The Ultimate Guide to Santa Clara County Schools

Why School Quality Matters in Silicon Valley Real Estate

In Silicon Valley’s competitive housing market, school quality is often a make-or-break factor for homebuyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, one in four buyers list school quality as a deciding factor and one in five prioritize proximity to schools when choosing a home​sanjosespotlight.com. Families are willing to pay a premium for neighborhoods with top-rated schools, tailoring their home search to specific school districts and even particular schools​sanjosespotlight.com. This is because high-performing schools not only promise a great education for children, but also help sustain strong property values. Homes in coveted school districts tend to appreciate faster and resell at higher prices due to constant demand.

Moreover, Silicon Valley’s culture places a high value on education, with many tech professionals and international buyers seeking out the top schools in the Bay Area for their families. A house is not just a home here – it’s also an investment in a school community. Even buyers without school-age children recognize that being in a top Silicon Valley school district boosts a property’s long-term value and desirability. On the flip side, sellers know that marketing a home’s location in a great school district is a powerful strategy to attract motivated buyers. In short, school ratings and real estate go hand-in-hand in Santa Clara County’s market, making it essential to understand the school landscape before buying or selling a home.

Santa Clara County School Districts Overview

Santa Clara County (the heart of Silicon Valley) has a unique and fragmented school district landscape. Instead of one county-wide school system, there are multiple public school districts serving different cities and areas. Some districts are unified, serving grades K-12 in one system, while others are elementary (K-8) districts that feed into separate high school districts for 9-12. This structure dates back to historical quirks in city growth and education planning – for example, San Jose alone is served by over a dozen districts.

For homebuyers, this means school quality can vary street by street depending on district boundaries. It’s crucial to know not just the city, but the specific school district of a home. Below, we provide a district-by-district breakdown of all public school districts in Santa Clara County. For each district, you’ll find an overview of the communities served, the size or notable features, and a look at its top-rated schools at the elementary, middle, and high school level. Whether you’re focused on finding top schools in Silicon Valley or just want to understand your area, this guide will help demystify Santa Clara County’s school districts.

Public School Districts in Santa Clara County

Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD)

Overview: Palo Alto Unified is one of the most prestigious school districts in California, serving the city of Palo Alto and parts of Los Altos Hills. It has about 12,000 students across 2 high schools, 3 middle schools, and 12 elementary schools. PAUSD consistently earns national recognition for excellence – in 2024, it was ranked the #1 school district in California (and even #1 in the U.S. among districts over 8,000 students) by Niche​pausd.org. The community is highly educated and invested in the schools, which are known for rigorous academics and abundant resources.

• Top High Schools: Henry M. Gunn High School – a top-tier school ranked among the very best in the state​sfmoving.com, known for its strong STEM programs and high college admission rates; Palo Alto High School (Paly) – another excellent school with robust AP offerings and a rich tradition of student journalism and arts.
• Top Middle Schools: Frank S. Greene Jr. Middle School (formerly Jordan Middle) and Jane Lathrop Stanford (JLS) Middle School – both have strong academic outcomes and diverse enrichment programs.
• Top Elementary Schools: Duveneck Elementary and Hoover Elementary are often noted for their high test scores and active parent communities, though truly all PAUSD elementary schools maintain very high standards.

San José Unified School District (SJUSD)

Overview: San José Unified is the largest school district in the county, covering a vast portion of San Jose from downtown to the Almaden Valley. It serves approximately 30,000 students in 41 schools, making it the **24th largest district in California】​en.wikipedia.org. Communities in central San Jose (Willow Glen, Almaden, Blossom Valley, etc.) fall under SJUSD. The district offers a broad mix of neighborhood schools and magnet programs. It’s a diverse district both socioeconomically and ethnically, with initiatives focused on closing achievement gaps.

• Top High Schools: Leland High School – a high-performing school in Almaden Valley known for its academic clubs and consistently strong test scores; Gunderson High School – while smaller, it hosts innovative career-focused programs. (Honorable mention: San Jose High is one of California’s oldest schools, offering the International Baccalaureate program.)
• Top Middle Schools: Bret Harte Middle School – feeds into Leland and has a reputation for rigorous academics; Hoover Middle School – a popular option near Willow Glen with strong music and accelerated math programs.
• Top Elementary Schools: Los Alamitos Elementary and Graystone Elementary (both in Almaden Valley) often earn high marks for student achievement; Booksin Elementary in Willow Glen is also well-regarded and known for its involved parent network.

Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD)

Overview: Fremont Union High School District serves the heart of Silicon Valley’s tech corridor, including the cities of Cupertino and parts of Sunnyvale, west San Jose, Santa Clara, and Los Altos​facebook.com. It comprises five comprehensive high schools with roughly 10,000 students total. FUHSD is renowned for its academic excellence, with two of its schools consistently ranked among the best in California. The student population is very diverse, with a large proportion of families drawn to the area for its schools.

• Top High Schools: Lynbrook High School – ranked #9 in California and #82 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report​ lhs.fuhsd.org, Lynbrook (in West San Jose) has a stellar math and science program and a competitive academic atmosphere. Monta Vista High School (Cupertino) – another powerhouse often in the state’s top 10, known for producing National Merit Scholars and high AP exam pass rates. Homestead High School (Cupertino/Sunnyvale border) also deserves mention as a Blue Ribbon school with strong academics, especially in its STEM and music programs.
• Top Middle Schools (Feeder Schools): While FUHSD is a high school district, its students come from top K-8 districts like Cupertino Union (with Lawson and Miller Middle School both highly rated) and Sunnyvale School District (Sunnyvale Middle).
• Top Elementary Schools (Feeder Schools): Elementary districts feeding FUHSD include Cupertino Union – home to Faria Elementary, a magnet school that’s famously high-achieving (often 10/10 on GreatSchools), and Murdock-Portal Elementary; and Sunnyvale School District – with Cherry Chase Elementary and Cumberland Elementary frequently cited for strong performance. Families often start in these feeder schools and continue on to FUHSD high schools, making the entire pipeline very desirable.

Cupertino Union School District (CUSD) – Elementary (K-8)

Overview: CUSD is a large elementary school district serving Cupertino and parts of San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and Los Altos​en.wikipedia.org. It operates 17 elementary schools and 5 middle schools, with about 13,500 students in total​cusdk8.org​en.wikipedia.org. Cupertino Union’s reputation is stellar – it’s often synonymous with high test scores and rigorous academics, reflecting the education-focused tech community it serves. Many CUSD schools have diverse student bodies and benefit from strong parent involvement (PTAs and education foundations are very active here). CUSD feeds into the Fremont Union High School District for grades 9-12.

• Top Middle Schools: John F. Kennedy Middle School and Sam H. Lawson Middle School – both consistently score in the top tier in statewide assessments and offer extensive enrichment (from science fairs to music programs). Miller Middle School is another standout, known for its math and science focus.
• Top Elementary Schools: Faria Elementary School – an alternative school of choice with a rigorous curriculum (Faria has been known to be one of the highest-performing elementary schools in California). Murdock-Portal Elementary and Lincoln Elementary in Cupertino also often achieve 10/10 ratings and have been recognized as California Distinguished Schools. In addition, Blue Hills and Regnart Elementary are beloved neighborhood schools with excellent scores. In truth, nearly all Cupertino Union schools perform at a high level, which continually draws families into this district.

Sunnyvale School District – Elementary (K-8)

Overview: Sunnyvale School District covers most of the city of Sunnyvale (except some southern portions served by Cupertino Union). It has 8 elementary schools and 2 middle schools serving roughly 7,000+ students. Sunnyvale is a high-tech hub and its schools have steadily improved, though the district is somewhat lesser-known than its Cupertino neighbor. The district emphasizes STEAM education and has a mix of neighborhood and magnet programs. Sunnyvale SD feeds into either Fremont Union High School District (for most students, attending Homestead or Fremont High) or Santa Clara Unified for a small portion.

• Top Middle School: Sunnyvale Middle School – the larger of the two middles, known for strong science and music programs, and a diverse student body that often excels in math competitions.
• Top Elementary Schools: Cherry Chase Elementary – a perennial top performer with high test scores and a strong sense of community; Cumberland Elementary – also highly rated, with a focus on balanced literacy and a vibrant parent community. Additionally, Ellis Elementary has gained recognition for its STEM program, and Fairwood Explorer is a unique K-5 magnet school that uses project-based learning.

Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD)

Overview: Santa Clara Unified is a unified district serving the city of Santa Clara, plus parts of north San Jose (Alviso) and west Sunnyvale. It oversees approximately 15,300 K-12 students in 30+ schools​santaclarausd.org. SCUSD is unique in that it spans a few different communities – from the heart of Santa Clara with its historic neighborhoods, to newer developments in North San Jose. The district includes several newer campuses (due to area growth) and also runs an innovative STEM-focused magnet school. While historically Santa Clara’s schools haven’t ranked as high as those in Cupertino or Palo Alto, they have been improving with investments in modernized facilities and curriculum.

