Kensington Elementary

Tucked into the quiet, wooded hills just north of Berkeley, Kensington Elementary draws families who want that small-town feel without straying far from the East Bay's vibrant culture — the kind of place where kids walk to school and neighbors actually know each other's names. Academics here are genuinely strong across the board, with English, math, and science scores all landing in the top tier statewide, making it a natural fit for families who prioritize rigorous learning in a close-knit setting. Kensington itself is one of those rare unincorporated pockets that feels almost intentionally preserved — leafy streets, easy access to Tilden Regional Park, and a community that tends to be deeply invested in its schools.