Located at 1111 N. Rohlwing Road in Palatine, Illinois, United States, a northwest suburb of Chicago, it serves primarily all of and only those areas of Palatine northeast of the UP NW tracks, but also serves small portions of Arlington Heights and Barrington.

This new three-story wing included 24 new classrooms and activity areas, and added 46,500 square feet (4,320 m2) to the existing building.

[14] On November 30, 2017, transgender Palatine High School senior Nova Maday filed a lawsuit against District 211 with the help of the ACLU and a Chicago law firm.

[8] PHS is not making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as a part of the federal No Child Left Behind Act because multiple sub groups within the student population failed to meet minimum standards.

[6] Applied Technology Department PHS maintains a comprehensive applied technology department with classes such as Computer-Aided Design, Small Engines, Automotives, Home Construction, Woodshop, Metals, and a Plastics course when demand is large enough.

These classes are all engineering based curriculum that offer the possibility for students to earn some college credit.

PHS is certified through Harper College to teach certain classes that count towards credit for receiving an apprenticeship with a Master Electrician.

51% of students identified as Hispanic or Latino, 34% were non-Hispanic white, 7% were Asian-American, 6% were black or African-American, and 3% were multiracial.

[18] PHS was selected as an Outstanding American High School by receiving a Silver Medal from U.S. News & World Report magazine.

[12] In 2005 thirteen members of the PHS band were cast as extras in the World War II movie, Flags of Our Fathers directed by Clint Eastwood.

[27] In 2010 the band played at the White House staff Christmas party, after the PHS choir turned down the invitation to return due to prior engagements.

The school sponsors interscholastic sports teams for men and women in basketball, cross country, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball, and water polo.