• Top High Schools: Adrian Wilcox High School – known for its engineering and athletics programs, Wilcox often outperforms state averages and has a spirited community; Santa Clara High School – a comprehensive high school with solid AP courses and a brand-new STEM Innovation Lab. (Both high schools have benefited from recent upgrades and bond measures.)
• Top Middle Schools: Cabrillo Middle School – recognized for strong music (band/orchestra) and an award-winning Science Olympiad team; Buchser Middle School – has a popular performing arts program and caters to downtown Santa Clara families.
• Top Elementary Schools: Westwood Elementary and Sutter Elementary often earn high marks within the district, each boasting a diverse student body and strong PTA support. Don Callejon School (in North San Jose’s Rivermark area) is a K-8 that attracts many families for its modern facilities and safe neighborhood; it feeds into SCUSD’s high schools and has become known for high parent engagement.

East Side Union High School District (ESUHSD)

Overview: East Side Union is the high school district serving East San Jose and South San Jose, with a total of 11 comprehensive high schools (and several alternative schools). It’s one of the largest high school districts in California, serving over 24,000 students – in fact, it has the largest high school enrollment in Northern California​eastsidecareerpathways.org. ESUHSD includes schools in neighborhoods such as Evergreen, Berryessa, Alum Rock, and Silver Creek, among others. Traditionally, East Side high schools had a mixed reputation, but in recent years the district has seen major investments (over $1 billion since 2002) in upgrading facilities and programs​sanjosespotlight.com. There are many innovative magnet and career pathway programs (e.g. computer science, engineering, biomedical) across the schools. The district’s concerted efforts have paid off in rising graduation rates – students who attend all four years in East Side now have over a 90% graduation rate across all demographics​sanjosespotlight.com.

• Top High Schools: Evergreen Valley High School – located in the Evergreen foothills, EVHS is one of ESUHSD’s shining stars, with excellent test scores and a robust AP program; Piedmont Hills High School – in the Berryessa area, known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and consistently strong academic performance. Silver Creek High School (Evergreen area) also stands out for its athletics and academic balance, and Santa Teresa High School (South San Jose) boasts a well-regarded NJROTC program and solid academics.
• Top Feeder Schools: Since ESUHSD is 9-12, its students come from multiple K-8 districts. Notable feeder elementary districts include Evergreen School District (which, as detailed below, has many award-winning elementary and middle schools) and Berryessa Union School District, among others. Families often evaluate the entire K-12 experience – for example, a family in Evergreen can send their child to top-rated Chaboya Middle (Evergreen ESD) and then onto Evergreen Valley High. Similarly, Berryessa’s Sierramont or Morrill Middle graduates feed into Piedmont Hills High, giving a consistent pipeline of quality.

Evergreen School District (Evergreen ESD) – Elementary (K-8)

Overview: Evergreen ESD serves the Evergreen Valley and East San Jose foothills, a suburban area known for its newer homes and a large Asian-American community. The district has 16 schools (13 elementary, 3 middle) and about 8,800 students​eesd.org​fitchratings.com. Evergreen has an exceptional reputation for academics; impressively, all 16 of its schools have been honored as California Distinguished Schools, and 11 have earned National Blue Ribbon Awards​eesd.org – a testament to their sustained excellence. Parent involvement is high, and the community strongly supports education (Evergreen has its own education foundation). The district saw some enrollment declines in recent years (partly due to families moving during the pandemic), but remains one of the highest-achieving in the county.

• Top Middle School: Chaboya Middle School – a consistent top performer with advanced math tracks and high state test scores; it’s often the highest-ranked middle school in East San Jose and offers numerous extracurricular clubs. Quimby Oak Middle School is another strong contender, hosting a unique Lobo School of Innovation program to promote project-based learning.
• Top Elementary Schools: Nearly all Evergreen elementaries excel, but Tom Matsumoto Elementary deserves special mention as a National Blue Ribbon School (2004) known for its sky-high test scores and academic rigor​cde.ca.gov​eesd.org. Carolyn A. Clark Elementary and J.F. Smith Elementary also frequently achieve 10/10 ratings, driven by dedicated staff and involved parents. Even schools in more modest neighborhoods, like O.B. Whaley Elementary, have shown tremendous growth, reflecting the district’s commitment that every school maintains high standards.

