Paly Guided Tour

Tour Introduction

Welcome to the Palo Alto High School Campus Tour! The campus map lists tour locations. Move to a location and click on the corresponding information on the map to learn more about Paly’s past, present, and future. But first, a little history. Palo Alto was incorporated in 1894 and owes its existence to Stanford University, so it’s no surprise that its earliest residents sought the best education for their children. Palo Alto High School marched to the new school at its current location on December 24, 1918. Watch the video for some history!

Stop #1: Tower Building

The Tower Building and Haymarket Theater are the only original buildings on campus. New and remodeled buildings reflect their distinctive architectural details. Learn more about Paly's past present and future by listening to this history of the Tower Building.

Stop #2: Anna Zschokke

Anna Zschokke is often referred to as the "mother of Palo Alto schools." Paly honors her pioneering commitment to community supported public education.

Stop #3: Performing Arts

Paly is known for its high quality visual and performing arts programs. The Haymarket Theater (1918) served as the primary performance venue before the spectacular Performing Arts Center opened in 2016. Explore the history of visual and performing arts at Paly including history of the Haymarket Theater.

Stop #4: Media Arts

Paly's first newspaper, The Campanile, started when Paly moved to Embarcadero Road. Paly journalism excellence continues today with a greatly expanded program that now includes new publications and media pathways.

Stop #5: Classrooms & Library

Paly's strong and varied academic offerings, including dozens of AP and honors classes for various core and electives among others, offer students many opportunities to prepare for college and careers after graduation. They also provide the foundation for global citizenship.

Stop #6: Science & CTE

Paly's science program provides a firm foundation for many curricular and career pathways. Paly's many career technical education pathways involve active learning in many diverse fields, from programming to business to design.

Stop #7: Athletic Fields

Paly's first athletic director, Hod Ray, created excellent athletics and physical education programs for Paly students. His legacy continues today.

Stop #8: Peery Center Athletics

The spectacular Peery Family Center expands student opportunities to participate in sports and engage in fitness and wellness activities. It replaces Paly's first gym designed by Paly alum and famous Palo Alto architect Birge Clark.

Stop #9: Quad

The Paly Quad is the center of student life at Paly. Student leadership hosts many fun and educational events that encourage student engagement and build community.

Tour End

Paly thanks you for spending time to explore our history today.

Acknowledgements

This website was created by Paly students Zage Strassberg-Phillips (zagephillips@gmail.com), Shantelle Toh (shantelleclub@gmail.com), and David Wei, and is a product of the Centennial Committee, 2018-19.

PALY CAMPUS TOUR