Walnut Creek Schools
If you’re a parent (or planning to become one) and looking to buy a home in the Bay Area, the quality of local schools is probably high on your priority list. Fortunately, Walnut Creek offers some of the best public and private educational opportunities in Contra Costa County—one of the many reasons the Walnut Creek real estate market remains so competitive among families.
As a Walnut Creek realtor who works closely with both buyers and sellers, I’m often asked: “Which neighborhoods have the best schools?” or “How do school boundaries impact home values?” Here’s what you need to know about Walnut Creek schools and how they influence the homebuying process.
Public School Districts in Walnut Creek
Depending on where you buy in Walnut Creek, your home will fall into one of several public school districts:
1. Walnut Creek School District (WCSD) – K–8
This district covers much of central Walnut Creek and includes several highly-rated elementary and middle schools. Notable schools include:
Walnut Heights Elementary
Parkmead Elementary
Murwood Elementary
Walnut Creek Intermediate (WCI)
WCSD schools consistently score well on state assessments and offer strong academic programs, music and arts education, and engaged parent communities.
2. Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) – K–12
The Northgate area of Walnut Creek is served by MDUSD, including:
Walnut Acres Elementary
Foothill Middle School
Northgate High School
Northgate High is one of the top-performing high schools in the East Bay, known for its academics, athletics, and college readiness programs. Homes in the Northgate area tend to command premium prices due to the school's strong reputation.
3. Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) – 9–12
For homes closer to Lafayette and the southern edge of Walnut Creek, high school students may attend:
Las Lomas High School, located near downtown Walnut Creek
Las Lomas is another high-achieving public high school and is well-regarded for both academics and extracurriculars.
Private School Options in Walnut Creek
In addition to strong public schools, Walnut Creek is home to several respected private and parochial schools that offer smaller class sizes, religious education, and specialized curriculums. These include:
De La Salle High School (Concord)
Carondelet High School
Berean Christian High School
Seven Hills School
Walnut Creek Christian Academy
Many families choose Walnut Creek for its access to both public and private educational paths, offering flexibility depending on your child’s learning style and goals.
How Schools Impact Real Estate Decisions
Schools have a significant impact on home values in Walnut Creek. Homes within the boundaries of top-rated schools—such as Northgate High or Walnut Heights Elementary—often sell faster and at higher prices. For buyers, this makes school research a vital part of the home search process. For sellers, it’s a key selling point to highlight in your listing.
Working with a local Walnut Creek real estate agent ensures you get accurate boundary information, district insights, and help identifying which neighborhoods align with your educational priorities.
Let’s Find a Home in Your Ideal School Zone
Whether you’re looking for a walkable neighborhood near top-rated schools, a quiet cul-de-sac near a private campus, or a property zoned for your preferred high school, I’m here to help you find the right fit.
Buying a home in Walnut Creek means access to some of the best educational resources in the East Bay. Let’s connect and start the search for a home that works for your family—now and in the future.