Berryessa Union School District – Elementary (K-8)

Overview: Berryessa Union covers the Berryessa district in North San Jose. It includes 10 elementary schools and 3 middle schools, serving about 8,000 students in the neighborhoods north of downtown and east of Milpitas. The community here is very diverse (with a large Vietnamese and Chinese population) and Berryessa’s schools have steadily improved over the last decade​en.wikipedia.org. The district’s top schools rival any in the county, though a few schools face challenges due to socioeconomic factors. Berryessa schools feed into East Side Union High School District (primarily Piedmont Hills High School and Independence High). Recent years have seen the district deal with declining enrollment, leading to difficult decisions like school consolidations, but Berryessa remains a sought-after area for many families.

• Top Middle Schools: Sierramont Middle School – a high-achieving middle school that offers honors courses and sends many graduates to Piedmont Hills High’s IB program; Morrill Middle School – known for its strong music program and improving academic performance. (There’s also Piedmont Middle School, not to be confused with Piedmont Hills High – it’s another solid option, slightly smaller than the others.)
• Top Elementary Schools: Northwood Elementary School – historically the top-performing school in Berryessa, it once posted an outstanding 903 API score out of 1000​en.wikipedia.org (a benchmark of excellence under California’s former rating system). Ruskin Elementary and Noble Elementary are two other highly regarded schools, each with a robust curriculum and active parent support. Additionally, Vinci Park Elementary made headlines for achieving the largest test score gains in district history in the early 2010s​en.wikipedia.org, signaling an upward trend. Families in Berryessa appreciate that even within a large city like San Jose, they have a tight-knit school community focused on student success.

Alum Rock Union School District – Elementary (K-8)

Overview: Alum Rock Union is an elementary district serving the Alum Rock area of East San Jose. It has 20+ schools (elementary and middle combined) and primarily serves a Latino community with many English-language learners. While historically Alum Rock schools struggled in test scores, the district has been working on turnaround efforts, including partnerships with charter organizations and new magnet programs. Alum Rock feeds into East Side Union HSD (with most students going on to schools like James Lick High or Independence High). For homebuyers, Alum Rock’s appeal has traditionally been lower due to school ratings, but there are pockets of improvement and some schools of choice that stand out.

• Top Middle School: Joseph George Middle School – offers a celebrated music and arts program and has shown academic improvements in recent years. Ocala STEAM Academy (a K-8) is another promising option, focusing on science and technology in the middle grades.
• Top Elementary Schools: KIPP Heartwood Academy – a charter public school on an Alum Rock campus, often tops local rankings for its college-prep focus (Heartwood has been a California Distinguished School). Among district-run schools, Linda Vista Elementary has a new dual-language immersion program and Painter Elementary has been recognized for creating a supportive, community-based environment that’s yielding better test scores.

Franklin-McKinley School District – Elementary (K-8)

Overview: Franklin-McKinley is an elementary district in south central San Jose, serving neighborhoods like Spartan Keyes, Tully Road, and parts of the Seven Trees area. It operates 16 schools (including a few K-8 academies). The district serves many low-income and immigrant families, and as such, faces challenges with test scores. However, Franklin-McKinley has been innovative in adopting magnet programs – for example, it hosts several K-8 academies in partnership with local charter organizations and has theme schools focusing on STEAM and college prep. Franklin-McKinley feeds into East Side Union high schools (notably Andrew Hill High School and Yerba Buena High).

• Top Middle School: Bridges Academy at Horace Mann (a 5-8 program that was a collaboration with CFYF) showed success in boosting student achievement. Also, Sylvia Cassell Elementary (which serves up to 8th grade as a K-8) has a specialized program for leadership. (Many FMSD middle graders also attend K-8 schools or alternative programs.)
• Top Elementary Schools: Stonegate Elementary – an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program school, which offers a unique global curriculum and often outperforms the district average. Shirakawa School (K-8) – a magnet with an extended school year and focus on college readiness, has been a bright spot in the district. While overall ratings might not be as high as wealthier districts, Franklin-McKinley schools are known for dedicated teachers and tight community bonds that support their students’ growth.

Oak Grove School District – Elementary (K-8)

Overview: Oak Grove School District serves a large portion of South San Jose (the Edenvale, Blossom Valley, and Santa Teresa areas). It has 16 elementary schools and 3 intermediate schools, with around 9,000 students. Oak Grove encompasses a mix of established middle-class neighborhoods and some lower-income pockets, so school performance can vary across the district. Generally, schools in the more suburban neighborhoods near Santa Teresa tend to have higher scores than those closer to the urban core. Oak Grove feeds into multiple high schools in the East Side Union district (like Santa Teresa High, Oak Grove High, and Andrew Hill High).

