Laurel Elementary

Tucked into the quiet, tree-lined streets of Atherton — one of the Peninsula's most sought-after communities — Laurel Elementary consistently performs at the very top of California's elementary schools, with math and English scores that rival anything in the state. It's a natural draw for families who've settled in this corner of San Mateo County for the excellent schools and the peaceful, low-key atmosphere that somehow coexists with being minutes from Stanford and the heart of Silicon Valley. If you're raising kids in Atherton or nearby Menlo Park, Laurel is the kind of neighborhood school that lives up to its reputation.