Orinda Union School District

The Orinda Union School District (OUSD) serves the city of Orinda with five schools — four elementary schools and one intermediate school — providing K-8 education for approximately 2,500 students.

With 87% of students meeting or exceeding standards in both ELA and Math, Orinda schools consistently rank among California’s best, attracting families willing to pay premium prices for access to exceptional public education.

District at a Glance

What Makes Orinda Schools Stand Out

Exceptional Academic Outcomes

The numbers speak for themselves: 87% of Orinda students meet or exceed state standards in both English Language Arts and Mathematics. This places OUSD among the highest-performing districts in California.

EFO — Educational Foundation of Orinda

The Educational Foundation of Orinda is a powerhouse fundraising organization that supplements state funding to provide:

• Reduced class sizes
• Music and art programs at all schools
• Science specialists
• Library/media services
• Technology resources
• Physical education staff
• Counseling services

This community investment — millions of dollars annually — maintains the programs that distinguish Orinda schools.

The Miramonte Pipeline

All Orinda students follow a clear path: neighborhood elementary → Orinda Intermediate → Miramonte High School. Benefits include:

• Consistent peer relationships from kindergarten through senior year
• Coordinated curriculum designed for seamless progression
• Community connections that extend beyond graduation

The Schools

Elementary Schools (K-5)

Del Rey Elementary

Address: 25 El Camino Moraga, Orinda Phone: (925) 254-8725

Del Rey serves downtown Orinda with strong academics and active community involvement.

Notable Features:

• Central location near Theatre Square
• Strong academic programs
• Active parents’ club
• Excellent library program

Glorietta Elementary

Address: 15 Martha Road, Orinda Phone: (925) 254-8770

Glorietta serves the Glorietta neighborhood with dedicated staff and engaged families.

Notable Features:

• Strong school traditions
• Active parent involvement
• Comprehensive enrichment programs
• Beautiful campus setting

Note: Some families have noted leadership changes affecting school culture — worth investigating current climate if considering this zone.

Sleepy Hollow Elementary

Address: 20 Washington Lane, Orinda Phone: (925) 254-8785

Sleepy Hollow serves the prestigious Sleepy Hollow neighborhood with intimate class sizes.

Notable Features:

• Smaller school community
• Strong neighborhood identity (connected to Sleepy Hollow Swim & Tennis)
• Excellent academic outcomes
• Tight-knit parent community
• Recent parent reviews praise the school highly

Wagner Ranch Elementary

Address: 350 Camino Pablo, Orinda Phone: (925) 254-4155

Wagner Ranch combines academic excellence with unique nature-based learning opportunities.

Notable Features:

• Wagner Ranch Nature Area — outdoor education on historic site
• Nature programs integrated into curriculum
• Strong STEM focus
• Active environmental education
• Beautiful campus with trail access

Intermediate School (6-8)

Orinda Intermediate School (OIS)

Address: 80 Ivy Drive, Orinda Phone: (925) 254-6456

OIS provides comprehensive middle school education, preparing students for success at Miramonte High School.

Notable Features:

• Comprehensive course offerings
• Strong music and arts programs
• Competitive athletics
• Advanced math tracks
• Robust extracurricular activities
• Excellent preparation for Miramonte
• Tons of sports options

High School Pathway: All OIS graduates attend Miramonte High School.

Academic Programs

Core Curriculum

Orinda schools follow California state standards with significant enrichment:

• English Language Arts: Literature-rich curriculum, writing workshop model
• Mathematics: Standards-aligned with differentiation and advanced options
• Science: Hands-on, inquiry-based learning with science specialists
• Social Studies: California history, US history, civics, world cultures

Enrichment Programs (Funded by EFO)

• Music: Instrumental and choral programs K-8
• Visual Arts: Art instruction at all schools
• Physical Education: Specialist-led PE
• Technology: 1:1 device programs, digital literacy
• Library/Media: Full-time librarians, robust collections

Middle School Electives

OIS offers extensive elective options:

• Band, Orchestra, Choir
• Drama
• Visual Arts
• Technology and Design
• World Languages
• Leadership
• Yearbook/Publications

Special Features

Wagner Ranch Nature Area

Wagner Ranch Elementary has a unique asset: the Wagner Ranch Nature Area, a preserved open space and historic site offering:

• Outdoor classrooms
• Native plant gardens
• Historic ranch buildings
• Trails for nature exploration
• Environmental education programs

This integration of nature and learning is distinctive among Bay Area schools.

Strong Arts Programs

Orinda schools, particularly at the intermediate level, have strong performing and visual arts programs. Students regularly participate in:

• Drama productions
• Music concerts
• Art shows
• Film/media projects

School Boundaries

All Orinda residents attend Orinda Union School District schools. Elementary school assignment depends on your specific address within Orinda.

Intermediate School: All Orinda elementary students attend Orinda Intermediate School.

High School: All OIS graduates attend Miramonte High School — known for strong academics, excellent arts programs, and competitive athletics.

The Orinda Advantage

BART Access

Unlike Moraga, Orinda has its own BART station, making commutes to San Francisco manageable. This matters for:

• Working parents who can drop kids and catch BART
• Teens who can take BART to SF for activities
• Property values (BART proximity is premium)

Community Events

Orinda’s strong community identity includes:

• Fourth of July Parade — Premier Lamorinda event since 1984
• Orinda Theatre Square — Downtown gathering spot
• Classic Car Show — Annual September event
• Pool club culture — Multiple swim clubs with OMPA teams

Premium Real Estate

Orinda’s combination of schools, BART access, and prestige commands premium prices. Expect:

• Higher price per square foot than Moraga or Lafayette
• Competitive bidding on desirable homes
• Strong appreciation over time

Considerations

Socioeconomic Homogeneity

Orinda is one of California’s wealthiest communities. While this drives school funding, it also means:

• Limited economic diversity
• Limited cultural diversity
• Peer pressure around affluence can be challenging

Leadership Changes

As with any district, school quality can vary with leadership. Recent parent reviews mention:

• Positive experiences at most schools
• Some concerns about Glorietta leadership changes
• OIS receiving strong recent reviews

Research current conditions at your target schools.

District Contact Information

Orinda Union School District 8 Altarinda Road Orinda, CA 94563

• Phone: (925) 254-4901
• Website: orindaschools.org

School Contacts

Last updated: March 2026

Related Guides:

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