• Top Intermediate (Middle) Schools: Bernal Intermediate School – serving the Santa Teresa area, it often posts the highest scores in Oak Grove SD and offers plentiful student activities; Herman Intermediate (AdVENTURE STEM program) – Herman hosts the AdVENTURE magnet, a STEM-focused middle school program that attracts students from all over the district for its project-based learning approach and has achieved excellent results.
• Top Elementary Schools: Taylor Elementary – a high-achieving school in the Santa Teresa neighborhood, known for strong test scores and a welcoming campus culture. Sakamoto Elementary – another solid performer serving Blossom Valley families, often near the top in district assessments. Also, Los Alamitos Elementary (not to be confused with SJUSD’s Los Alamitos in Almaden) in Oak Grove SD has shown strong growth and community engagement. Families find that Oak Grove’s top schools provide a quality education and feed into equally solid high school options like Santa Teresa High, making South San Jose an attractive value play for buyers.

Cambrian School District – Elementary (K-8)

Overview: Cambrian School District is a smaller K-8 district nestled in the Cambrian Park area on the border of San Jose and Campbell. It operates 4 elementary schools and 1 middle school (plus one TK-8 STEAM school), serving roughly 3,300 students​linkedin.com. Cambrian is a high-performing district – in fact, its size and community feel are often cited as strengths, with local parents very engaged in the schools. Students here continue to high school in the Campbell Union High School District (typically Branham or Leigh High). In comparisons, many families prefer Cambrian’s intimate, “small district” feel with award-winning schools to the larger San Jose Unified system​linkedin.com.

• Top Middle School: Price Middle School – Cambrian’s main middle school, which has a strong reputation and a wide array of electives given its size. Price has been recognized as a California Distinguished School and benefits from a supportive parent community as the single middle school in the district. (Cambrian also reopened Steindorf K-8 STEAM School, which serves middle grades with a project-based curriculum and has quickly become popular and high-achieving since its launch.)
• Top Elementary Schools: Fammatre Elementary and Farnham Elementary – both have solid test scores and active PTAs funding extra programs; Bagby Elementary – known for its positive school culture and a beloved annual Harvest Festival. Additionally, Steindorf STEAM (K-8), mentioned above, has an elementary program that’s in high demand due to its hands-on learning approach. Overall, Cambrian’s schools frequently earn awards and are a big reason why the Cambrian Park neighborhood is on many homebuyers’ radar.

Campbell Union School District (CUSD) – Elementary (K-8)

Overview: Not to be confused with the high school district of similar name, Campbell Union School District is a K-8 district serving the City of Campbell and parts of adjacent San Jose (including portions of West San Jose and Cambrian areas). It has 9 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and a few TK-8/alternative schools, educating around 5,500 students. Campbell Union is known for innovative programs – for example, it offers a district-wide elementary dual language immersion program, and places emphasis on project-based learning. The communities served include Campbell, parts of Willow Glen, and West San Jose near the Campbell border. After 8th grade, students matriculate into Campbell Union High School District (attending high schools like Westmont, Del Mar, Branham, Leigh, or Prospect depending on where they live).

• Top Middle Schools: Campbell Middle School (now becoming Campbell School of Innovation for K-8) – an evolving campus that has offered STEM and design-thinking curriculum; Rolling Hills Middle School – located in Los Gatos but serving Campbell USD kids, it’s often the higher-performing middle school, known for strong music and science programs.
• Top Elementary Schools: Forest Hill Elementary – a high-performing school in Campbell with a warm community vibe and excellent test scores; Marshall Lane Elementary – technically in Saratoga but part of Campbell USD, it consistently ranks at the top with 9/10 or 10/10 ratings and feeds into Westmont High. Also, Capri Elementary and Bagby Elementary (Bagby is shared with Cambrian SD via a boundary quirk) are both very well regarded. Campbell USD’s focus on 21st-century learning means even its traditional schools incorporate maker spaces and coding lessons, giving students a strong foundation before high school.

Campbell Union High School District (CUHSD)

Overview: Campbell Union High School District serves several communities in the West Valley, including the city of Campbell, parts of San Jose (Cambrian and Willow Glen areas), Monte Sereno, and small sections of Saratoga. It has five comprehensive high schools (Branham, Leigh, Westmont, Prospect, Del Mar) plus a few alternative schools, with roughly 8,500 students​usnews.com. CUHSD is considered a highly rated district for high school – not quite as intensely competitive as Fremont Union or Palo Alto, but still strong academically while offering a balanced high school experience. Each high school has its own strengths, and overall the district boasts solid test scores, a broad Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum, and strong athletics and arts. Many of its schools have undergone recent renovations, and the district benefits from serving stable, middle-class neighborhoods.

