Santa Monica High School
* Public school: SMHS is a public school, which means that it is funded by the state and is open to all students who live within the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.
* Larger student body: SMHS has a larger student body than Palisades, with over 2,500 students enrolled. This can provide a more diverse and vibrant school environment, with more opportunities for extracurricular activities and social interaction.
* More comprehensive academic offerings: SMHS offers a wide range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, and a variety of electives. This allows students to tailor their education to their individual interests and goals.
* Strong arts and music programs: SMHS has a strong reputation for its arts and music programs, which offer students opportunities to develop their talents in a variety of areas, including visual arts, music, theater, and dance.
Palisades Charter High School
* Charter school: Palisades is a charter school, which means that it is a public school that operates independently from the state and has more flexibility in its curriculum and operations.
* Smaller student body: Palisades has a smaller student body than SMHS, with just over 1,000 students enrolled. This can create a more intimate and supportive learning environment, with more individualized attention from teachers.
* Focus on experiential learning: Palisades places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, which involves hands-on activities, projects, and real-world experiences. This approach to education can help students to better understand and retain the material they learn.
* Strong environmental science program: Palisades has a strong environmental science program, which offers students opportunities to study and explore the natural world, as well as to participate in environmental conservation projects.
Ultimately, the best high school for a particular student depends on their individual needs, interests, and goals. Families should carefully consider the differences between SMHS and Palisades to make the best decision for their child.