Ladera’s public schools outscore 92% of California districts
On the state math tests, 58% of Ladera’s students scored proficient, above the California average (33%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Ladera, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within California, not nationally.
From California state tests taken in spring 2022, when 91% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Ladera’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 122 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Ladera’s, its schools beat 55%, lower than their 92% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 74% and math 58% across both districts in spring 2022, against 47% and 33% statewide; 91% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
Las Lomitas Elementary spends $32,152 per student and Sequoia Union High $27,344, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
Woodland School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Ladera’s grade
A: better than 92% of California school districts. Test scores and graduation are both above the California average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Ladera, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Ladera
Las Lomitas Elementary
Grades K–3 · 522 students · 20:1 students per teacher · in Atherton
1st grade in Ladera
Las Lomitas Elementary
Grades K–3 · 522 students · 20:1 students per teacher · in Atherton
2nd grade in Ladera
Las Lomitas Elementary
Grades K–3 · 522 students · 20:1 students per teacher · in Atherton
3rd grade in Ladera
Las Lomitas Elementary
Grades K–3 · 522 students · 20:1 students per teacher · in Atherton
4th grade in Ladera
La Entrada Middle
Grades 4–8 · 612 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Menlo Park
5th grade in Ladera
La Entrada Middle
Grades 4–8 · 612 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Menlo Park
6th grade in Ladera
La Entrada Middle
Grades 4–8 · 612 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Menlo Park
7th grade in Ladera
La Entrada Middle
Grades 4–8 · 612 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Menlo Park
8th grade in Ladera
La Entrada Middle
Grades 4–8 · 612 students · 16:1 students per teacher · in Menlo Park
Ladera runs its own schools through grade 8 (Las Lomitas Elementary School District). From grade 9, students attend the Sequoia Union High School District, shared with Atherton, Belmont, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Carlos and Woodside. Its elementary school is in Atherton. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Ladera
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Ladera vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Ladera’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Ladera | A | Las Lomitas Elementary K–8 · Sequoia Union High 9–12 |
| Portola Valley | A | Portola Valley Elementary K–8 · Sequoia Union High 9–12 |
Every school in Ladera
8 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with California’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Ladera’s schools
Are Ladera’s schools good?
By California’s own tests, yes: the public schools Ladera children attend outscore 92% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 55%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Ladera in?
Two districts: Las Lomitas Elementary School District runs grades K–8, and Sequoia Union High School District runs grades 9–12, shared with Atherton, Belmont, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Carlos and Woodside.
Where do Ladera kids go to high school?
One of 5 high schools, depending on your address: Carlmont High, Menlo-Atherton High, Sequoia High, Woodside High and Tide Academy.
What is Ladera’s graduation rate?
91% of the class of 2023 in Sequoia Union High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Ladera spend per student?
$32,152 in Las Lomitas Elementary School District and $27,344 in Sequoia Union High School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Ladera?
Yes: Woodland School (nonsectarian, grades PK–8, 308 students).
Parents talk
What Ladera families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Ladera → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within California. Stars are from neighbors.