• Top High Schools: Leigh High School (in San Jose’s Cambrian area) – Leigh often leads the district in academics, with modern facilities and a well-rounded program; it’s a favorite for families in Cambrian Park and has high college admission rates. Branham High School (also Cambrian area) – another top performer, known for its spirited community and high test scores; Branham has been recognized for excellence in arts as well. Westmont High School (Campbell/West San Jose) is close behind, with a beautiful campus near the Saratoga border and a strong reputation in both academics and athletics (Westmont’s marching band and football are points of pride).
• Other Notables: Prospect High School (Saratoga/Campbell) serves a mix of Campbell and west Saratoga students – it has a smaller enrollment and a tight-knit feel, and its academic performance has been on the rise. Del Mar High School (Campbell/San Jose) offers the International Baccalaureate program and is known for its diversity and a strong automotive tech program, though its test scores trail the others. Overall, Campbell UHSD’s high schools all offer open enrollment between them, so students can choose programs like IB at Del Mar or a particular sports team at another school, adding flexibility. The district’s motto of educating “innovative, prepared, and engaged students” reflects in its balanced approach to academics and personal growth.

Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District (LGSUHSD)

Overview: This high school district serves the affluent towns of Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Saratoga. It comprises just two high schools – Los Gatos High and Saratoga High – yet despite its small size, it’s often ranked among the top school districts in California​lgsuhsd.org. LGSUHSD schools are the crown jewels of their communities, enjoying strong local funding, involved parents, and students who routinely excel in academics, arts, and sports. The district’s student population is around 3,500. Both high schools are California Distinguished Schools and National Blue Ribbon Schools, reflecting their long history of excellence. For families, living in Los Gatos or Saratoga means access to some of the best public high school education in the nation, which significantly boosts those areas’ home values.

• Top High Schools: (In this case, both are top!) Los Gatos High School – a historic high school near downtown Los Gatos, known for its high test scores, robust AP program, and standout athletics (the Wildcats football team is a local legend). The campus and school spirit are a central part of the Los Gatos community. Saratoga High School – a smaller high school that frequently ranks even higher, often in the top 100 nationwide. Saratoga High is known for award-winning music programs (its orchestra and marching band are renowned) and incredible college matriculation rates. Academically, Saratoga often edges out Los Gatos with slightly higher scores, reflecting the intensely education-focused community.
• Feeder Districts: Students come from Los Gatos Union School District and Saratoga Union School District, detailed below. This high school district’s stellar reputation means homes within its boundaries command a premium – many buyers are willing to pay extra to ensure their children will attend Los Gatos or Saratoga High.

Los Gatos Union School District – Elementary (K-8)

Overview: Los Gatos Union SD is the elementary district for most of the town of Los Gatos (except some mountain areas). It has 4 elementary schools and 1 middle school, serving about 2,600 students​usnews.com. This district feeds into Los Gatos-Saratoga UHSD. Los Gatos Union’s schools are excellent across the board – small class sizes, neighborhood school charm, and high-achieving students are the norm. The community is very invested in education (the Los Gatos Education Foundation raises substantial funds each year to support programs). As a result, even with its relatively small size, Los Gatos Union is often cited as one of the top elementary districts in the Bay Area.

• Top Elementary Schools: Blossom Hill Elementary and Daves Avenue Elementary – both are California Distinguished Schools that regularly post superb test scores and have active parent involvement. Louise Van Meter Elementary (near downtown Los Gatos) is equally strong, known for its close-knit community feel and high levels of student proficiency in core subjects.
• Top Middle School: Raymond J. Fisher Middle School – the lone middle school in Los Gatos Union SD, Fisher Middle is an outstanding school that prepares students exceptionally well for the rigor of Los Gatos High. It offers a range of honors courses and extracurriculars (its debate and coding clubs are popular), and benefits from the collective resources of the whole town focusing on one junior high. Fisher’s performance in statewide assessments is among the top 5% of middle schools, making it a true gem.

Saratoga Union School District – Elementary (K-8)

Overview: Saratoga Union SD serves the city of Saratoga (except a few areas overlapping with Campbell USD). It includes 3 elementary schools and 1 middle school, with a total enrollment around 2,100. This district feeds entirely into Saratoga High of LGSUHSD. Saratoga Union is one of the highest-performing districts in California, reflecting the affluent, highly educated community it serves. Class sizes are relatively small, and resources are plentiful – the Saratoga Education Foundation and PTA contributions fund extensive art, music, and technology programs. Many of its schools and teachers have won state-level awards. For families prioritizing education, Saratoga’s K-8 schools combined with Saratoga High offer an unbeatable public schooling path.

