Menlo Park Homes
Menlo Park, California: An Analytical Deep Dive into America's Most Prestigious Real Estate Market
Menlo Park, California, represents far more than a concentration of wealth; it is a carefully cultivated residential enclave shaped by both history and strategic growth. From its 19th-century origins to its modern status as home to tech innovators and venture capitalists, the city exemplifies a balance of suburban tranquility and economic dynamism. Its neighborhoods, from Allied Arts to Sharon Heights, combine architectural pedigree with mature tree-lined streets, fostering both aesthetic charm and exclusivity. Elite public and private schools act as a primary driver for residency among affluent families, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a family-oriented hub.
The real estate market is defined by limited inventory, where micro-neighborhood nuances, lot sizes, and architectural distinction often outweigh headline prices. Proximity to Sand Hill Road and Silicon Valley offices creates a symbiotic relationship between lifestyle and economic opportunity. Civic planning, parks, and cultural amenities enhance community cohesion, while boutique shopping and fine dining provide a sophisticated complement to suburban calm. Success in Menlo Park’s market requires advisors who combine deep local knowledge with transactional expertise. Ultimately, Menlo Park stands as a model of how strategic community design and economic opportunity coalesce into enduring residential desirability.
Section I: The Genesis of Exclusivity: A Historical Perspective
From Rancho de las Pulgas to Menlo Park: The Founding Vision of a Residential Hub
The origins of Menlo Park trace back to the early 1850s, when the land formed part of the vast Spanish land grant Rancho de las Pulgas. Initially, the area was sparsely settled, largely farmland and orchards, with a few scattered homesteads serving as country retreats for San Francisco families seeking relief from urban life. The strategic location along El Camino Real and, later, the Southern Pacific Railroad, provided critical connectivity to the city, setting the stage for Menlo Park’s transformation from agricultural hinterland to a suburban residential destination.
The Influence of the Railroad and San Francisco's Gilded Age Elite
The establishment of a train stop in the area catalyzed its growth, attracting influential families who built estates along the peninsula. The railroad enabled a practical weekend and seasonal escape for wealthy San Franciscans, who appreciated both the accessibility and the seclusion Menlo Park offered. Estates such as the Flood and Atherton holdings provided a model for residential development, where large plots, gardens, and privacy were prioritized over commercial pursuits. These early settlers codified a vision of a community centered on tranquility, aesthetic refinement, and exclusivity.
Incorporation and the Enduring Legacy of "Residential-Only" Zoning
Menlo Park formally incorporated in 1874, in part to create a governance framework capable of preserving the residential and semi-rural character envisioned by its founding families. The city established zoning ordinances that limited industrial and commercial encroachment, a decision that continues to define its landscape. From its inception, Menlo Park balanced accessibility with exclusivity, allowing the growth of affluent residential neighborhoods without sacrificing proximity to San Francisco or later, the emerging technology centers along the peninsula.
Key Figures and Founding Estates: The DNA of Menlo Park's Landscape
Menlo Park’s origins are intertwined with the ambitions of early landowners who recognized the peninsula’s potential as a haven for the Bay Area elite. One pivotal figure was Dennis J. Oliver, an entrepreneur and land speculator who, along with his contemporaries in the 1850s, acquired vast tracts along the San Francisco Peninsula. These holdings laid the groundwork for the city’s transformation from agricultural estates to a suburban enclave. Similarly, Charles E. Greene, an influential landholder, established one of the earliest country residences near what is now the Sharon Heights area, signaling the region’s appeal as a retreat for wealthy San Franciscans seeking pastoral estates within commuting distance of the city.
The ethos of Menlo Park’s early developers—to cultivate a community of generous, exclusively residential parcels—continues to shape land use and property values today. While the grand estates of the late 19th and early 20th centuries were gradually subdivided from the 1920s through the 1960s, the principle of expansive lots endured. This progression transformed the landscape from sprawling aristocratic manors to a well-planned suburban fabric of roughly 5,500 households on sizable, private properties, preserving the founding vision while accommodating modern residential needs.
Section II: The Menlo Park Lifestyle: An Ecosystem of Privacy, Prestige, and Connectivity
A Community Defined by Selective Residential Zoning: The Strategic Presence and Absence of Commerce
Menlo Park’s lifestyle is shaped by a careful equilibrium between accessibility and exclusivity. Unlike Atherton’s fully residential model, Menlo Park blends residential neighborhoods with curated commercial corridors, yet still cultivates pockets of profound tranquility. Its most prestigious areas—such as Sharon Heights, Felton Gables, and the neighborhoods surrounding Oak Grove and Laurel—retain a strong sense of privacy, largely insulated from traffic and dense development. Here, value is derived not only from what the community offers—excellent schools, tree-lined streets, and proximity to job centers—but also from what it limits: unrestricted development, congestion, and intrusive commercial expansion.
While Menlo Park hosts shopping districts such as downtown, Santa Cruz Avenue, and the Allied Arts area, these centers are intentionally scaled and architecturally harmonious, creating a blend of convenience without compromising residential serenity. This selective approach ensures that residents enjoy both connectivity to Silicon Valley’s economic hubs and a distinctive suburban calm. In effect, Menlo Park offers a lifestyle defined by proximity without the chaos of urban density—a curated ecosystem where privacy, prestige, and convenience coexist in rare equilibrium.
