In a city that prides itself on problem-solving, we have yet to solve our opportunity gap.
Palo Alto is home to one of the highest performing school districts in California. But for two decades, there has been a persistent achievement gap. Over 1,100 low-income students attend our Palo Alto schools, many of whom are from Spanish-speaking households without a college-educated parent. In a high-stakes, fast-paced academic environment where most students’ parents have high incomes and advanced degrees, it's no wonder that our low-income students struggle to keep up with their more privileged peers.
PARENT EDUCATION Gap
Parents with a College Degree
Only 5% of DreamCatchers parents have a bachelor's degree, compared to 95% of Palo Alto parents overall.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Gap
Students Performing at Grade Level
Fewer than 40% of low-income Palo Alto students are at grade level, compared to nearly 90% of their more privileged peers.
