Las Lomitas Elementary, CA

Original Research by School Decision on Las Lomitas Elementary

Las Lomitas Elementary is a small kindergarten-through-eighth-grade district serving four towns in San Mateo County: Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, and Emerald Lake Hills. The district operates two schools, Las Lomitas Elementary and La Entrada Middle, and educates a student body of roughly twelve hundred students. The enrollment spans from a larger kindergarten cohort down through eighth grade, with middle grades representing the core of the population.

Academically, the district's overall performance is strong. On California's 2024-25 standardized assessments in English language arts and mathematics, the district sits in the top quartile among San Mateo County's districts. English proficiency averages across the grade band in the low-to-mid eighties, with sixth grade performing particularly well. Mathematics proficiency is slightly lower in the upper grades, especially eighth grade, but generally tracks in the low-to-mid eighties through sixth and seventh grades. Science proficiency, tested in fifth and eighth grade, sits in the mid-sixties to low seventies. The district is addressing outcomes in a context of modest academic demand; the most recent comparable social studies data from an earlier state assessment showed very high mastery. Chronic absenteeism is notably low, ranking in the top quartile county-wide, suggesting strong engagement and attendance culture.

The student population is affluent and racially diverse. White students represent the largest share of enrollment, followed by a substantial Asian enrollment, with smaller Hispanic and multiracial populations. The district does not report free-or-reduced-price-lunch rates or English learner counts, which is characteristic of districts serving very high-income areas. Housing values in the district's towns are among the highest in the state. Median home prices are extremely elevated, and rental costs are proportionally high as well. For a family considering a move into these communities, the cost of entry is substantial, and a parcel-tax obligation under consideration adds to property-tax burden.

The district operates as a "basic aid" district, a structural detail that shapes how families should understand its finances. Unlike most California districts, which are funded by the state and receive property tax revenue that flows to Sacramento, basic aid districts retain their local property taxes entirely and keep any amount exceeding state funding formulas. This means the district's revenue is almost wholly dependent on property-tax collections from its wealthy towns and is not supplemented by state aid.

This funding model came under strain in 2024 when the district experienced its first-ever teacher strike in October. The three-day work stoppage ended when teachers won a contract including substantial raises over multiple years and fully funded health benefits. The new labor agreement drove the district's operating costs upward sharply, creating a multi-million-dollar budget shortfall. In response, the board has cut positions, including an assistant principal role, and is considering trimming foreign language offerings. To close the gap, the district is exploring a parcel tax to be placed before voters in November 2026. Property owners considering enrollment in Las Lomitas should be aware that a new tax could appear on their ballots and understand that the district's financial health depends directly on the property values and tax payments of its constituent communities.

The district's challenges are recent and visible. The teacher strike and subsequent budget crisis prompted county oversight and an investigation by the District Attorney. For families accustomed to stable, well-resourced schools, these events signal a transition period. The academic performance remains solid, attendance is strong, and the peer environment reflects the economic and demographic makeup of four affluent, established residential communities. A parent evaluating Las Lomitas should weigh that strength against an unstable fiscal picture and the likelihood of new property-tax appeals in coming years.

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District Context

Officially reported figures, 2024-25.

Enrollment

1,161

Grades

KG–08

Schools

Student body

Hispanic 16%

Black 0%

White 45%

Asian 24%

Two+ 14%

Hawaiian / Pac. Isl. 0%

By economic status

Percent proficient by grade, as reported

Economically disadvantaged

Not disadvantaged

ELA

Gr ALL

44%

—

Gr 3

—

81%

Gr 4

—

86%

Gr 5

36%

85%

Gr 6

46%

94%

Gr 7

—

85%

Gr 8

—

86%

Math

Gr ALL

36%

—

Gr 3

—

86%

Gr 4

—

88%

Gr 5

25%

87%

Gr 6

38%

91%

Gr 7

—

85%

Gr 8

—

81%

Science

Gr 5

72%

Gr 8

—

76%

Gr HS

—

Schools in this District

2 schools are officially reported under this district.

La Entrada Middle

Las Lomitas Elementary

Academic Performance

Percent of students meeting or exceeding state standards, by grade.

Mathematics

6 grades reported

87%

Grade 3

85%

Grade 4

81%

Grade 5

85%

Grade 6

85%

Grade 7

76%

Grade 8

English Language Arts

6 grades reported

81%

Grade 3

83%

Grade 4

81%

Grade 5

89%

Grade 6

86%

Grade 7

84%

Grade 8

Science

2 grades reported

66%

Grade 5

71%

Grade 8

Social Studies

1 grade reported

90%

Grade 8

Housing & Real Estate

Data as of April 2026 | District-weighted from constituent ZIP codes

Home Values

Typical home value$4.38M

Year-over-year change+7.5%

Range across 4 ZIP codes$2.7M to $8.3M

vs. state typical5.64x

vs. national typical11.89x

Home value trend (12 months)

ZIP code home values (4 ZIP codes)

ZIP	City	Value	YoY	Weight
94028	Portola Valley	$4.3M	+9.8%	43.0%
94025	Menlo Park	$2.9M	+5.2%	30.2%
94027	Atherton	$8.3M	+9.4%	16.2%
94062	Emerald Lake Hills	$2.7M	+1.8%	10.5%

Rental Market

Typical monthly rent$3,932/mo

Year-over-year change+4.3%

Range across 2 ZIP codes$3,382 to $4,123/mo

Rent trend (12 months)

ZIP code rents (2 ZIP codes)

ZIP	City	Rent/mo	YoY	Weight
94025	Menlo Park	$4,123	+5.1%	30.2%
94062	Emerald Lake Hills	$3,382	+2.0%	10.5%

Affordability

Est. monthly mortgage (20% down at 6.48%)$22,095/mo

Home price / national median income52.3x

Annual rent / national median income56.4%

Est. mortgage exceeds rent by$18,163/mo

Comparison

State typical home value$776,233 (-1.1% YoY)

National typical home value$368,198 (+0.6% YoY)

State ZHVI trend (12 months)

National ZHVI trend (12 months)

Economic Context

30-year fixed mortgage rate6.48%

National unemployment rate4.3%

National median household income$83,730

CPI: Rent of shelter (index)447.05

30-year fixed mortgage rate (12 months)

National unemployment rate (12 months)

National median household income (12 months)

CPI: Rent of shelter (index) (12 months)

Sources: Zillow Home Value Index and Zillow Observed Rent Index (Zillow Group), Realtor.com via Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED)

Data Currently Unavailable

Civil Rights Data (CRDC)

This profile is derived exclusively from publicly available federal and state datasets. It may not reflect the most current information available. We encourage parents and families to supplement this data with information published directly on the school’s website, which may include more recent figures, additional programs, or updated enrollment data.