Los Altos High School

201 Almond Avenue

School District

Mountain View-Los Altos Union High
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:19
Type

public

School Map for Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 09, 2025

We were impressed by Los Altos High School, as it offers a well-rounded experience that includes academics, athletics, and social activities. We moved into the district for work and enrolled our child at the school without any particular expectations. We are not overly involved parents, and to be honest, we weren’t very informed about academic expectations in the Bay Area (For example, we didn’t know what AP classes were initially).We were pleasantly surprised to learn that dozens of students, including ours, were admitted to top universities, including Ivy League schools, Stanford, and top UC schools, without any legacy status or special consideration. Many students were also admitted to good colleges that aligned with their passions. Despite the academic success, the students did not feel overly stressed compared to those at neighboring schools. They had fun participating in sports, music, or other activities at school and seemed to handle the pressure relatively well (for the Bay Area).The teaching quality was generally good, and several graduates reported that their freshman college English, Math, and Science courses were easy due to the classes they took at LAHS. The school also has great facilities, sports teams, and lab equipment.However, as it is a large public school, students cannot expect much individualized attention from teachers or college counselors. Students need to be proactive in seeking help and getting involved in extracurricular activities of their interest inside and outside the school.Overall, our experience with Los Altos High School was very positive. We are most pleased with the friendships our child fostered there.
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2022

um its okay i guess. The neutral bathroom was vandalized with anti-racial comments and symbols and the administration did nothing about it but paint over it. You can still see some messages which shows that they don't care. No announcement or anything. There are expose pipes in that bathrooms as well and its overall just disgusting . Imagine a new student coming and seeing that. They wouldn't feel welcomed or safe at all.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2022

I believe the teachers and administrators do a good job. I don't know how to get my student motivated (I guess it has to be internal on his own) for learning and preparing for life after high school. I don't like an open campus where the students can leave campus in the middle of the day. I guess I am old fashioned but they should stay on campus during lunch and free period to study or socialize.
Submitted by parent on May 13, 2021

Daughter is now a Junior.Principal Wynne Satterwhite is outstanding - I seldom meet such a hard worker. I know she works long hours and have amazing memory for many of her students!! Her counselors, teachers (e.g. Messner, Arias, Russo,Blach,Wei,Cathy) badminton coaches all deserve medals of honor!!Daughter started 2017. She liked all the teachers. Great facilities. All teachers I met seem dedicated and nice. I like their "Challenge Day" where kids are taught to be nice to fellow classmates. I'm glad I volunteered for the 3 days they brought pioneers/captains of different industries to educate kids about their professions and how they succeed in life and how to avoid bullying by appreciating fellow students, some of whom are hurting inside. I learned a lot from these lectures.
Submitted by student on November 19, 2017

los altos is.... a school. the pressure to succeed is huge, and can feel very overwhelming at times. the students tend to be alright (albeit the standard homophobic slurs thrown around which as a queer person makes me feel understandably uncomfortable.) they have a semi-false facade of acceptance, often disregarded (i have heard they had a gender neutral restroom last year, but this year the sign has been taken off and it has been locked.) the majority of the teachers are lovely and want you to do well, but there's always exceptions to that rule.
Submitted by student on June 08, 2013

I just ended my freshman year at LAHS and it is super awesome!! I'm usually really awful in math but got an A for the first time ever! I was falling a little behind in Bio though, but my teacher helped me out at lunch :) Can't wait for sophomore year! :D