Real estate prices in Cupertino are likely to rise once again, and that has everything to do with the schools.

According to the 2003 Academic Performance Index base reports, Cupertino schools remain atop their counterparts in Santa Clara County.

The Cupertino Union School District was the third best-performing district in the county at 909 points, behind Los Altos Elementary at 947 and Saratoga Union Elementary at 943. Five Cupertino Union schools placed in the state's top 25 list, including Faria and Portal elementary schools, which were among the top five schools in the state.

For more information on test scores, visit the API online at www.cde.ca.gov/psaa/api/.

Council approves new KinderCare

The sound of children playing may now get louder on De Anza Boulevard, much to the consternation of some nearby residents.

At its March 8 meeting, the Cupertino City Council approved the building of a new KinderCare Learning Center at 1515 S. De Anza Blvd.

The planning commission had initially approved the project on Jan. 12, and that decision was appealed by residents on Jamestown Drive, which runs behind the rear of the property. At that time the residents requested a noise study, which city staff completed and addressed in a meeting with the neighborhood on Feb. 5.

The KinderCare applicant also appealed the planning-commission decision, saying that requested public improvements and parking conditions would cause financial hardships.

City council unanimously denied both appeals, upholding the planning commission's decision and allowing construction to go forward.