Almaden Business Almaden Valley Schools Guide: Ratings, Programs
Almaden Valley Schools Guide: Ratings, Programs, Enrollment
Schools are the primary reason families choose Almaden Valley. The neighborhood’s public schools consistently rank among the best in San Jose and Santa Clara County, with multiple California Distinguished School designations and a National Blue Ribbon award. This guide covers every school level — elementary through high school — with ratings, programs, and enrollment details.
School Districts
Almaden Valley’s school situation is more complex than a single district. Understanding the boundaries matters because your home address determines which schools your children attend.
San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) covers the majority of Almaden Valley for all grade levels. Most Almaden families are within SJUSD boundaries.
Union Elementary School District covers the far northwest corner of the valley for elementary grades. Students in this district typically transition to Campbell Union High School District for high school.
Los Gatos Union School District and Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District cover some areas at the valley’s edges.
Before purchasing a home, verify the exact school assignments for that address. Boundary lines do not always follow obvious geographic features, and a one-block difference can change the assigned schools. See our school district boundaries guide for maps and details.
Elementary Schools
Williams Elementary School
- Grades: K-5
- Enrollment: ~682 students
- GreatSchools Rating: 9/10
- Distinctions: California Distinguished School, U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon
- Strengths: Strong academics across all subjects, active parent involvement, comprehensive enrichment programs
- Williams is Almaden Valley’s flagship elementary school. The National Blue Ribbon designation — one of the highest honors a school can receive — reflects sustained academic excellence.
Los Alamitos Elementary School
- Grades: K-5
- Enrollment: ~731 students
- GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
- Distinctions: California Distinguished School
- Strengths: Larger campus, diverse program offerings, strong community engagement
Guadalupe Elementary School
- Grades: K-5
- Enrollment: ~500 students
- GreatSchools Rating: 8/10
- Strengths: Committed teaching staff, neighborhood feel, solid academic foundations
Simonds Elementary School
- Grades: K-5
- Strengths: Small school atmosphere, personalized attention, located in the central valley area
Graystone Elementary School
- Grades: K-5
- Strengths: Proximity to the Pioneer/Greystone sub-neighborhood, access to outdoor education opportunities near Quicksilver County Park
Middle Schools
Bret Harte Middle School
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: ~1,100 students
- GreatSchools Rating: 7/10 (test scores rated 10/10)
- Strengths: Exceptional test scores, robust elective offerings, active PTA, competitive academic programs
- Bret Harte serves the majority of Almaden Valley middle school students. While the overall GreatSchools rating includes factors beyond test scores, the 10/10 academic performance rating reflects the caliber of student achievement.
Castillero Middle School
- Grades: 6-8
- Strengths: Strong academic performance, above-average ratings, active parent community
- Serves parts of the northern Almaden area and adjacent neighborhoods.
High Schools
Leland High School
- District: San Jose Unified
- Strengths: Among the top public high schools in San Jose. Extensive AP course offerings (20+ AP classes), competitive athletics (football, swimming, tennis, track), robotics club, debate team, active performing arts program, and diverse extracurricular organizations.
- Leland is the high school most associated with the Almaden Valley identity. The school’s academic reputation drives significant real estate demand within its attendance boundaries.
Pioneer High School
- District: San Jose Unified
- Strengths: Known for community focus and student-driven service learning. Strong resources, community outreach programs, and a supportive atmosphere. The school emphasizes holistic student development alongside academic preparation.
- Pioneer serves the southern portions of Almaden Valley and is the school most connected to the outdoor-oriented families near Quicksilver County Park.
Private School Options
Families seeking private education have several options within driving distance:
| School | Grades | Annual Tuition | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Harker School | Pre-K-12 | $35,000-$55,000 | ~8 miles | Highly competitive admission, STEM focus |
| Presentation High School | 9-12 (girls) | ~$25,000 | ~5 miles | Catholic, strong academics |
| Bellarmine College Preparatory | 9-12 (boys) | ~$28,000 | ~8 miles | Jesuit, college prep focus |
| Valley Christian Schools | K-12 | $20,000-$30,000 | ~5 miles | Christian, comprehensive athletics |
Academic Programs and Enrichment
SJUSD schools in Almaden Valley offer:
GATE (Gifted and Talented Education): Identification and enrichment programs for academically advanced students beginning in elementary school.
AP Courses: Leland High School offers 20+ Advanced Placement courses across sciences, humanities, arts, and languages. AP participation rates significantly exceed state averages.
STEM Programs: Robotics clubs, science olympiad teams, and engineering electives at the middle and high school levels.
Arts Programs: Band, orchestra, choir, and visual arts programs are available at all school levels. Leland’s performing arts program stages multiple productions annually.
Athletics: Full sports programs at the middle and high school levels. Almaden Valley’s strong youth sports pipeline (through community soccer, Little League, and swim programs) feeds into competitive school teams.
Enrollment Process
Public schools: Enrollment is based on residential address within district boundaries. Register through the school district (SJUSD, Union, or Los Gatos depending on location). Registration typically opens in spring for the following fall. Required documents include proof of residence, birth certificate, immunization records, and previous school transcripts.
Intra-district transfers: Possible but not guaranteed. Families who want a school outside their assigned boundary can apply for a transfer through the district. Approval depends on capacity.
Private schools: Application deadlines vary. Competitive schools like Harker may require applications 12+ months in advance with entrance testing and interviews.
School-Related Costs
Public education is tuition-free, but families should budget for:
- Activity fees: $50-$300/year per student
- Sports participation: $100-$500 per season
- School supplies: $100-$200/year
- PTA/fundraising contributions: $200-$500/year (voluntary but expected)
- Tutoring (if needed): $50-$150/hour
See our tutoring centers guide for local academic support options.
Key Takeaways
- Almaden Valley’s public schools rank among the best in Santa Clara County, with multiple California Distinguished School designations
- School boundaries cross multiple districts — verify your home’s exact school assignments before purchasing
- Williams Elementary’s National Blue Ribbon status and Bret Harte’s 10/10 test scores highlight the area’s academic strength
- Leland High School drives significant real estate demand within its attendance boundaries
- Private school options within driving distance serve families seeking alternative educational approaches
Next Steps
- Verify school boundaries with our district boundaries guide
- Explore the full neighborhood in our complete guide
- Understand housing costs tied to school access in our cost of living guide
Almaden Business is your guide to local businesses, community events, and neighborhood resources in Almaden Valley and South San Jose.
Sources
- City of San Jose — accessed March 2026
- Santa Clara County — accessed March 2026