There’s a reason families move to Lamorinda and stay for generations. It’s not just one thing — it’s everything working together: schools that consistently rank among California’s best, neighborhoods where kids still ride bikes to friends’ houses, swim teams that become second families, and a community calendar full of parades, concerts, and traditions that make childhood feel like childhood.
This guide covers all of it. Whether you’re considering a move, just arrived, or have been here for years and want to make sure you’re not missing anything — this is your comprehensive resource for raising kids in Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda.
Award-Winning Schools
Let’s start with the big one. Lamorinda’s schools are the primary reason many families move here, and they consistently deliver.
The Districts
Lamorinda is served by multiple school districts that work together to create a seamless K-12 experience:
Elementary & Middle Schools:
- Lafayette School District — Serving Lafayette families, consistently rated A+ by Niche
- Moraga School District — Small district with exceptional parent involvement
- Orinda Union School District — Among the top-rated elementary districts in California
High Schools:
- Acalanes Union High School District — Covers all three towns with four excellent high schools
The High Schools
| School | Town | Niche Grade | Notable Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campolindo High | Moraga | A+ | Ranked #31 among 2,335 California high schools |
| Miramonte High | Orinda | A+ | Strong arts and athletics programs |
| Acalanes High | Lafayette | A+ | Ranked #77 in California, 69% AP participation |
| Las Lomas High | Walnut Creek | A+ | Serves some Lamorinda families |
What the Rankings Mean
The Acalanes Union High School District holds an overall A+ grade from Niche and ranks in the top 5% of California school districts. But rankings don’t tell the whole story. What makes these schools special is the combination of:
- High expectations with strong support systems
- Diverse extracurriculars — robotics, theater, journalism, championship sports
- College preparation — the vast majority of graduates attend four-year universities
- Parent involvement — fundraising, volunteering, and genuine community
Elementary Schools by Town
Lafayette:
- Burton Valley Elementary
- Happy Valley Elementary
- Lafayette Elementary
- Springhill Elementary
- Stanley Middle School
Moraga:
- Camino Pablo Elementary
- Donald Rheem Elementary
- Los Perales Elementary
- Joaquin Moraga Intermediate
Orinda:
- Del Rey Elementary
- Glorietta Elementary
- Sleepy Hollow Elementary
- Wagner Ranch Elementary
- Orinda Intermediate School
Private School Options
Families also have access to excellent private schools:
- Bentley School (K-12, Lafayette)
- Saklan Valley School (PreK-8, Moraga)
- Orinda Academy (Middle/High, Orinda)
- St. Perpetua School (K-8, Lafayette)
- Contra Costa Jewish Day School (K-8, Lafayette)
- St. Monica School (K-8, Moraga)
Tips for School Families
- Attend back-to-school nights — They’re well-organized and genuinely useful
- Join the parents’ club — This is where you meet other families
- Pace yourself on volunteering — Start with one commitment and expand from there
- Use the school directory — It’s how playdates happen
- Mark the school calendar — Minimum days sneak up on everyone
Parks & Playgrounds
Every neighborhood in Lamorinda has parks within walking or biking distance. Here’s your complete guide.
Lafayette Parks
| Park | Best For | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Lafayette Community Park | All ages | Playground, sports fields, community center, creek access |
| Buckeye Fields | Sports | Baseball diamonds, soccer fields |
| Lafayette Reservoir | Nature/walking | Paved trail, picnic areas, fishing, kayak rentals |
| Briones Regional Park | Hiking | Miles of trails, cattle grazing, wildflowers |
| Brook Street Park | Neighborhood play | Smaller playground, shaded |
| Leigh Creekside Park | Toddlers | Nature play, creek access |
Moraga Parks
| Park | Best For | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Moraga Commons | Families | Playground, amphitheater (summer concerts), picnic areas, skate park |
| Rancho Laguna Park | Sports/dogs | Large open space, soccer fields, off-leash dog area |
| Mulholland Ridge Open Space | Hiking | Trail access, views |
| Campolindo Field | Sports | Baseball, practice fields |
Orinda Parks
| Park | Best For | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Orinda Community Park | Everything | Multiple playgrounds, sports fields, community center, library access |
| Orinda Oaks Park | Nature play | Natural setting, picnic areas |
| Wagner Ranch Nature Area | Education | Historic site, nature programs |
| Siesta Valley Recreation Area | Dogs/open space | Trails, off-leash areas |
| San Pablo Dam Recreation Area | Fishing/hiking | Reservoir access, trails |
Playground Pro Tips
- Best toddler playground: Lafayette Community Park (fenced, shaded)
- Best for older kids: Moraga Commons (skate park, more space to roam)
- Best nature playground: Wagner Ranch Nature Area
- Best picnic setup: Orinda Community Park (tables, shade, bathrooms)
- Best after-school spot: Whichever one is closest to your school (they all fill up at 3pm)
Family-Friendly Trails
Lamorinda’s trail system is one of its best features for families. Here’s what works for different ages.
