Schools in Walnut Creek and Lafayette

I've been searching on BPN for the latest reviews but just found the ones that are a few years old. I am hoping to crowdsource some knowledge, as I am a bit overwhelmed with searching online, chatting with friends and deciding what's best for our daughter. She goes to kindergarten next year. I'm interested in hearing people's experiences with Walnut Creek and Lafayette elementary schools. We currently live in Berkeley, my husband works in Walnut Creek, we are considering the move. We heard great things about the schools, Lafayette seems to have better schools, but we are new to the area and don't know much about any of them.

We are a bilingual household, would love to keep a second language in place, if possible.  The culture of the schools is also important for us --are they respectful, warm, and inclusive or more toward the mean end of the spectrum? Do the kids come to love learning? I would love for her to continue to develop, build new friendships, learn and be part of a great community.

Thank you in advance for any info you can share. Giselle

Parent Replies

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Hi Giselle,

Our daughter has only been attending Happy Valley School in Lafayette for a few weeks, but she really loves it.  The staff are great, the school does teach them about being good citizens.  My husband's older kids also attended Lafayette schools and they loved them.  My daughter has made a lot of new friends and it is a great community for the parents, too.

Good luck!

Hi Giselle,

You don't mention the second language that you are hoping to keep, but one of the public elementary schools in Walnut Creek has a Spanish-English dual immersion program. The school is Bancroft Elementary school & it is located near Treat & Bancroft. It is part of Mt Diablo Unified School District. I had children at another elementary in WC & I like Bancroft better for diversity and inclusivity. My daughter loves the program, her teachers & her friends.

Good luck!

I am in a very similar position and would love to hear up-to-date advice. Also any thoughts on deciding between Tice Creek and Parkmead (should we end up there) would be much appreciated. Thanks!