Driving down Almond Avenue, Los Altos High School is now nearly impossible to miss. Two new signs, installed Dec. 21, landmark the front of the school and the Student Services Building parking lot.
“We have this brand new building but we knew we needed some additions to let people know they’ve arrived,” Principal Tracey Runeare said.
Before the signs were installed, parents, visitors and new students often found the front of the school’s layout confusing, taking wrong turns leading to the wrong entrance. Runeare said this was especially problematic during high-traffic periods like drop-off and pick-up, when parents need clear directions.
“Google Maps brings you to the parking lot, but there’s no clear sign in front of the school that says where you are,” Runeare said, “We really felt like the directional sign was important for school safety, but also just clarity for parents.”
Less visible to the student body, however, was the planning process led by Runeare and Assistant Principal Nicolas Betancur, which started spring 2025 and involved much research, according to Runeare.
The project cost $50,000 and was funded by the school’s facilities budget and donation money, according to Betancur. This cost covered design consultation, custom fabrication and professional installation, using resources specifically allocated for campus safety and cosmetic updates.
Betancur said there was a “back and forth” process that included him and Runeare generating ideas and the design company giving them feedback.
After a series of choices regarding designs, dimensions and color, the signs are complete.
“The color is the specific Pantone colors that are the school colors,” Betancur said.
Students immediately took notice — some of the signs themselves, but others of their overly vibrant hues. Despite Betancur’s attempt at accurately color-matching the signs to the school colors, sophomore Jameson Murdock immediately noticed some imperfections.
“The blue’s a little abrasive, but it’s better than nothing,” Jameson said.
On the other hand, parents welcome the new signage.
“It’s a beautiful sign that clearly tells you where the beautiful building behind it is — [money] well spent,” parent Luke Lam said.
