Cupertino sits in the heart of Silicon Valley, a place known for shaping ideas that travel far beyond its borders. Families here value learning, innovation, and community, and the schools often reflect the same spirit. Within this setting, Cupertino Union School District has grown into a district that pays close attention to what students need today and what they will need years from now. Its work has not happened overnight. Instead, it has been shaped by steady progress, careful planning, and a belief that children learn best when the whole community supports them.
At its core, the district follows a simple idea captured in its motto, “Every Child, Each Child, Whole Child.” This idea sits beside four strategic priorities that guide its work: future-ready learning, strong community engagement, financial stability, and a sense of belonging for every student. These priorities come together in the Portrait of a CUSD Learner, which encourages students to think critically, communicate clearly, collaborate with others, and stay resilient and well.
Much of the district’s recent progress reflects these goals. It brought Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports to every school and expanded mental health and elementary music staffing. Class sizes were reduced, safety improvements were made, and solar energy systems were added across all sites. The community supported a $347 million bond, and employees received higher pay and full healthcare coverage. The district also shifted to basic aid funding, giving the community a stronger role in shaping the district’s financial future.
District Structure and Community
Cupertino Union School District serves about 13,500 students with support from nearly 1,800 staff members. The district includes 23 schools, with 13 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and one TK through eighth-grade alternative school. Its reach extends across six cities that share close ties with the district.
These include Cupertino, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Saratoga, Los Altos, and Santa Clara. The student community reflects the diversity of the region. Recent data shows a population that is largely Asian, along with White, Hispanic, and multiracial students. Many students are English learners or come from economically disadvantaged households.
Academic Programs and Student Achievement
CUSD offers a TK through eighth-grade curriculum built on the Common Core State Standards for English language arts, mathematics, and science. The district’s students continue to perform at a level that stands out across the county and the state. In 2024–25, 82.73% of students met or exceeded standards in English language arts, and 84.47% did the same in math.
Science results showed 75.36% meeting or exceeding expectations. These outcomes rise well above county and state averages. The district supports this work through data-driven practices, an MTSS framework, and personalized learning tools like iReady My Path for grades one through five.
Leadership and Their Message to Families
CUSD’s leadership continues to center its work on the idea that every child deserves full support. The message they share with families is clear and steady. They point to the district’s strong results in English language arts and math and remind families that high performance is only one part of the story.
Their focus on the Portrait of a CUSD Learner shows their commitment to preparing students for the future, not just for tests. They emphasize academic growth, emotional well-being, social development, and responsible planning that keeps the entire community involved.
Defining Educational Excellence
CUSD describes educational excellence through four clear priorities that guide its planning. The first is future-ready learning, supported by the Portrait of a CUSD Learner, which highlights skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, resilience, and global awareness.
The second is community-wide engagement, where students, staff, families, and community members work together toward shared goals. The third is fiscal responsibility, which ensures resources are used carefully to support student learning. The fourth is creating a genuine sense of belonging for every employee and student. These priorities shape the district’s strong results in English language arts and math.
Supporting Diverse Learners
CUSD’s student body reflects more than fifteen nationalities and over forty-five languages, so the district relies on strong systems to understand how every group is doing. It studies performance trends and provides targeted help where needed. Recent gains among Black, Hispanic, and Special Education students show the impact of this approach.
English Learners who later become fluent continue to excel, with more than ninety percent meeting or exceeding standards. The district also uses generative AI tools to support accessibility, translation, and personalized instruction. The Portrait of a Learner strengthens this work by teaching empathy, collaboration, and respect for all backgrounds.
Student Life and Enrichment
Life on CUSD campuses offers students many ways to learn beyond the classroom. Every school now runs the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, giving students structured support and enrichment after the regular day ends. The arts continue to grow, supported by eleven elementary music teachers.
Students also enjoy fresh, scratch-cooked meals, with universal breakfast and lunch available at no cost. A new bond will improve play spaces, fields, and food service areas. Clubs and after-school sports give students more chances to explore their interests. Community spirit shines through events like the annual CEEF and CUSD 5K, which bring families together.
District Leadership and Key Departments
CUSD’s work is guided by a five-member Board of Education that sets direction for the district. Daily operations are carried out by the Executive Cabinet, beginning with Superintendent Stacy Yao, who leads the system as a whole. The Deputy Superintendent provides executive support, while the Chief Business Officer oversees the district’s focus on financial responsibility.
Staffing and workplace culture are shaped by the Associate Superintendent of Human Resources. Technology efforts, including the AI plus CUSD initiative, are led by the Chief Technology Officer. Communication and nutrition services are managed by senior directors who keep families informed and students well supported.
Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity
CUSD strengthens equity by closely tracking student group progress and providing targeted help where gaps appear. Recent growth among Black, Hispanic, and Special Education students reflects this effort. The Portrait of a Learner reinforces inclusion by teaching empathy, teamwork, and respect.
Every school uses PBIS to support positive behavior, and the district’s mental health team now includes eighteen staff members. Access begins early, with at least two Transitional Kindergarten classes available at every attendance area school.
Student Support Services
CUSD focuses on support systems that strengthen both well-being and learning. The mental health team has grown to eighteen specialists, along with a dedicated Health Coordinator. Every school uses PBIS to guide positive behavior, and the MTSS framework helps staff identify academic needs early.
Students in grades one through five receive personalized help through iReady My Path. The district also highlights wellness as part of its learner portrait, encouraging healthy habits, strong relationships, and a balanced approach to school life.
Future Goals and Upcoming Initiatives
CUSD is preparing for the years ahead with a clear set of priorities. The district is moving forward with its AI plus CUSD plan, which focuses on guidance, learning, and long-term improvement. Instruction will continue to be shaped by data through the MTSS framework, along with personalized tools like iReady My Path and targeted professional development for staff.
The recently approved bond will support major upgrades across schools, including repairs, safety improvements, play areas, classrooms, building systems, and food service facilities.
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“Together, we will cultivate an environment where every student feels supported, valued, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.”
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