For many homebuyers, schools are an important part of the decision-making process. Atherton offers a unique advantage by providing access to several highly regarded public school districts as well as some of the Peninsula’s most respected private schools. Understanding how those school boundaries work is an important part of purchasing a home in Atherton.

Atherton Does Not Have Its Own Public School District

Unlike many communities, Atherton does not operate its own public school system. Instead, homes within the town are served by several neighboring public school districts. As a result, school assignments vary depending on a property’s location, making it important for buyers to verify attendance boundaries during the home search process.

Current public school districts serving Atherton include:

• Las Lomitas Elementary School District, serving portions of western and central Atherton with highly regarded schools including Las Lomitas Elementary and La Entrada Middle School.

• Menlo Park City School District, serving portions of Atherton through schools including Encinal Elementary and Laurel Elementary plus Hillview Middle before students continue to high school.

• Redwood City School District, serving some neighborhoods, including portions of eastern Atherton, through Selby Lane School.

• Most public high school students attend Menlo-Atherton High School, part of the Sequoia Union High School District.

Because district boundaries can change from one street to another, buyers should always confirm school assignments directly with the appropriate school district.

Las Lomitas Remains Highly Sought After

Among Atherton buyers, the Las Lomitas Elementary School District has long been one of the area’s most recognized public school districts. Families are often drawn to its strong academic reputation, active parent community, and consistently high performance.

Homes served by Las Lomitas frequently receive strong interest, although school district is only one of many factors influencing home values in Atherton. Lot size, location, privacy, architecture, condition, and proximity to amenities all play important roles in determining value.

School Boundaries Can Influence Buyer Demand

Atherton is unusual because homes located only a few blocks apart may be assigned to different public school districts. For some buyers, a preferred school district is a significant consideration, while others place greater emphasis on factors such as privacy, architectural design, estate grounds, or proximity to work.

As a result, school district can influence buyer demand for certain properties, but it should be viewed as one component of a home’s overall appeal rather than the sole determinant of value.

Exceptional Private School Options

One of Atherton’s greatest educational strengths is its proximity to outstanding independent schools. Many families choose private education regardless of public school assignment, creating exceptional educational flexibility.

Among the area’s best-known private schools are:

• Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, offering a preschool through grade 12 education on one of the Peninsula’s most beautiful campuses.

• Menlo School, Atherton, an independent college preparatory school serving grades 6 through 12 and widely recognized for academic excellence, athletics, and arts.

• Woodside Priory School, Portola Valley, serving grades 6 through 12 with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum inspired by Benedictine traditions.

• St. Raymond Catholic School, Menlo Park, a respected TK through eighth-grade school in nearby Menlo Park known for its strong academic program and close-knit community.

• Phillips Brooks School, Menlo Park, an independent preschool through fifth-grade school in Menlo Park recognized for its innovative educational approach.

Atherton residents also enjoy convenient access to numerous additional independent schools throughout Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and Woodside.

Higher Education Close to Home

Atherton is home to Menlo College, a private college offering undergraduate and graduate programs with an emphasis on business, entrepreneurship, and applied sciences. Just minutes away, Stanford University provides one of the world’s leading centers for higher education and research.

A Community with Exceptional Educational Choices

Whether a family prefers highly regarded public schools or one of the many outstanding private institutions nearby, Atherton offers an exceptional range of educational opportunities. The variety of choices is one of the reasons the community continues to attract families from throughout Silicon Valley and around the world.

Because school assignments, admission policies, and district boundaries can change over time, buyers should always verify current information directly with the appropriate school or district before making a purchase decision.