Lafayette: Schools & Exceptional Living

Lafayette, California, is known for its quiet streets, trail systems, and quality public schools. For many buyers, access to high-performing schools plays a major role in choosing where to live. For sellers, school zoning can help increase buyer interest and support stronger sale prices. Whether you're purchasing or listing property in Lafayette, knowing the value these schools bring is essential. Here are five top-performing schools in Lafayette and why they matter to the local real estate market.

Acalanes High School

• School Achievements: Acalanes High consistently ranks as one of the top public high schools in the region. With a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and strong student outcomes, it supports both academic and extracurricular success.
• Fun Fact: Students run their own school news broadcast, providing updates and stories each week.
• Brief History: Founded in 1940, Acalanes is part of the Acalanes Union High School District and has served generations of Lafayette families.
• Why It Matters: Homes in the Acalanes zone tend to see strong demand, especially among buyers seeking a stable long-term option for high school education. Realtors often highlight proximity to Acalanes when marketing homes to families with teens.

M.H. Stanley Middle School

• School Achievements: Stanley Middle School provides strong academics, arts, and leadership development. It offers accelerated math tracks, recognized music programs, and a supportive learning environment.
• Fun Fact: The school's jazz band is highly regarded and regularly performs at state-level events.
• Brief History: Stanley has long been the only middle school in the Lafayette School District, making it central to the local education system.
• Why It Matters: Families often seek properties near Stanley to ease school logistics. Homes nearby typically benefit from a larger pool of interested buyers, especially those with middle school-aged children.

Happy Valley Elementary School

• School Achievements: Happy Valley Elementary maintains high academic scores in both math and reading. Teachers focus on building core academic skills while encouraging creative expression.
• Fun Fact: The school hosts “Happy Valley Day,” a community celebration with music, food, and activities.
• Brief History: Happy Valley serves the western section of Lafayette and has a strong reputation among local families.
• Why It Matters: Homes in this school boundary tend to sell quickly, especially to families with younger children. Being near a school like Happy Valley adds value and increases interest in surrounding properties.

Burton Valley Elementary School

• School Achievements: Burton Valley offers well-rounded instruction, integrating science, technology, and outdoor learning. Its garden program and tech access help engage students beyond traditional coursework.
• Fun Fact: The school maintains a learning garden that’s used for both science instruction and hands-on lessons in sustainability.
• Brief History: As one of Lafayette’s larger elementary schools, Burton Valley has been serving local families for decades.
• Why It Matters: Realtors frequently highlight Burton Valley in property descriptions, knowing it attracts buyers who want both academic quality and community involvement.

Lafayette Elementary School

• School Achievements: Lafayette Elementary shows consistent academic performance and prioritizes literacy, STEM learning, and student community involvement.
• Fun Fact: The school gathers once a month as a full campus to recognize achievements and reinforce school-wide values.
• Brief History: Serving the central Lafayette area, this school has been a steady presence in town and is closely tied to the walkable downtown area.
• Why It Matters: Homes in this school’s boundary are popular among buyers seeking access to both a respected school and nearby amenities. For sellers, this location supports stronger buyer traffic and favorable pricing.

Conclusion: Lafayette Schools Help Drive Real Estate Value

In Lafayette, schools are a top priority for many homebuyers—and for good reason. Each campus listed above supports strong academics, involved communities, and steady enrollment, all of which contribute to long-term real estate value. For buyers, choosing the right school zone can make a difference in both quality of life and investment stability. For sellers, promoting school proximity can make your listing more attractive to serious buyers.

At Intero Real Estate, we understand the role schools play in the home search. Whether you're buying or selling in Lafayette’s residential or commercial real estate market, knowing the strengths of the local schools can support better decisions—and better results.

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.