A great portion of the population moves to Lamorinda for its top ranked schools.  Pay attention to the elementary school boundaries when purchasing in Lafayette, Orinda or Moraga.  Even though a particular home is within a certain elementary school fringe, check with local school districts as to its impaction.  Many grade schools are overpopulated with incoming applicants and depending on how many families are moving into the area at a particular time, it is not uncommon for a child to attend an elementary school well outside its neighborhood.  I must say, however, that in my experience, the Orinda School District makes every attempt to accommodate and keep families together in one school. 

In our case, we have three children.  When relocating into the Orinda School District five years ago, we were faced the dilemma of having two children at Glorietta Elementary and one child at Wagner Ranch Elementary.  Fortunately, in the final hours, we received notice that all of our kids were admitted to Glorietta. 

In Middle School and High School, this should not be an issue.  But be prepared to produce a myriad of proof that you either own or rent within the district boundary lines.