Think every Los Altos address feeds the same schools? Not quite. City and school district lines do not always match, and capacity limits can affect placement. If schools matter to your move, you want clarity well before you write an offer. This guide shows you how to verify your assignment early, avoid surprises, and keep your closing on track. Let’s dive in.
Why verify your school district now
District boundaries follow addresses, not city names. The City of Los Altos notes that residents can fall into several possible districts, so you need to check the exact street number, not just the ZIP code or neighborhood. The city’s school districts page explains the mix that serves local homes.
Capacity and timing also matter. LASD warns that overflow placements and waitlists can occur, and transfer windows can be limited or closed in high-demand years. Policies change annually, so verify current rules before you rely on a transfer.
Who serves Los Altos addresses
- Los Altos School District (LASD) for most K–8. LASD runs neighborhood elementary and junior high schools and manages enrollment and residency verification. See LASD’s enrollment hub.
- Mountain View–Los Altos Union High School District (MVLA) for grades 9–12. High school assignment to Los Altos High or Mountain View High is based on address. Start at MVLA’s new student registration page.
- Other districts for some addresses. The city confirms that some Los Altos properties fall into neighboring elementary or high school districts. Always run an address lookup on official tools listed on the city’s school districts page.
- Charter option: Bullis Charter School (TK–8). As a county-authorized charter, Bullis runs its own open enrollment and lottery and may accept students regardless of residence. Review Bullis enrollment details and the county’s charter overview.
How assignment and enrollment work
Address-based boundaries
Your home address determines your school of residence. Some streets are split across districts, and assignments can vary by house number. MVLA provides an address lookup on its registration page. If your address is near a boundary, verify twice.
Proof of residency and documents
Districts require proof of age, immunizations, and residency to enroll. LASD publishes accepted documents and timelines on its enrollment page. MVLA lists required forms and immunization guidelines on its registration page.
Transfers and open enrollment
Open enrollment and transfers are not guaranteed. Acceptance depends on space, grade-level capacity, and board policy. LASD has stated it does not anticipate accepting interdistrict transfers for 2025–26, and MVLA runs limited transfer windows as posted on the MVLA registration page. Get written confirmation before you plan around a transfer.
Step-by-step verification checklist
- Use official tools first. Run the full street address through district locators. MVLA’s lookup is on the new student registration page. If LASD’s locator is unclear, move to step 2.
- Contact registrars for written confirmation. Email or call LASD enrollment and MVLA to request written assignment for your address and grade level. Use the LASD contact page and MVLA’s contacts on the registration page. Save names, dates, and emails.
- Confirm documents and timing. Ask which residency proofs are accepted and when they are due. Review LASD’s enrollment checklist and MVLA’s registration guidance. Gather birth and immunization records before closing.
- Ask about capacity and overflow. Confirm whether the assigned site typically has room for your grade level. LASD notes potential overflow to a school other than the residence school on its enrollment page.
- Consider charter options. If Bullis Charter School is of interest, check its timeline and lottery rules early at the Bullis enrollment page.
- Get it in writing for escrow. Request emailed confirmation of assignment for your file. If the district will not confirm until after move-in, note that risk in negotiations and contingencies.
- Re-verify after closing near boundaries. If your home is close to a boundary or you have a caregiver arrangement, review forms posted by MVLA at Los Altos High’s registration page and re-confirm once residency is final.
Timing and capacity to watch
- TK and kindergarten. LASD publishes priority windows and info nights for incoming families. Priority registration for 2024–25 closed in December, and new registrations are accepted year-round. Check the current year’s dates on LASD’s enrollment page.
- Transfer windows. MVLA posts discrete open enrollment periods that can occur as early as December. Dates change each year, so rely on the current MVLA registration page only.
- Capacity realities. Local schools often operate near capacity, and LASD notes possible overflow or waitlists. Early registration improves your placement odds.
Budget notes for buyers
Parcel taxes help fund local programs. A recent renewal approved by voters added a $295 annual parcel tax for LASD, as reported in the Palo Alto Daily Post. Confirm current rates with the district or county, and factor them into ownership costs for properties within LASD.
Programs and data to explore
Program offerings can be site-specific and may have their own application steps or limits. Review district pages for details and deadlines before you choose a home based on a program. For neutral performance context, explore public data such as the EdSource CAASPP results for Los Altos Elementary. Interpret data in context and confirm what matters most to your family.
Plan your move with confidence
When schools are a priority, early verification is a simple way to protect your plan and your purchase. Use the checklist, get confirmations in writing, and track deadlines. If you want a discreet, strategy-first approach to buying in Los Altos, connect with Stephanie Von Thaden for local guidance tailored to your family’s goals.
FAQs
How do I find which district serves a Los Altos address?
- Start with the city’s overview, then use MVLA’s address lookup and contact LASD for written confirmation. See the city page and MVLA’s registration page.
Can my child attend a school outside our assigned school of residence?
- Possibly, but transfers depend on space and policy. LASD and MVLA post rules and limited windows, and LASD noted no anticipated interdistrict transfers for 2025–26. Verify on LASD’s enrollment page and MVLA’s registration page.
What if we move to Los Altos midyear?
- Contact the district registrar immediately, confirm capacity at your assigned school, and gather required documents. If near a boundary or using a caregiver arrangement, review forms at Los Altos High’s registration page.
Does living in Los Altos guarantee LASD and Los Altos High placement?
- No. City and district lines do not fully align, and assignments are address-based. Confirm your exact address on the city’s school districts page and with district registrars.
What documents do I need to enroll a student?
- Expect proof of age, immunization records, and residency. Review current requirements on LASD’s enrollment page and MVLA’s registration page.
