Lafayette School District

The Lafayette School District (LAFSD) serves the city of Lafayette with five schools — four elementary schools and one middle school — providing TK-8 education for approximately 3,200 students.

Consistently rated A+ by Niche and recognized as a “destination district,” Lafayette schools combine rigorous academics with strong community support to create an exceptional educational foundation.

District at a Glance

What Makes Lafayette Schools Stand Out

Strong Academic Outcomes

Lafayette students consistently perform well above state averages in both mathematics and English language arts. The district emphasizes:

• Standards-aligned curriculum
• Small learning communities
• Focus on the whole child
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills

LPIE — Lafayette Partners in Education

LPIE is one of the most successful school fundraising organizations in California, raising over $3 million annually to fund:

• Reduced class sizes
• Music and art programs
• Science specialists
• Library staff
• Technology resources
• Physical education

This parent-driven funding keeps Lafayette schools exceptional despite state funding limitations.

Experienced Educators

The district attracts and retains highly qualified teachers through competitive salaries and a supportive community. Many teachers have been with the district for decades, creating institutional knowledge and stable classroom environments.

The Schools

Elementary Schools (TK-5)

Burton Valley Elementary

Address: 561 Merriewood Drive, Lafayette Phone: (925) 927-3550

Burton Valley serves the Burton Valley neighborhood with a strong community feel and active parent involvement. Known for its art program and inclusive culture.

Notable Features:

• Active parent volunteers
• Strong art program
• Annual Art Fair
• Excellent special education support

Happy Valley Elementary

Address: 3855 Happy Valley Road, Lafayette Phone: (925) 927-3560

The smallest school in the district, Happy Valley offers an intimate learning environment with strong academic results.

Notable Features:

• Small school community (fewer than 300 students)
• 2025 California Distinguished School
• High parent engagement
• Beautiful hillside setting

Lafayette Elementary

Address: 950 Moraga Road, Lafayette Phone: (925) 927-3570

Located near downtown Lafayette, this school serves central Lafayette with walkability to local amenities.

Notable Features:

• Walkable downtown location
• Strong community traditions
• Annual “Westival” celebration
• Active parents’ club

Springhill Elementary

Address: 3301 Springhill Road, Lafayette Phone: (925) 927-3580

Springhill serves the Springhill neighborhood with strong academics and active enrichment programs.

Notable Features:

• Robust enrichment offerings
• Strong STEM focus
• Active Lunar New Year celebrations
• Beautiful campus setting

Middle School (6-8)

Stanley Middle School

Address: 3455 School Street, Lafayette Phone: (925) 927-3590

Stanley is one of the largest middle schools in the area, offering comprehensive programs that prepare students for high school success.

Notable Features:

• Comprehensive course offerings
• Strong music program (supported by LPIE)
• Unified PE program (award-winning inclusion)
• CORE team teaching model
• Active leadership program
• Extensive electives (drama, art, technology)
• Special Olympics participation

High School Pathway: Stanley graduates attend either Acalanes High School or Las Lomas High School, depending on home address.

Academic Programs

Core Curriculum

• English Language Arts: Literature-based reading, writing workshop model
• Mathematics: Standards-aligned with differentiation for various levels
• Science: Hands-on, inquiry-based learning with science specialists
• Social Studies: California history (4th), US history (5th), world cultures (6-8)

Enrichment Programs (Funded by LPIE)

• Music: Instrumental and choral programs starting in elementary
• Art: Dedicated art instruction at all schools
• Physical Education: Specialist-led PE programs
• Library/Media: Full-time librarians at all schools
• Technology: 1:1 device programs, coding instruction

Middle School Electives

Stanley offers robust elective options including:

• Band, Orchestra, Choir
• Drama and Theater Arts
• Visual Arts
• Technology and Engineering
• World Languages (Spanish)
• Leadership

Special Programs

Special Education (SPED)

Lafayette provides comprehensive special education services through the district’s Special Services team. The SEED Foundation (Special Education Enrichment Development) supplements district services with:

• Communication playgrounds
• Sensory-friendly equipment
• Inclusion support
• Parent resources

English Language Learners

While Lafayette has a relatively small ELL population, the district provides support services for students developing English proficiency.

Gifted and Talented

Differentiated instruction within regular classrooms serves advanced learners, with additional enrichment opportunities through LPIE-funded programs.

2026 Teacher of the Year Nominees

The district recognizes exceptional educators annually:

• Melissa Johnston (Springhill)
• Eileen Leach (Burton Valley)
• Rosie Mickle (Stanley)
• Kristie Darin (Lafayette Elementary)
• Betsy Morris (Happy Valley)

School Boundaries

All Lafayette residents attend Lafayette School District schools. Your elementary school assignment depends on your specific address within Lafayette.

Middle School: All Lafayette elementary students attend Stanley Middle School.

High School: After 8th grade, students transition to the Acalanes Union High School District, attending either:

• Acalanes High School — most Lafayette addresses
• Las Lomas High School — some Lafayette addresses

Budget & Community Support

Like many California districts, Lafayette faces ongoing budget challenges. The district maintains transparency through:

• Regular budget town halls
• Community input sessions
• Clear communication about financial outlook

The community consistently supports local funding measures (parcel taxes, bonds) that maintain programs state funding doesn’t cover.

Parent Involvement

Lafayette parents are exceptionally engaged:

• LPIE: Major fundraising organization
• Parent Clubs: Each school has an active parents’ club
• Classroom Volunteers: Regular parent presence in schools
• Committee Service: Parents serve on site councils, committees
• Special Events: Carnivals, art fairs, celebrations organized by parents

This involvement creates the strong school-community connection that defines Lafayette education.

District Contact Information

Lafayette School District 3477 School Street Lafayette, CA 94549

• Phone: (925) 927-3500
• Website: lafsd.org
• Superintendent: Dr. Brent Stephens

School Contacts

Last updated: March 2026

Related Guides:

• Acalanes Union High School District — High schools for Lafayette students
• Complete Lamorinda Schools Overview
• Raising Kids in Lamorinda — Beyond schools: parks, activities, community