• Top Elementary Schools: Foothill Elementary and Argonaut Elementary – both consistently score in the top tiers statewide and emphasize whole-child education (Argonaut, for example, has a beloved gardening and science program). Saratoga Elementary is another excellent school, notable for its community events and strong reading program. Essentially, all three Saratoga Union elementaries are high-caliber; differences in test scores between them are minimal, and each has been a California Distinguished School.
• Top Middle School: Redwood Middle School – the single middle school for Saratoga, Redwood has a sterling reputation. With a challenging curriculum and high-achieving student body, Redwood often ranks as one of the top public middle schools in the state. It offers a rich array of electives and extracurriculars (from math team to orchestra to robotics), reflecting the community’s support. Graduates of Redwood seamlessly transition to Saratoga High among the best-prepared freshmen.

Other Notable Small Districts

Santa Clara County also has a few small or special-focus districts worth mentioning for completeness:

• Lakeside Joint School District: A tiny elementary district in the Santa Cruz Mountains (on the south Saratoga/Los Gatos border). Lakeside operates a single elementary school with multi-grade classes, serving a small mountain community. It offers a very low student-teacher ratio and a close-knit feel. Graduates typically matriculate to either Los Gatos-Saratoga or Campbell Union high schools, depending on their address.
• Loma Prieta Joint Union School District: Another small mountain district, operating Loma Prieta Elementary and C.T. English Middle School for families in the Summit Road area of the Santa Cruz Mountains (Santa Clara County portion). Despite its small size and rural location, Loma Prieta’s schools are high performing and deeply supported by their community (even a local education foundation exists). After 8th grade, students usually attend Los Gatos High School.
• Orchard School District: A small elementary district in north San Jose (serving areas around the Berryessa and Alviso borders). It has a handful of elementary schools and one middle school (Castillero). Performance is moderate, but improving – the district has introduced new STEAM programs. Orchard feeds into East Side Union HSD (Independence High area).
• Luther Burbank School District: A one-school elementary district serving a tiny area in central San Jose (Burbank neighborhood). With only a few hundred students in a K-8 school, it’s one of California’s smallest districts. Many families here transfer to larger districts, but those who attend benefit from very small class sizes. For high school, students go to Campbell Union High School District (Del Mar High).

These smaller districts highlight the patchwork nature of Santa Clara County schools – even in the hills or small pockets of the city, schools play a key role in their community’s identity.

How School Ratings Impact Property Values and Desirability

It’s clear that school ratings have a tangible impact on property values in Santa Clara County. Houses in neighborhoods zoned to 10/10 or top-ranked schools often sell at a premium compared to similar homes just outside those boundaries. Buyers are effectively investing in the school district as much as the home itself​alexwang.com. For example, a modest ranch house in Cupertino (with access to Cupertino’s prized schools) may cost significantly more than a larger house a mile away in Santa Clara, largely because of the difference in school districts. High API scores (formerly) or strong GreatSchools ratings signal to buyers that their kids (or future buyers’ kids) will get a quality education, which keeps demand high.

For buyers: it’s crucial to balance your budget with your education priorities. If schools are a top priority, you might consider trading a bit of house size or lot size in order to buy into a great school district. Many families choose a smaller home in Palo Alto or Saratoga so their children can attend those top schools. It’s also wise to research beyond just the rating number – visit the school, talk to parents, and understand the programs. Some up-and-coming schools in otherwise average-rated districts might surprise you with their offerings. Also, be mindful of boundary lines: in areas like San Jose, one street’s kids go to a higher-rated school than the next street. An experienced local Realtor (like the Boyenga Team) can help identify those boundary nuances and even potential district transfer or lottery options. And remember, “home buying near good schools” benefits you even if you don’t have kids – it often means a safer neighborhood and better resale value.

For sellers: if your home is in a coveted school district, play that up in your marketing. Mention the schools by name in listings (“Walking distance to Millikin Elementary – a top-rated school!” or “Attendance area of Gunn High, ranked among the best in California​sfmoving.com”). Many buyers set up home search filters by school name. Providing information about local school achievements (like “local high school just won a state science award” or “elementary school is a California Distinguished School”) can emotionally connect buyers to your home. If your area’s schools are not top-rated, strategize on highlighting other positives: perhaps there’s an excellent private school nearby, or the home is conveniently located for a popular charter school. You can also emphasize the features of the house that might appeal to those without a school priority. However, transparency is key – buyers will likely know the ratings, so be prepared to discuss the real story. Sometimes an average rating belies a greatly improving school or one with a special program (for instance, a school with a Spanish immersion might have lower test scores initially but offers a valuable bilingual education). Sharing such context can help alleviate buyer concerns.