Stroller & Toddler-Friendly
| Trail | Distance | Surface | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette Reservoir Rim Trail | 2.7 miles | Paved | Flat, lakeside, restrooms available |
| Lafayette-Moraga Trail | 7.6 miles | Paved | Flat, connects towns, great for bikes |
| Moraga Way Path | Various | Paved | Sidewalk-style, good for neighborhood walks |
Elementary-Age Adventures
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briones-to-Mt. Diablo Trail | Variable | Moderate | Can do short sections, great views |
| Lafayette Reservoir Lake Loop | 2.7 miles | Easy | Bring snacks for the picnic area |
| Sibley Volcanic Preserve | 2-5 miles | Easy-Moderate | Explore old volcanic formations |
Tween & Teen Challenges
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briones Peak Trail | 6+ miles | Challenging | Summit views, pack lunch |
| Rocky Ridge Trail (Las Trampas) | Variable | Moderate-Hard | Rocky terrain, great workout |
| EBMUD Watershed Trails | Various | Variable | Permit required, less crowded |
Trail Tips for Families
- Start early — Parking fills up by 10am on weekends
- Bring more water than you think — Lamorinda gets warm
- Wildflower season (March-April) makes any trail magical
- Tick check after hikes — We’re in tick country
- The reservoir has kayak rentals — Great for ages 5+
Swim Team Culture
If you raise kids in Lamorinda, you’ll encounter swim team culture. It’s a defining part of childhood here — and for good reason.
The OMPA League
The Orinda Moraga Pools Association (OMPA) has been running since 1956. It’s a summer recreational swim league with nine teams, all local:
| Team | Pool |
|---|---|
| Campolindo Cabana Club (CCC) | Moraga |
| Meadow Swim & Tennis (MEAD) | Orinda |
| Moraga Country Club (MCC) | Moraga |
| Moraga Ranch Swim Club (MRSC) | Moraga |
| Moraga Valley Pool (MVP) | Moraga |
| Orinda Country Club (OCC) | Orinda |
| Orinda Moraga Swim Club (OMSC) | Multiple pools |
| Orinda Park Pool (PARK) | Orinda |
| Sleepy Hollow Swim & Tennis (SH) | Orinda |
What to Expect
- Season: June through early August
- Meets: Usually Saturday mornings (early — set your alarm)
- Practice: Most teams practice weekday mornings during summer
- Championships: The OMPA Championships (late July/early August at St. Mary’s College) are a community event
Why Families Love It
Swim team isn’t just about swimming. It’s about:
- Community — You’ll meet families from across your neighborhood
- Life skills — Kids learn to compete, lose gracefully, and cheer for teammates
- Independence — Even young kids navigate meets with their age group
- Summer structure — Practice and meets create natural routine
- Traditions — Team chants, spirit days, end-of-season celebrations
Year-Round Swimming
For more serious swimmers or winter training:
- Orinda Aquatics — Competitive club team
- Oakwood Athletic Club — Swim lessons and lap swim
- 24 Hour Fitness / Bay Club — Indoor pools with lessons
- Saint Mary’s College — Hosts meets and community swim times
Getting Started
- Join a pool club — Many are member-owned with waitlists, so inquire early
- Most pools offer trial memberships — Test the vibe before committing
- Swim lessons first — Kids should be comfortable in water before joining team
- Parent volunteers needed — Timing, snack bar, setup — it takes a village
Pools & Summer Swimming
Beyond swim team, here’s where to cool off.
