Schools are the #1 reason families move to Lamorinda. And for good reason — the districts serving Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda consistently rank among California’s best, with test scores, graduation rates, and college placement that rival elite private schools.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Lamorinda’s school districts, individual schools, boundaries, and what makes each community’s educational approach unique.


The Four Districts

Lamorinda is served by four public school districts that work together to provide a seamless K-12 experience:

Elementary & Middle School Districts (K-8)

District Serves Schools Enrollment Grade
Lafayette School District Lafayette 5 ~3,200 A+
Moraga School District Moraga 4 ~1,800 A+
Orinda Union School District Orinda 5 ~2,500 A+

High School District (9-12)

District Serves Schools Enrollment Grade
Acalanes Union High School District All of Lamorinda 4 ~5,400 A+

Grades from Niche.com, 2025


Why Lamorinda Schools Excel

By the Numbers

  • 97% average graduation rate across all high schools
  • 78% of students proficient or above in reading
  • 65% of students proficient or above in math
  • 87% of Orinda students meeting or exceeding standards
  • Top 5% ranking among California school districts

What Makes the Difference

Exceptional Parent Involvement — Lamorinda parents don’t just drop kids off. They volunteer in classrooms, serve on school boards, and fund enrichment programs through organizations like LPIE (Lafayette Partners in Education), MEF (Moraga Education Foundation), and EFO (Educational Foundation of Orinda).

Local Funding — Each community has passed parcel taxes and bonds to maintain small class sizes, competitive teacher salaries, and programs that state funding doesn’t cover. This local investment shows in every classroom.

Feeder System — Students move smoothly from elementary to middle to high school with peers they’ve grown up with. By the time they reach Campolindo, Miramonte, or Acalanes, they’ve built relationships and academic foundations over years.

Teacher Quality — Average teacher salaries exceed $111,000, attracting and retaining experienced educators. Teacher turnover is low, and many staff members have been with their schools for decades.


Understanding School Boundaries

Each elementary/middle school district serves a specific town:

  • Lafayette residents → Lafayette School District → Acalanes High or Las Lomas High
  • Moraga residents → Moraga School District → Campolindo High
  • Orinda residents → Orinda Union School District → Miramonte High

Why Boundaries Matter for Home Buyers

Your home address determines your school assignment. There are no exceptions. If you want your children at Campolindo High School, you must live in Moraga. Period.

This makes school boundaries a critical factor in real estate decisions. A street can be the difference between one district and another, affecting both your children’s education and your property value.

Need help finding a home in a specific school zone? Vlatka Bathgate knows every boundary line in Lamorinda and has helped hundreds of families find the perfect home for their educational goals.

📞 (925) 597-1573 · orindarealty.com

Choosing Your Town by School

Choose Lafayette If…

  • You want the most walkable downtown with BART access
  • You value a larger district with more program options
  • Stanley Middle School’s size and offerings appeal to you
  • You’re comfortable with kids attending either Acalanes or Las Lomas High

Choose Moraga If…

  • Campolindo High School is your target (consistently #1 ranked locally)
  • You prefer a smaller, tighter-knit school community
  • The Saint Mary’s College neighborhood appeals to you
  • You want slightly larger lots and a more rural feel

Choose Orinda If…

  • Miramonte High School’s strong arts/athletics programs are a priority
  • You value BART access (like Lafayette)
  • The Orinda Theatre Square downtown vibe appeals to you
  • You want the prestigious Orinda address

Private School Alternatives

While most Lamorinda families choose public schools (they’re that good), excellent private options exist:

School Grades Location Type
Bentley School K-12 Lafayette Independent
Saklan Valley School PreK-8 Moraga Independent
Orinda Academy 6-12 Orinda Independent
St. Perpetua School K-8 Lafayette Catholic
Contra Costa Jewish Day School K-8 Lafayette Jewish
St. Monica School K-8 Moraga Catholic

School District Contact Information

District Phone Website
Lafayette School District (925) 927-3500 lafsd.org
Moraga School District (925) 376-5943 moraga.k12.ca.us
Orinda Union School District (925) 254-4901 orindaschools.org
Acalanes Union High School District (925) 280-3900 acalanes.k12.ca.us

Explore Each District

Ready to dive deeper? Click through to our detailed guides for each district:


Last updated: March 2026

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