One interesting dynamic in Silicon Valley is the intersection of unique neighborhoods and school appeal. Take Eichler neighborhoods, for instance – these mid-century modern homes attract enthusiasts for their design. If an Eichler enclave is also zoned to strong schools (such as the Fairmeadow tract in Palo Alto or Eichler homes in Cupertino’s Fairgrove neighborhood), it becomes doubly desirable. Buyers get architectural charm and great schools in one package, often creating bidding wars. As a seller in an Eichler or other niche neighborhood, if you have good schools, you have a powerful combination of lifestyle and education to leverage.

Ultimately, school ratings impact desirability in profound ways: a great school district can buffer home prices even in market downturns, as education-minded buyers will always be looking. Conversely, homes in lower-rated districts may appreciate more slowly and need more aggressive pricing or upgrades to attract the same attention. However, as Realtor Neil Collins notes, a school is more than just its rating​sanjosespotlight.com​sanjosespotlight.com. Savvy buyers and sellers recognize that a single score doesn’t capture teacher dedication, new programs, or a school’s community vibe. Keeping an open mind – and doing thorough research – is the best strategy in school-driven real estate decisions.

The Boyenga Team Advantage: Expertise in School-Centric Real Estate

Navigating Santa Clara County’s complex school landscape requires not just knowledge, but experience and insight. This is where the Boyenga Team shines. As longtime Silicon Valley real estate experts, the Boyenga Team (led by Eric & Janelle Boyenga) has in-depth knowledge of the local market, neighborhoods and schools​compass.com. We understand that for many families, the search for a home is really a search for the right school district. Our team has helped countless buyers identify the perfect home near good schools, and our track record shows success in securing homes in competitive school areas like Cupertino, Palo Alto, and Los Gatos.

What sets us apart? We stay up-to-date on school boundary changes, upcoming school improvement bonds, and even each school’s culture. Whether you’re eyeing an Eichler neighborhood in Cupertino for its architectural flair and its top schools, or considering a more affordable pocket of San Jose with an improving elementary school, we provide nuanced advice. Our team can explain why one side of a street might attend a different high school than the other, and how that impacts home values. We’ll guide you through strategies like writing a personal letter to appeal to sellers who also value the school (perhaps alumni of the local school themselves), or timing your buy in the offseason when fewer families are shopping.

For sellers, the Boyenga Team uses its school expertise to your advantage. We will highlight your home’s school district in targeted marketing to attract the right buyer demographic. Our approach might include featuring the school API or GreatSchools rating in flyers, or even coordinating with the school to have information on-hand (for example, open house sheets that list the school’s recent awards or university admission stats of its graduates). Because we’re known as “Property Nerds” who do our homework​boyengateam.com, buyers’ agents trust the data we provide about school benefits, smoothing the transaction.

Most importantly, the Boyenga Team believes in matching clients not just to a house, but to a community. Schools are the heart of a community, and our deep ties and understanding of Silicon Valley schools help our clients feel confident in their decisions. We’ve done this for families relocating from abroad who need a crash course in California schools, for tech professionals seeking that work-life-school balance near campuses like Apple or Google, and for empty-nesters who know that being in a good school district will safeguard their home’s value when they eventually sell.

When you work with the Boyenga Team, you’re getting Realtors who are advisors and advocates. We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons – maybe you’re debating between an “A+” school district with a smaller home or an “A” school district where you can get more house for the money. We bring context: how do these schools truly compare? What are parents saying on the ground? With our guidance, many clients discover hidden gem neighborhoods with great schools that they hadn’t considered, or they learn that a slightly lower-rated school actually offers a special program perfect for their child.

In short, the Boyenga Team has the expertise to navigate school-driven real estate decisions so you don’t have to go it alone. Our goal is to engineer the best outcome for you – securing not just a home you love, but the right environment for your family’s educational journey. As Silicon Valley continues to evolve, one constant remains: quality schools will always enhance real estate value. With the Boyenga Team by your side, you can confidently make informed decisions, whether buying or selling, with schools in mind. Let us put our knowledge to work for you and ensure your next move is the smartest one yet – for you and your kids.