Welcome to the Los Altos School District (LASD), where all of our elementary and junior high schools are ranked in the top 1% of more than 1000 school districts across California.  LASD is passionate about providing the best education possible for our students – one that shapes them into creative thinkers, collaborative problem solvers, and responsible young citizens. 

It's a Partnership

A key to LASD’s success is the vibrant partnerships and financial support from the Los Altos Educational Foundation (LAEF) and each school’s PTA.  Although LASD is one of the top-ranked school districts in California, state and local taxes alone do not provide adequate funding for the excellent education we want for our students. LAEF and the school PTAs raise funds each school year to help bridge the funding gap, giving LASD the additional resources they need to make our neighborhood schools strong.

LAEF and the PTAs are ONLY possible with your financial support!

About LAEF

A 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation led by parent volunteers, the Los Altos Educational Foundation raises funds from parents, the community, and corporate matching gifts to sustain and enrich LASD's excellent educational programs beyond what public funding provides. LAEF helps ensure that students in LASD receive a well-rounded, high-quality education. Every school in LASD has parent representatives volunteering on the LAEF Board.

What Does LAEF Fund?

LAEF will fund teachers for STEM, Wellness, Literacy, and Arts this school year. Your student and every student in our seven elementary schools and two junior high schools will benefit.  LAEF helps fill the gap in school funding from federal, state, and local sources and is the only way for parents to fund LASD teaching staff in our district. LAEF is also proud to co-sponsor the MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series.

Donate for the 2023-24 School Year

Donations to LAEF from parents like you ensure a high-quality education for every elementary and junior high school student in our district. Our 2023-24 goal is $2.9 million. The suggested annual donation is $1,400 per student or $140/month per student throughout the school year. Gifts of any amount are appreciated. Increase your impact by submitting for a corporate match. (Both parents can apply.)

Let's come together to provide an excellent and equitable education for all students in our district. Please support our schools this year as we bring our wonderful programs back on campus. Donate or Pledge to LAEF Today!

Join us!

LAEF welcomes new board members and other volunteers. Learn more about volunteering  or send us an email at admin@laefonline.org and let’s talk about what interests you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the PTAs and LAEF both raising money for the schools? 

A key to LASD’s success is the vibrant partnerships and financial support from the Los Altos Educational Foundation (LAEF) and each school’s PTA.  Although LASD is one of the top-ranked school districts in California, state and local taxes alone do not provide adequate funding for the excellent education we want for our students. LAEF and the school PTAs raise funds to help bridge the funding gap, giving LASD the additional resources they need to strengthen all our elementary and junior high schools.

• LAEF funds teachers and staff for STEM, Wellness, Literacy, and Arts at all LASD elementary and junior high schools. 
• PTA funds the equipment and supplies students need to learn as well as community enrichment.

LAEF and the PTAs are only possible with your financial support. 

Public Schools are Supposed to be Free. Why Should I Donate?

Many of us choose to live in the Los Altos School District for our great public schools, but educational excellence comes at a price. The funding we receive is far lower than other highly ranked school districts across the country. This is because California voters passed Proposition 13, a 1978 state measure that limits property tax increases, which caused a decline in funding for our schools. In our school district, the housing values are high but our effective property tax rate* is one of the lowest in the state due to the long-time homeownership common in our community. State and local taxes do not fully fund excellent public schools for our students.

We encourage parents and community members to donate to LAEF and fund the high-quality education we value. We believe that strong schools are the foundation of a thriving community. For more information, watch the 2-minute video "Funding an Excellent Public Education". * Jeff Collins, “California property tax quirk,” The Mercury News, December 1, 2016

Check out more Frequently Asked Questions