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Compass
3595 Mt Diablo Blvd #200
Lafayette, CA 94549
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Devon Sherak | CA DRE# 01948496
If schools are driving your decision about where to buy in the East Bay, you've come to the right place. Lamorinda's public schools are exceptional... not just by Bay Area standards, but nationally. Here's everything a parent needs to know, broken down by town, district, and school level.
As a Lamorinda resident and real estate expert who works with families every day, I hear the same thing over and over: "We didn't realize the public schools were this good." Many families moving from San Francisco were budgeting for private school tuition. In Lamorinda, that budget goes toward a bigger home instead.
Lamorinda is served by four school districts working in concert: the Lafayette School District and Moraga School District handle elementary and middle grades, the Orinda Union School District covers TK through 8th grade, and the Acalanes Union High School District serves all three towns at the high school level. All four consistently rank among California's top performers.
The Acalanes Union High School District ranks in the top 5% of all California school districts for math proficiency, reading proficiency, science proficiency, and graduation rate. Math proficiency across the district runs at 65% more than double the California average of 33%. Reading proficiency sits at 78%, compared to a statewide average of 47%.
And the Orinda Union School District holds a remarkable distinction: it is ranked the highest TK–8 school district in all of California by API score.
Lafayette School District
Serves Lafayette · TK–8 · ~3,235 students · 6 schools
Lafayette's elementary schools are known for strong community involvement and dedicated parent fundraising that supplements district programming. Kids in Lafayette typically feed into either Acalanes or Campolindo High School.
Moraga School District
Serves Moraga · TK–8 · ~1,805 students · 4 schools
Moraga's schools have an intimate, small-community feel. Parents here are deeply involved, class sizes are manageable, and the pipeline to Campolindo High School, one of the top-ranked high schools in California is a major draw for families choosing Moraga.
Orinda Union School District
Serves Orinda · TK–8 · ~2,594 students · 5 schools
Orinda's district is the crown jewel of Lamorinda elementary education. Ranked #1 among all TK–8 school districts in California. Wagner Ranch, Sleepy Hollow, Del Rey, and Glorietta elementaries all have strong reputations, and Orinda Intermediate is consistently recognized as a top middle school. Graduates typically attend Miramonte or Campolindo High School.
All three Lamorinda high schools are part of the Acalanes Union High School District and compete at a genuinely elite level — both academically and athletically. The district ranked #5 in California for athletics in 2025 and sits in the top 5% statewide overall. Each school has its own personality:
Campolindo High School-Moraga
Miramonte High School-Orinda
Acalanes High School-Lafayette
All three schools offer robust AP programs, strong athletics, and dedicated arts and music programs. Swim culture is especially prominent across Lamorinda — Orinda Aquatics is a nationally recognized program, and water polo and swimming are deeply embedded in the community.
School boundaries in Lamorinda are tied to your home address. Before making an offer, always verify which elementary school, middle school, and high school your address is zoned for. I do this for every family client as part of my process and it matters more than almost any other factor in the decision.
If you fall in love with a home zoned for one school but prefer another, intra-district transfers within the Acalanes Union High School District are sometimes available. They're not automatic, but they're worth exploring. Your address still determines your guaranteed school assignment.
Lamorinda schools benefit enormously from active parent communities. School foundations, booster clubs, and parent volunteers fund programs that other districts can't afford. Expect to be involved.... and to enjoy it. This is one of the things that makes Lamorinda feel different from most places.
These aren't just strong academic schools, they're well-rounded. Speech and debate, music, drama, and visual arts programs are well-funded and respected. And on the athletic side, Lamorinda high schools compete and win at the state level across multiple sports. The district ranked #5 in California for athletics in 2025.
My take: Schools are the number one reason families choose Lamorinda, and they deliver. But the specific school your child attends and its boundary lines can meaningfully affect which neighborhood and even which street makes sense for your family. If you're house-hunting with schools in mind, let's talk before you start touring. A little upfront planning makes a big difference.
Ready to find a home in the right school zone? I know these boundaries inside and out and would love to help your family find the perfect fit!!
Compass
3595 Mt Diablo Blvd #200
Lafayette, CA 94549
Devon Sherak | CA DRE# 01948496