Choosing a home in Los Altos often starts with one question: which schools will my child attend? With separate K–8 and high school districts and lines that can shift from one block to the next, it can feel confusing fast. You want clarity, predictability, and a smart plan that aligns schools, neighborhood lifestyle, and budget. This guide shows you how Los Altos school boundaries work, how to verify assignments, and what to consider as you compare neighborhoods. Let’s dive in.
How Los Altos schools are organized
Los Altos public school assignments are governed by two separate districts. The Los Altos School District (LASD) assigns K–8 schools. The Mountain View–Los Altos Union High School District (MVLA) assigns high schools for grades 9–12. Each district has its own maps, rules, and enrollment processes.
A single address is assigned to both an LASD elementary or middle school and an MVLA high school. These boundaries do not always align perfectly. If K–12 continuity matters to you, plan to check both districts’ attendance tools and understand the typical feeder patterns.
Boundaries vs. neighborhoods
K–8 attendance areas are smaller, so they can split a neighborhood or even a street. High school boundaries are larger and may combine several K–8 zones. This is why two similar homes a few blocks apart can be assigned to different schools.
Neighborhood continuity matters if you want predictable K–12 paths. Some areas feed to a single middle school and then into one high school. Other areas have split patterns. Specialized programs can also be placed at specific sites, which may affect your family’s daily routine and transportation.
Boundaries can change over time due to enrollment shifts or capacity. Always check the date on any map you see and confirm directly with the district before you write an offer.
Feeder patterns matter
Feeder patterns describe the typical path from elementary to middle to high school. In some parts of Los Altos, one elementary school may feed to a single middle school, then a specific MVLA high school. In other parts, a feeder may split. If K–12 continuity is a priority, ask both districts to confirm the current pattern for your exact address.
Research and verify your assignment
You can remove uncertainty with a simple process. The goal is to use official sources first, then add context as needed.
- Start with district lookup tools and maps
- Use LASD’s official attendance maps or “Find My School” tool to see your K–8 assignment.
- Use MVLA’s high school boundary maps or address lookup to see the assigned high school.
- Treat district tools as your primary source for assignment.
- Confirm with enrollment offices
- Call or email each district’s enrollment office with your target address. If your purchase depends on a particular assignment, ask for written confirmation.
- Check county and state resources
- Review the California Department of Education’s School Dashboard for official performance and accountability indicators.
- Consult the Santa Clara County Office of Education for county-level policies and charter information.
- Cross‑reference third‑party sites carefully
- Sites like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and U.S. News can offer context and parent perspectives. Use them as supplemental information, not as your sole source of truth. Always prioritize official district and state data.
Which metrics to review
Look at a broad set of indicators rather than a single rating.
- State assessment performance trends in English and math (CAASPP).
- California School Dashboard indicators, including academics, graduation rates, chronic absenteeism, suspensions, and English learner progress.
- For high schools, graduation rates, A–G completion, AP or IB participation, and college or career indicators.
- Enrollment, demographics, and class sizes to understand scale and programs.
- Program availability, such as language options, STEM pathways, arts, and special education resources.
Enrollment rules to confirm
Policies vary by district and can change. Confirm details directly.
- Residency verification requirements and timing after a home purchase.
- Intra‑ and interdistrict transfer options, deadlines, and criteria.
- Sibling priority and any grandfathering provisions.
- Lotteries and waitlists for oversubscribed schools or programs.
- Enrollment timelines, open enrollment windows, and appeals.
Read data wisely
Use multi‑year trends to account for pandemic-era disruptions. Small schools can see year‑to‑year swings due to small sample sizes. Third‑party ratings combine data and opinion, so read their methodology and compare against official sources.
Budget and market implications in Los Altos
School assignment is one of several factors that influence home value in Los Altos. In a high‑demand market with limited inventory, homes inside certain attendance areas can attract more interest, which can affect pricing. The premium varies by year, supply, and buyer demand.
Proximity to downtown, commute routes, parks, and lot size also shape value. If you are deciding between similar homes in adjacent zones, analyze recent sales inside and just outside the target boundary and compare days on market, list‑to‑sale ratios, and condition.
Plan your budget
- Purchase price premium. Expect potential premiums in high‑demand zones relative to nearby alternatives.
- Property taxes and local measures. Check your tax bill projections for base taxes as well as any parcel taxes or bond measures approved by voters.
- Alternatives and transfers. If you plan to pursue a transfer or consider a private option, include tuition and transportation in your budget.
- Timing risk. Boundaries can change. Ask district staff about recent or proposed adjustments and consider how that might affect your long‑term plan.
Step‑by‑step checklist
- Define K–12 priorities. Rank what matters most, such as continuity through 8th grade, specific programs, or walkability.
- Map potential addresses. Run both LASD and MVLA address lookups for every home you are considering.
- Pull comps by zone. Ask your agent to filter MLS data by attendance area and cross‑check against district tools.
- Verify in writing. If school assignment is a material factor, request written confirmation from each district’s enrollment office.
- Review transfer options. Note deadlines and forms for intra‑ or interdistrict transfers if your assigned school is not your first choice.
- Visit schools. Tour campuses, attend PTA meetings or school board sessions, and ask about programs and student support.
- Budget fully. Include parcel taxes, potential tuition, and transportation costs.
- Add a verification contingency. If school assignment is critical, build a verification step into your offer timeline.
Smart neighborhood scenarios to consider
- Near downtown Los Altos. Street‑by‑street differences can exist, so confirm both K–8 and high school assignments for specific addresses.
- South of El Monte Avenue. K–8 areas can be smaller, which may split nearby blocks. Check walkability and safe routes.
- North Los Altos. You may find adjacent homes with different feeder paths. Verify where the middle and high school assignments align.
- Edges near Los Altos Hills. Boundary lines can follow city limits in some places and diverge in others. Confirm eligibility for bus service and transfer policies.
These scenarios illustrate why precise address verification is essential. Your on‑the‑ground experience, combined with district confirmation, will give you the clearest picture.
Partner with a local advisor
You do not need to navigate this alone. A local, school‑savvy advisor can help you prioritize neighborhoods, confirm assignments with district staff, coordinate school visits, and structure offers that protect your goals. With a boutique, high‑touch approach backed by strong market data, you can move forward with confidence.
If you want a school‑aligned plan for your Los Altos purchase or sale, connect with Suzanne O'brien for a personalized strategy.
FAQs
How do I check which Los Altos schools serve my address?
- Use the official address lookup tools for both LASD (K–8) and MVLA (9–12), then confirm your results directly with each district’s enrollment office.
Do K–8 and high school boundaries in Los Altos always align?
- Not always, since LASD and MVLA are separate districts with distinct maps, so verify both assignments for every property you consider.
Can I request a different school than the one assigned?
- Many districts allow intra‑ or interdistrict transfer requests, but approval depends on space, policy, and timelines, so review current rules and deadlines.
Do siblings receive priority for enrollment or programs?
- Many schools offer sibling priority, but policies vary by district and program, so ask the specific school or district to confirm in writing.
How often do Los Altos school boundaries change?
- There is no fixed schedule, and adjustments can occur for capacity or equity reasons, so check with district staff about any recent or planned changes.
How should I use third‑party school ratings when comparing neighborhoods?
- Treat them as supplemental context, compare multiple years of official state and district data, and visit campuses to understand programs and fit.