A few weeks ago, school started back up. The buses collected students of all ages, kids walked to school in clusters, the drop-off lines formed, and that familiar back-to-school energy settled over town. It's one of those Moraga rituals that's easy to take for granted — and worth pausing to appreciate.

Because what's happening here is genuinely uncommon. The vast majority of Moraga kids attend public school right here in town, growing up as neighbors, connected through shared classrooms and shared experiences. In many communities, that kind of connection has been lost — kids scattered to various private schools, families less rooted to one another. Moraga has held onto something rare, and it takes real investment to keep it.

That's where the Moraga Education Foundation comes in. All year long — from July through June — residents invest in local schools through MEF's Annual Giving Campaign. And each fall, during MEF’s Week of Giving, the whole community comes together to highlight the need, celebrate the impact, and rally around the schools.

The need is real. Despite the quality of Moraga's schools, they are among the lowest-funded in California. Even with local parcel taxes, the Moraga School District receives $5,272 less per student than the average elementary district in the state; Campolindo receives $3,924 less per student than the average high school district. MEF strives to fill that gap, funding the people and programs that make a real difference in the quality of education students in Moraga receive. Thanks to the community investment, Moraga’s schools rank among the best, and our town is a destination for families looking to grow roots. 

This year during the MEF Week of Giving (September 7-13), consider investing in what makes this town special. Whether you have kids in school now, feel gratitude for the education your alumni children or you yourself received, want to support your property values, or just want to be a part of maintaining the legacy of excellence that generations of residents have built, you can make your investment in Moraga’s public schools by donating to MEF at moragaeducation.org. 

And on Wednesday morning of Week of Giving - September 9th - before the school bell rings - drive by Camino Pablo, Los Perales, Rheem, JM, or Campo and see all of the students out with signs thanking you for your support. Give them a wave and a honk and enjoy a little bit of what makes Moraga so special.