Walter Hays Elementary School
Elementary school in Palo Alto, CA · Palo Alto Unified · Grades K-5
On the spring 2026 state tests, 77% of Walter Hays Elementary School students met or exceeded California's reading (ELA) standard and 74% met the math standard. In reading, that is 4 points below the Palo Alto Unified average (81%) and 28 points above the California average (49%). Its reading result is higher than 85% of Bay Area elementary schools, and it ranks 6th of 10 public elementary schools in Palo Alto. Reading results in 2026 were about the same as in 2024, and math results were 6 points lower than in 2024.
Test scores, 2024 to 2026
| Subject | Spring 2024 | Spring 2025 | Spring 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading (ELA) | 78% | 76% | 77% | −1 pt |
| Math | 79% | 79% | 74% | −6 pts |
Compared with nearby averages
| Spring 2026 | Reading (ELA) | Math |
|---|---|---|
| Walter Hays Elementary School | 77% | 74% |
| Palo Alto Unified | 81% | 80% |
| Santa Clara County | 60% | 54% |
| California | 49% | 38% |
Results by grade, spring 2026
| Grade | Reading (ELA) | Math |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd grade | 80% | 70% |
| 4th grade | 69% | 79% |
| 5th grade | 83% | 71% |
Students are tested in grades 3 to 8 and 11. Each grade is a different group of students, so differences between grades are not a trend.
Homes near Walter Hays Elementary School
The typical home value in ZIP code 94301, where Walter Hays Elementary School is located, is $4.34M, up 8.7% over the past year (Zillow Home Value Index). Prices inside the school's attendance zone can differ.
Zillow and Redfin can both search for homes inside a school’s attendance zone and email you new listings. Search for the school by name on either site and save the search.
Nearby elementary schools
| Distance | School | Reading (ELA) | Math | Typical home value (ZIP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mi | Addison ElementaryPalo Alto · Grades K-5 | 78% | 74% | $4.34M |
| 0.7 mi | Duveneck ElementaryPalo Alto · Grades K-5 | 73% | 76% | $2.06M |
| 1.1 mi | Ohlone ElementaryPalo Alto · Grades K-5 | 84% | 85% | $2.06M |
| 1.4 mi | El Carmelo ElementaryPalo Alto · Grades K-5 | 71% | 68% | $3.37M |
| 1.4 mi | Costano ElementaryEast Palo Alto · Grades K-5 | 18% | 16% | $2.06M |
| 1.5 mi | Los Robles-Ronald McNair AcademyEast Palo Alto · Grades K-5 | 7% | 9% | $2.06M |
School details
- Address
- 1525 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Get directions · See it on our map - Phone
- (650) 322-5956
- District
- Palo Alto Unified
- County
- Santa Clara County
- Grades
- K-5
- Students
- 310 (2025-26)
- Type
- Elementary school · Traditional
- State school code
- 43696416048409
Common questions
How did Walter Hays Elementary School do on state tests?
In spring 2026, 77% of students met or exceeded the reading (ELA) standard and 74% met the math standard, compared with 49% and 38% across California.
How many students attend Walter Hays Elementary School?
310 students were enrolled in the 2025-26 school year, in grades K-5.
How much do homes cost near Walter Hays Elementary School?
The typical home value in ZIP code 94301, where Walter Hays Elementary School is located, is $4.34M, up 8.7% over the past year (Zillow Home Value Index). Prices inside the school's attendance zone can differ.
Does living near Walter Hays Elementary School guarantee a spot?
No. Public schools assign students by attendance zone, which Palo Alto Unified sets and can change. Confirm the zone for a specific address with the district before you buy or rent.