Community & Club Pools
| Pool | Town | Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orinda Community Pool | Orinda | Public (fees) | Lessons, lap swim, open swim |
| Soda Aquatic Center | Moraga (St. Mary’s) | Public (fees) | 50-meter pool, lessons, public hours |
| Moraga Ranch Swim Club | Moraga | Membership | Family-focused, OMPA team |
| Orinda Park Pool | Orinda | Membership | Neighborhood pool, OMPA team |
| Sleepy Hollow Swim & Tennis | Orinda | Membership | Tennis too, great community |
| Meadow Swim & Tennis Club | Orinda | Membership | Pool + tennis + social |
| Campolindo Cabana Club | Moraga | Membership | Family atmosphere, strong swim team |
| Moraga Country Club | Moraga | Membership | Golf + pool + dining |
| Orinda Country Club | Orinda | Membership | Full country club amenities |
Pool Membership Tips
- Waitlists are real — For popular clubs, get on the list before your baby can walk
- Ask about junior memberships — Some clubs offer youth rates
- Summer-only options exist — Not everyone needs year-round
- Public pools are solid — Orinda Community Pool and Soda Center are excellent
- Pool membership = instant social network — You’ll see the same families all summer
Libraries
Lamorinda is served by the Contra Costa County Library system, with three excellent branches.
The Branches
| Branch | Address | Phone | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette Library | 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd | (925) 385-2280 | Stunning modern building, great children’s room, community events |
| Moraga Library | 1500 St. Mary’s Road | (925) 376-6852 | Cozy, excellent staff, regular storytimes |
| Orinda Library | 26 Orinda Way | (925) 254-2184 | Connected to community park, children’s programs |
Kids’ Programs
All three branches offer:
- Baby Storytime — Songs, rhymes, and books for infants-2 years
- Toddler Time — Interactive stories for 2-3 year olds
- Preschool Storytime — Story-focused sessions for 3-5 year olds
- Crafty Storytime — Stories plus hands-on projects
- Summer Reading Program — Incentives to keep kids reading all summer
- STEAM programs — Science and maker activities
- Homework help — After-school support during school year
Library Pro Tips
- Get cards for everyone — Kids can have their own cards
- Download the Libby app — Free ebooks and audiobooks
- Summer Reading Program = free stuff — Sign up in June
- Check the events calendar — Author visits, magic shows, performances
- The Lafayette Library is worth visiting — Architecturally stunning, great café nearby
Summer Camps
Planning summer? Here’s your camp guide by category.
Community Center Camps
| Provider | Ages | What They Offer |
|---|---|---|
| City of Lafayette | 4-15 | Sports, arts, general day camps, specialty camps |
| Town of Moraga | 4-14 | Day camps, sports camps, themed weeks |
| City of Orinda | 4-15 | “Curiosity Quest” themed camps, sports, arts |
Registration typically opens in March. Set reminders — popular sessions fill fast.
Outdoor & Adventure Camps
| Camp | Ages | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Roughing It Day Camp | 4-16 | Outdoor skills at Lafayette Reservoir since 1972 |
| Camp Galileo | Pre-K–8 | Innovation + outdoor exploration |
| Adventure Day Camp | K-8 | Active outdoor games, excursions |
| EBPRD Camps | Various | Nature, ecology, outdoor skills at regional parks |
Sports Camps
| Camp | Sport | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lamorinda Soccer Club | Soccer | Skills development by age group |
| Lamorinda Basketball Academy | Basketball | Multiple sessions all summer |
| Orinda Tennis | Tennis | Half and full-day options |
| US Sports Camps | Multiple | Various locations, multiple sports |
Arts & Creativity Camps
| Camp | Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Orinda Academy of Performing Arts | Theater | Full productions by end of session |
| Town Hall Theatre Camp | Drama | Lafayette-based, excellent instruction |
| California Shakespeare Theater | Shakespeare | For serious young actors |
| Art Room | Visual arts | Drop-in and camp options |
STEM & Academic Camps
| Camp | Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iD Tech | Coding/gaming | Saint Mary’s location |
| Engineering for Kids | Engineering | Building and problem-solving |
| Kumon/Mathnasium | Academic | Math skill maintenance |
| Destination Science | Science | Hands-on experiments |
Camp Planning Tips
- February/March — Registration opens for most camps
- Book early — Popular camps sell out in hours
- Mix it up — Two weeks of one camp is often enough; variety helps
- Check logistics — Drop-off/pickup times, lunch requirements, extended care
- Ask about siblings — Many camps offer discounts
- Don’t overschedule — Kids need downtime too
Community Events & Traditions
Lamorinda knows how to celebrate. These are the events that define the community calendar.
