For the 2025 school year, there are 7 public high schools serving 11,203 students in Palmdale, CA.
The top ranked public high schools in Palmdale, CA are Palmdale Aerospace Academy, William J. (Pete) Knight High School and Highland High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Palmdale, CA public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 10% (versus the California public high school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 51% statewide average). High schools in Palmdale have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of California public high schools.
Palmdale, CA public high school have a Graduation Rate of 84%, which is less than the California average of 87%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Palmdale Aerospace Academy, with ≥99% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in California or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public high school average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Palmdale, CA (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Palmdale Aerospace Academy
Charter School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3300 East Palmdale Blvd.
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 273-3680
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 273-3680
Grades: K-12
| 2,213 students
Rank: #22.
William J. (Pete) Knight High School
(Math: 11% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
37423 70th St. East
Palmdale, CA 93552
(661) 533-9000
Palmdale, CA 93552
(661) 533-9000
Grades: 9-12
| 2,520 students
Rank: #33.
Highland High School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
39055 25th St. West
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 538-0304
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 538-0304
Grades: 9-12
| 2,778 students
Rank: #44.
Palmdale High School
(Math: 3% | Reading: 24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2137 East Avenue R
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 273-3181
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 273-3181
Grades: 9-12
| 2,358 students
Rank: #55.
R. Rex Parris High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤1% | Reading: 17%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
38801 Clock Tower Plaza Dr.
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 274-1230
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 274-1230
Grades: 9-12
| 583 students
Rank: n/an/a
Antelope Valley Rop
Vocational School
1156 East Ave. S
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 575-1026
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 575-1026
Grades: 9-12
| n/a students
Rank: n/an/a
Palmdale Academy Charter
Charter School
3838 East Ave. R
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 234-4800
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 234-4800
Grades: K-12
| 751 students
Palmdale, California Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Guidance Charter (Closed 2023)
Charter School
37230 37th St. E.
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 285-1600
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 285-1600
Grades: K-12
| 820 students
39066 Palm Tree Way
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 947-0181
Palmdale, CA 93551
(661) 947-0181
Grades: 7-8
| n/a students
3243 East Ave R8
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 947-0188
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 947-0188
Grades: 7-9
| 363 students
Oak Tree Learning Center (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
37320 37th St. East
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 285-1548
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 285-1548
Grades: K-8
| 78 students
38136 35th St East
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 272-1571
Palmdale, CA 93550
(661) 272-1571
Grades: K-6
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public high schools in Palmdale, CA?
The top ranked public high schools in Palmdale, CA include Palmdale Aerospace Academy, William J. (Pete) Knight High School and Highland High School.
How many public high schools are located in Palmdale?
7 public high schools are located in Palmdale.
What is the racial composition of students in Palmdale?
Palmdale public high schools minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the California public high schools average of 79% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Palmdale are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Palmdale include: William J. (Pete) Knight High School vs. Palmdale High School, Palmdale High School vs. Palmdale Aerospace Academy, William J. (Pete) Knight High School vs. Highland High School
Recent Articles
Segregation in K-12 Education: Colonial Era
Explore the origins of educational segregation during the colonial era and the differential treatment of Native American, African American, and white students. This article delves into the historical context, policies, and societal attitudes that shaped early education in colonial America, highlighting the disparities and injustices that persisted within the schooling systems of that time.
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
Since the recession, public school classrooms have seen major budget cuts - and many increases in class sizes. How is the situation in 2011? Read this article to find out.
Will Single Sex Classrooms Save Public Schools?
Learn about the benefits of single sex classrooms and why public schools are hoping this type of classroom will save the American school system.