Photo: Erica Fischer · CC BY 2.0Orinda’s public schools outscore 98% of California districts
In Orinda, 72% of tested students are proficient in math, above the California average (33%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Orinda, 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 97% 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.
Orinda’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 102 California towns with household incomes within a quarter of Orinda’s, its schools beat 91%, lower than their 98% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Orinda runs its own schools through grade 8, then shares
Orinda Intermediate (6–8) is Orinda’s own. From grade 9, students attend the Acalanes Union High School District with Lafayette, Moraga, Richmond and Walnut Creek: Miramonte High. The high school’s own results earn an A+, the highest on the path. See the path ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 83% and math 72% across both districts in spring 2022, against 47% and 33% statewide; 97% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
Acalanes Union High spends $20,081 per student and Orinda Union Elementary $18,088, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
Holden High School (private), Orinda Academy (private) and Orinda Academy (private) are 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 Orinda’s grade
A+: better than 98% of California school districts, #6 of 847 California towns. 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 Orinda, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Orinda
Orinda Intermediate
Grades 6–8 · 822 students · 19:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Orinda
Orinda Intermediate
Grades 6–8 · 822 students · 19:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Orinda
Orinda Intermediate
Grades 6–8 · 822 students · 19:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Orinda
Miramonte High
Grades 9–12 · 1,167 students · 19:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Orinda
Miramonte High
Grades 9–12 · 1,167 students · 19:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Orinda
Miramonte High
Grades 9–12 · 1,167 students · 19:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Orinda
Miramonte High
Grades 9–12 · 1,167 students · 19:1 students per teacher
Orinda runs its own schools through grade 8 (Orinda Union Elementary School District). From grade 9, students attend the Acalanes Union High School District, shared with Lafayette, Moraga, Richmond and Walnut Creek. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Orinda
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
Orinda vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Orinda’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Orinda | A+ | Orinda Union Elementary K–8 · Acalanes Union High 9–12 |
| Moraga | A+ | Moraga Elementary K–8 · Acalanes Union High 9–12 |
| Lafayette | A+ | Lafayette Elementary K–8 · Acalanes Union High 9–12 |
All 2 neighbors share Acalanes Union High with Orinda for grades 9–12, so their letters differ mainly through the lower grades.
Every school in Orinda
9 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 Orinda’s schools
Are Orinda’s schools good?
By California’s own tests, yes: the public schools Orinda children attend outscore 98% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A+ Schools grade, #6 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 91%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Orinda in?
Two districts: Orinda Union Elementary School District runs grades K–8, and Acalanes Union High School District runs grades 9–12, shared with Lafayette, Moraga, Richmond and Walnut Creek.
Where do Orinda kids go to high school?
Miramonte High, with 1,167 students; its own test results earn an A+.
What is Orinda’s graduation rate?
97% of the class of 2023 in Acalanes Union High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Orinda spend per student?
$20,081 in Acalanes Union High School District and $18,088 in Orinda Union Elementary School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Orinda?
Yes: Holden High School (nonsectarian, grades 9–12, 36 students), Orinda Academy (nonsectarian, grades 8–12, 28 students) and Orinda Academy (nonsectarian, grades 8–12, 27 students).
Parents talk
What Orinda families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Orinda → 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.