Lamorinda Schools Guide
Complete guide to public and private schools in Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda. Award-winning districts, school boundaries, rankings, and what makes Lamorinda education exceptional.
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.
📞 (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:
- Acalanes Union High School District — Campolindo, Miramonte, Acalanes, and Las Lomas High Schools
- Lafayette School District — Burton Valley, Happy Valley, Lafayette, Springhill Elementary & Stanley Middle
- Moraga School District — Camino Pablo, Donald Rheem, Los Perales Elementary & Joaquin Moraga Intermediate
- Orinda Union School District — Del Rey, Glorietta, Sleepy Hollow, Wagner Ranch Elementary & Orinda Intermediate
Last updated: March 2026
Acalanes Union High School District
Complete guide to Lamorinda's high school district: Campolindo, Miramonte, Acalanes, and Las Lomas. Rankings, programs, boundaries, and what makes each school unique.
Lafayette School District
Complete guide to Lafayette School District: Burton Valley, Happy Valley, Lafayette, Springhill Elementary and Stanley Middle School. Rankings, programs, and what makes Lafayette schools exceptional.
Moraga School District
Complete guide to Moraga School District: Camino Pablo, Donald Rheem, Los Perales Elementary and Joaquin Moraga Intermediate. Rankings, programs, and what makes Moraga schools exceptional.
Orinda Union School District
Complete guide to Orinda Union School District: Del Rey, Glorietta, Sleepy Hollow, Wagner Ranch Elementary and Orinda Intermediate. Rankings, programs, and what makes Orinda schools exceptional.