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 90% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Texas state average of 75% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,902 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 93% (Top 50% in TX)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 32% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 47% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
School Overview
Palo Duro High School's student population of 1,902 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 127 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
1,902 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
127 teachers
Year Founded
1955
Colors
White, Blue, Royal blue
School Rankings
Palo Duro High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 8,096 schools in Texas (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Palo Duro High School is 0.61, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#5912 out of 8096 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
44%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
51%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
47%
46%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
14:1
American Indian
1%
n/a
Asian
10%
6%
Hispanic
59%
53%
Black
17%
13%
White
10%
25%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
3%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
93%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
78%
57%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), TX Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Don
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Palo Duro High School's ranking?
Palo Duro High School is ranked #5912 out of 8,096 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Texas.
What schools are Palo Duro High School often compared to?
Palo Duro High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Tascosa High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
41% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 44% TX state average), while 32% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 51% TX state average).
What is the graduation rate of Palo Duro High School?
The graduation rate of Palo Duro High School is 93%, which is higher than the Texas state average of 90%.
How many students attend Palo Duro High School?
1,902 students attend Palo Duro High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Palo Duro High School students are Hispanic, 17% of students are Black, 10% of students are Asian, 10% of students are White, 3% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Palo Duro High School?
Palo Duro High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Texas state average of 14:1.
What grades does Palo Duro High School offer ?
Palo Duro High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Palo Duro High School part of?
Palo Duro High School is part of Amarillo Independent School District.
School Reviews
5 3/2/2019
It really is a good school. I have a roast free zone in my classroom, and we advocate against bullies. Our science team is really, really good. I am surprised our science stats did not show up on this site... Check your sources.
2 4/14/2014
what are you policies on bullying?do you even have any? I have a grand daughter that goes to palo puro high school.3 days out of the week she will come home sad or crying,saying that she;s being bullyed by a group of African americans,she says that she has informed the staff but yet it continues to happen,our schools should be a safe place for our children to go and learn,not to be scared of going to learn,something needs to be done!
Review Palo Duro 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
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
