Best Schools in Almaden Valley

School quality is the top reason families choose Almaden Valley over comparable neighborhoods in San Jose. The public schools in the Almaden Valley attendance area consistently outperform district and state averages across all grade levels. Engaged parents, well-funded PTA organizations, and strong administrative leadership create educational environments that justify the premium home prices families pay to live within these school boundaries.

How We Selected: We measured options using in-person visits, community feedback, and local reputation. We considered location convenience, quality of service, pricing fairness, staff knowledge. No manufacturer or developer paid for or influenced any recommendation.

Leland High School

Leland High School on Camden Avenue is the anchor of Almaden Valley education and the primary reason many families move to the neighborhood. The school serves approximately 1,800 students in grades 9 through 12.

Academic rankings. Leland ranks among the top public high schools in California, consistently placing in the top 40 statewide. U.S. News & World Report ranks Leland at number 32 in California. The school earns a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger and outperforms 97.6 percent of high schools in the state. In the most recent testing year, 85 percent of 11th graders were proficient or better in English Language Arts, and 78 percent were proficient or better in Mathematics.

AP program. The AP participation rate at Leland is 81 percent, one of the highest in the district, with 20 AP courses offered across subjects. Pass rates on AP exams exceed both district and national averages, and the breadth of offerings means students can pursue advanced work across science, math, humanities, and arts.

Athletics. The athletic department fields 29 programs across 54 teams in the Blossom Valley Athletic League. Over 1,000 students participate in athletics each year. Facilities include a stadium, gymnasium, swimming pool, and tennis courts. Tennis, swimming, and soccer programs have been particularly competitive in recent years.

Extracurriculars. Robotics, debate, mock trial, academic decathlon, performing arts, and dozens of student clubs provide engagement beyond academics. The strong extracurricular culture reflects parent and community investment in creating a comprehensive high school experience.

Bret Harte Middle School

Bret Harte Middle School on Foxworthy Avenue serves western Almaden Valley and is the primary feeder school for Leland High School. The school maintains a reputation for academic rigor with strong core academics complemented by technology, arts, and physical education electives.

The signature program is the outdoor education trips to California state parks, which connect classroom science with field experience. Active parent involvement through the PTA funds supplemental programs including technology upgrades and enrichment activities. The school’s proximity to Almaden Valley neighborhoods means many students walk or bike to campus.

Castillero Middle School

Castillero Middle School on Castlewood Drive serves eastern Almaden Valley along with portions of the Cambrian neighborhood. The school is known for strong math and science programs and an extensive music program that includes band, orchestra, and choir. The music programs feed into Leland’s performing arts offerings, creating continuity for students who begin instruments in middle school.

Elementary Schools

Simonds Elementary. Located in central Almaden Valley, Simonds emphasizes project-based learning and technology integration across the curriculum. The school benefits from an engaged parent community that supports classroom programs and facilities.

Williams Elementary. Situated along the southern Almaden Expressway corridor, Williams takes advantage of its proximity to open space to enrich the science curriculum. The school garden program provides hands-on learning about plants, ecology, and nutrition.

Graystone Elementary. Serving the Pioneer neighborhood near the foothills, Graystone is known for particularly strong parent involvement and a collaborative relationship between families and teachers.

Guadalupe Elementary. Located near the New Almaden community, Guadalupe incorporates the area’s mining history into local studies units. The proximity to Almaden Quicksilver County Park provides environmental education opportunities.

School District Boundaries

School attendance boundaries within Almaden Valley are a critical factor in real estate decisions, since different streets feed into different schools. The district boundaries guide explains the specific attendance areas for each school and the implications for families choosing where to buy. Boundaries can shift over time as the district adjusts enrollment, making it essential to verify current assignments before purchasing a home based on school access.

Beyond Public Schools

Private school options in the broader South San Jose area provide alternatives for families seeking different educational approaches, including religious schools, Montessori programs, and college preparatory academies. However, the strength of the public schools in Almaden Valley means a lower percentage of families opt for private education compared to other affluent Bay Area communities.

Tutoring centers along Almaden Expressway supplement school programs with test preparation, academic coaching, and enrichment in math, science, and language arts. The relocation guide covers school zone selection for families considering a move.

Almaden Business is your guide to local businesses, community events, and neighborhood resources in Almaden Valley and South San Jose.