Fourth of July
The Orinda Fourth of July Parade is the marquee event. Since 1984, the Orinda Association has organized a full day:
- 8:00 AM — Fun Run
- 9:00 AM — Flag-raising at Veterans Memorial Building
- 10:00 AM — The Parade (floats, marching bands, politicians, pets, kids on bikes)
- After parade — Food, games, and community gathering at Orinda Community Park
Moraga hosts a Fourth of July celebration at the Commons with food, music, and fireworks.
Lafayette offers downtown viewing spots for Walnut Creek’s fireworks, plus local celebrations.
Summer Concerts
Moraga Commons Summer Concert Series — Free Thursday evening concerts all summer. Bring a picnic, a blanket, and the kids. Dancing is encouraged.
Other Annual Events
| Event | When | Where | What |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lafayette Art & Wine Festival | September | Downtown Lafayette | Art, food, wine, kids’ activities |
| Orinda Classic Car Show | September | Orinda | Vintage cars, community gathering |
| Reservoir Run | October | Lafayette Reservoir | Family-friendly race |
| Halloween parades | October | Various schools | Costume parades, trunk-or-treat |
| Holiday tree lightings | December | Downtown areas | Santa, cocoa, carols |
| Concerts in the Park | Summer | Moraga Commons | Weekly free concerts |
School Events
Each school has its own traditions:
- Back-to-school picnics
- Fall carnivals
- Spring auctions (the fundraising kind)
- Field days
- 8th grade / Senior celebrations
Making the Most of Family Life Here
For New Families
- Join something — Pool club, sports league, school volunteer committee. Community happens through participation.
- Explore the trails early — Before schedules get crazy, learn your local trail system.
- Introduce yourself to neighbors — Lamorinda still does this. A wave goes a long way.
- Find your coffee shop — This is where you’ll run into other parents. Regularly.
- Don’t skip the small events — School ice cream socials, library storytimes, park district events. This is where friendships form.
For Longtime Residents
- Try something new — Different trail, different camp, different activity.
- Mentor new families — Share what you’ve learned.
- Stay involved — Schools and organizations always need experienced volunteers.
- Protect what you love — Parks, trails, community events — they exist because people maintain them.
The Lamorinda Childhood
Here’s what a childhood here looks like:
- Walking to school on tree-lined streets
- Summer mornings at swim practice, Saturday meets with teammates
- Hiking Briones with the family dog
- Riding bikes on the Lafayette-Moraga Trail
- Library summer reading challenges
- Fourth of July parade floats with your scout troop or sports team
- Friday night football games at Campolindo, Miramonte, or Acalanes
- Knowing your teachers, your neighbors, your friends’ parents
It’s not perfect. Housing costs are real. The pressure around schools can be intense. Traffic during school hours requires patience.
But for raising kids? It’s hard to find a better combination of safety, community, nature, and opportunity.
Quick Reference
Emergency Numbers
- Police/Fire/Medical Emergency: 911
- Contra Costa County Sheriff (non-emergency): (925) 646-2441
- Moraga Police (non-emergency): (925) 284-5010
School District Offices
- Lafayette School District: (925) 927-3500
- Moraga School District: (925) 376-5943
- Orinda Union School District: (925) 254-4901
- Acalanes Union High School District: (925) 280-3900
Parks & Recreation
- Lafayette Recreation: (925) 284-2232
- Moraga Parks & Rec: (925) 888-7045
- City of Orinda Parks & Rec: (925) 254-2445
- East Bay Regional Park District: (888) 327-2757
Libraries
- Lafayette: (925) 385-2280
- Moraga: (925) 376-6852
- Orinda: (925) 254-2184
This guide is updated regularly. Last update: March 2026.
Have something to add? Local knowledge makes this guide better. Reach out and let us know what we missed.