96%. This is the percentage of graduates from Fairmont Preparatory Academy in Anaheim who have applied to and received acceptance notifications from the top 100 universities in the United States. There is a reason I present this number first. Many people ask during consultations whether school districts and home prices truly correlate, and when we compare the performance of this school with nearby home prices, that relationship becomes clearer.

Fairmont Prep is a private school located in Anaheim, recognized as an IB World School and offering 24 AP courses as part of its college preparatory program. The annual tuition is approximately $32,446, and the previously mentioned 96% acceptance rate includes prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, UCLA, New York University, and USC. The source is Private School Review and the school's official website, with data as of 2026.

Now, let's look at home prices. According to Zillow, as of June 30, 2026, the average home value in Anaheim is $954,662, which is a 1.5% increase over the past year. The median sale price based on recent transactions is reported to be between $912,000 and $956,000. Anaheim is a city with significant price variations depending on the neighborhood, so it's important to note that there can be considerable differences even within the same city.

Why should we consider these two numbers together, the 96% college acceptance rate and the home price in the $950,000 range? While attending a private school does not guarantee automatic admission based on living in a specific neighborhood, many families first look at neighborhoods near the school for convenience. Therefore, having both the school's performance and nearby home prices in mind makes it much easier to calculate budget and commuting conditions later on.

So, do school districts and home prices really correlate? It is difficult to definitively say they do. While there is a clear tendency for higher demand and thus higher home prices in neighborhoods with better school ratings, there are cases where assigned schools can differ even with just one road separating them within the same district. Therefore, it is essential to verify the assigned school based on the actual address rather than relying solely on numbers.

If the tuition of $32,446 is a burden for a family, another option is to look for neighborhoods with high-rated public schools. Some families choose to allocate that amount towards their housing budget instead of private school tuition, aiming to purchase a home in a good school district. Which option is best depends on each family's priorities, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

While Anaheim is well-known for its theme parks, it actually has distinct areas for resorts and residential neighborhoods. The area where schools and quiet residential areas are located should be viewed as a different living environment from tourist attractions, and even within Anaheim, home prices and atmosphere can vary greatly depending on the area. When viewing properties, it is advisable to check the assigned school based on the address and the commuting routes.

For families moving to Anaheim from other states, it is also good to be aware that California's property tax assessment method may differ from their previous residence. In California, property taxes are based on the purchase price, and there are limits on how much they can increase afterward. For those accustomed to different methods in other states, calculating tax items in advance can help ensure a stable home purchase.

In summary, after verifying the 96% college acceptance rate and the home price in the $950,000 range, it seems realistic to prioritize based on our family's budget and preferences. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to confirm with both real estate professionals and school admissions offices before proceeding with any contracts or enrollment processes.