The Promise
"Building upon a foundation of excellence." Dr. Don Austin
As we reflect on our progress and chart our path forward, I am proud to share the 2024-25 PAUSD Promise Annual Report as a snapshot of our commitment to excellence, innovation, and student-centered growth. Palo Alto Unified continues to be recognized as one of the nation’s premier school districts and the top-ranked K-12 district in California. These outcomes are the result of a focused strategy, strong partnerships, and a community that places education at the forefront.
The PAUSD Promise was introduced in 2019-20 as a clear, purpose-driven framework that prioritizes depth over breadth. Grounded in five key areas, our efforts are designed to be consistent, measurable, and impactful:
- Equity and Excellence – Making meaningful gains in closing gaps and elevating outcomes for all students.
- Innovation – Launching bold initiatives like Middle College High School and exploring new models of learning.
- Literacy – Leading California in reading growth for two consecutive years, with continued momentum.
- Mental Health and Wellness – Expanding and embedding supports to strengthen community well-being.
- Serve and Celebrate Others – Fostering a culture of recognition and appreciation.
These pillars reflect our ongoing belief that stability in priorities enables long-term, systemic progress. This year’s report also marks a transition in District governance. We extend appreciation to our prior Board of Education for their steady leadership and vision, and we welcome the engagement of our current Board members as we continue this important work. The 2024-25 PAUSD Promise Annual Report will serve as a critical resource as the current Board considers refinements and evolves the plan for the coming year.
Our journey is grounded in continuous improvement, collective ownership, and a belief in the extraordinary potential of every student. We remain deeply grateful to our educators, staff, families, and community partners who make our progress possible.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are building a school district that reflects the highest ideals in public education.
