Hillsborough: Educated & Established

Hillsborough, California, is known for its quiet neighborhoods, established homes, and strong academic options. For families, access to top schools is a deciding factor when choosing where to live. These schools don’t just serve students—they also support home values and steady buyer demand. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or realtor, understanding how education contributes to Hillsborough’s real estate market is essential. Here's a look at five leading schools in the area.

 The Nueva School

• School Achievements: The Nueva School serves gifted learners through project-based and inquiry-driven instruction. It is nationally recognized for academic performance and a well-rounded curriculum that supports both intellectual and emotional growth.
• Fun Fact: Nueva’s Hillsborough campus includes hands-on learning labs focused on design and technology starting from early grades.
• Brief History: Founded in 1967, the school originally served younger students and expanded over time to include a full PreK–12 model. The Hillsborough campus serves lower and middle school, with the high school in nearby San Mateo.
• Why It Matters: Proximity to a top private school like Nueva can increase demand for nearby homes. Families relocating from other tech and business centers often consider this school when choosing a home, which supports home value in the area.

Crystal Springs Uplands School

• School Achievements: Crystal Springs offers a strong college-preparatory program, with graduates attending highly selective universities. The school emphasizes academic depth, strong writing, and small class sizes.
• Fun Fact: Its campus includes a historic estate building used for classrooms, giving students access to modern learning in a well-maintained setting.
• Brief History: Founded in 1952, the school has long served families across the Peninsula. The middle school is now in Belmont, while the upper school remains in Hillsborough.
• Why It Matters: Being located near Crystal Springs can make properties more appealing to high-income buyers looking for consistent educational quality. Realtors often reference its presence when showing homes to education-focused families.

Crocker Middle School

• School Achievements: Crocker Middle School offers strong results in core subjects along with art, technology, and world languages. It provides balanced instruction across disciplines and has strong parent involvement.
• Fun Fact: Crocker students produce a student-led news program that highlights school and community activities.
• Brief History: Part of the Hillsborough City School District, Crocker has served the area for decades. It is the only middle school in the district, drawing students from all three elementary campuses.
• Why It Matters: Families with middle school-aged children often seek homes in this school boundary. Properties near Crocker are considered desirable and tend to retain value well in the market.

North Hillsborough Elementary School

• School Achievements: North Hillsborough meets or exceeds state standards in reading and math. The school promotes teamwork, communication, and academic structure.
• Fun Fact: The school’s annual Living History event lets students dress and present as historical figures for an all-campus showcase.
• Brief History: North Hillsborough is one of the original elementary schools in the city and continues to serve families with a strong academic foundation.
• Why It Matters: Homes within this zone are attractive to buyers with young children. Realtors often include this school when marketing homes, knowing it increases interest from family-focused buyers.

West Hillsborough Elementary School

• School Achievements: West Hillsborough is known for academic consistency and a focus on student growth. Teachers provide focused instruction in math, literacy, and writing from the earliest grades.
• Fun Fact: The school hosts an Innovation Fair where students present science and engineering projects to the school community.
• Brief History: West Hillsborough has served local families for decades and is well integrated into the neighborhood it serves.
• Why It Matters: Homes in this school zone are regularly sought after, especially by first-time buyers and growing families. Strong community involvement at the school helps strengthen nearby home interest and marketability.

Conclusion: Schools Help Shape Hillsborough’s Real Estate Market

In Hillsborough, schools are not just an asset for students—they help define the real estate landscape. Families planning to move often choose neighborhoods based on school access, and that demand helps support long-term property value.

Realtors with Intero Real Estate understand how schools play a part in buyer decisions and home pricing. Whether you’re investing, buying, or selling, knowing the strength of the local school system can help you make better decisions and position your property more effectively.

This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, investment, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions based on this content. School information including addresses, phone numbers, and emails was accurate as of the blog’s published date but may change without notice. Please verify directly with the school or institution. This content is provided “as is,” without warranties of any kind. If you are currently under an exclusive agreement with another real estate broker, this blog is not intended as a solicitation.