A data-driven report — the Pew Research survey (on gender differences and on life outlook)  Feb. 20 —  accentuates the underlying facets of modern American teen life. Verde surveyed and interviewed Palo Alto High School students and teachers to expand on this narrative about Generation Z through the lens of our local community. While it is not possible to encompass every narrative, these results provide a sweeping comparison of Palo Alto High School teens to the nation’s other 42 million.

Q: Which of the following comes closest to what you plan to do after you finish high school? 

Vikings speak out about the results from the question

Q: How much, if at all, do you think each of the following is a problem among people your age in your community?

Vikings speak out about the results from the question

Q: How much pressure, if any, do you personally feel to…

The statistics about Paly students were collected from 124 students in English classes (four Advanced Placement English Language and Composition, two English 10A, one English 9A, one World Literature) during April 2019 through a digital form. The responses were anonymous and students were provided with the option to opt-out. Questions asked of students for this story aligned with those given in the Pew Research survey. Due to rounding, percents may not add up to 100 percent.