Surprise! Schools in Lamorinda are among the nation’s best.

The latest to point out this fact is San Francisco-based greatschools.org, which provides an online director of schools throughout the United States and a variety of resources for parents. They, and Forbes.com, have listed Moraga among its “Top Cities to Live and Learn“:

The district’s API score of 945 placed them in the top 2 percent statewide, with Campolindo High School (CHS) ranking #86 nationally in US News & World Report. CHS offers video production and digital photography classes, as well as great sports opportunities. The 2010 girls volleyball team was tops in the Golden State, and Olympic star Matt Biondi grew his fins on the school’s buoyant swim team.

That API number is for the Moraga School District, which, ironically, does not include Campolindo (which has an API of 920).

The Bay Area as a whole is also listed among four “Clusters of Excellence” for 2011, with Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda mentioned specifically:

Community fundraising plays a big part, too. Orinda‘s Educational Foundation contributes about a million to the school district, funding enlightening assets like the library, language electives, and music, art, and environmental programs in its elementary schools.

Other “Clusters of Excellence” include “The Connecticut Panhandle,” and the greater Boston area and the greater Cleveland (The Cleve!) area.