The Social and Recreational Epicenters: Burgess Park, Sharon Heights, and the Menlo Polo Club
In Menlo Park, social life is similarly anchored by carefully curated public and private institutions. Burgess Park, a 16-acre municipal green space in the heart of the city, serves as a central community gathering point. Featuring baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and walking trails, it hosts local events, seasonal festivals, and community traditions such as the annual summer concert series, providing a hub for interaction across neighborhoods while reinforcing Menlo Park’s civic identity.
For the city’s more exclusive circles, the Menlo Polo Club and select private country clubs act as the epicenters of elite social and recreational life. Established on former estate lands in the early 20th century, these institutions preserve the connection to Menlo Park’s pastoral and aristocratic heritage. Offering equestrian arenas, polo fields, tennis facilities, and fine dining, they cultivate a lifestyle that blends leisure, sport, and social networking—continuing a tradition of private, members-only spaces that mirror the founding vision of a community defined by both prestige and privacy.
The Symbiotic Relationship with Silicon Valley:A Residential Haven for Innovators
Menlo Park functions as a strategic residential hub for the global technology ecosystem. The city benefits from the economic vitality of Silicon Valley while maintaining a balance of residential serenity, carefully scaled commercial zones, and tree-lined neighborhoods that buffer the pressures of urban density. Its prime location—adjacent to Sand Hill Road, Stanford University, and the corporate headquarters of Facebook (Meta), Google, and other tech leaders—places it at the center of venture capital and technological innovation without compromising its suburban calm.
This proximity has cemented Menlo Park as a preferred enclave for entrepreneurs, executives, and investors seeking both accessibility and discretion. Its distinguished residents have included venture capitalists, tech founders, and executives from global firms, all drawn by the city’s combination of elite schools, quiet neighborhoods, and a lifestyle that allows them to live moments away from the innovation hubs that drive the modern economy. Menlo Park offers these influential figures the rare convergence of privacy, prestige, and connectivity—a residential ecosystem in which the rhythms of Silicon Valley innovation meet the tranquility of a thoughtfully curated suburban environment.
Architectural Tapestry: From Historic Revivals to Contemporary Masterpieces
The built environment of Menlo Park is a reflection of both its historical roots and its evolution as a modern, high-value residential enclave. The city’s neighborhoods are characterized by gently curving streets, mature tree canopies, and a mix of lot sizes that range from modest single-family parcels to expansive estates, particularly in Sharon Heights, Felton Gables, and other prestigious areas. Native oaks, redwoods, and ornamental plantings contribute to a verdant, park-like atmosphere, enhancing both privacy and aesthetic appeal while buffering the residential streets from commercial thoroughfares. Zoning regulations in these neighborhoods generally enforce generous minimum lot sizes, preserving spaciousness even as the city accommodates modern development pressures.
Menlo Park’s architectural landscape is both historically grounded and dynamically evolving. Early 20th-century homes reflect revivalist styles—Tudor, Colonial, Mediterranean, and Craftsman—that speak to the city’s suburban heritage. These historic residences coexist alongside Modern and Contemporary homes, often new constructions featuring open floor plans, expansive walls of glass, and thoughtful integration with natural surroundings. This stylistic diversity creates a visually rich urban fabric, allowing homeowners to express individuality while maintaining the neighborhood’s overarching prestige. To further support privacy, Menlo Park’s regulations offer flexibility in landscaping, fencing, and screening, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a sanctuary for residents who value both aesthetic distinction and seclusion.
Section III: The Pillars of Value: An Analysis of Menlo Park’s Educational Landscape
An Overview of Menlo Park’s Public and Private School Ecosystem
The quality of Menlo Park’s educational institutions is a central driver of the city’s residential appeal and real estate values. The city is served by several highly regarded public school districts, including the Menlo Park City School District, the Ravenswood City School District (for certain neighborhoods), and the Sequoia Union High School District. Standout public schools include Oak Knoll Elementary, Laurel School, Hillview Middle School, and Menlo-Atherton High School, each of which consistently earns top-tier rankings from Niche.com and other independent evaluators. These schools are recognized not only for academic excellence but also for robust extracurricular programs, college matriculation rates, and community engagement.
Despite the strength of Menlo Park’s public schools, a significant proportion of families—roughly 45–50% of K–12 students—opt for private education. This far exceeds the California state average of 10% and underscores the premium that local residents place on elite educational pathways. Private institutions in the area, such as Castilleja, Sacred Heart, Menlo School, and St. Raymond, offer rigorous academics, personalized attention, and extensive extracurricular programs that appeal to affluent, education-focused families. The presence of these schools creates a reinforcing cycle: high-quality education attracts wealthy, highly educated families; their enrollment and contributions enhance the schools’ resources and reputation; and the city’s property values are bolstered by this ecosystem of academic prestige. In Menlo Park, purchasing a home is therefore not solely an acquisition of real estate—it is an investment in a comprehensive lifestyle defined by educational excellence, social networks, and generational opportunity.
In Focus: Castilleja School – A Launchpad for Academic and Leadership Excellence
Castilleja School, located just a few minutes from Menlo Park in nearby Palo Alto, serves grades 6–12 and is recognized as one of California’s most prestigious all-girls college preparatory schools. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum, small class sizes, and student-centered learning, Castilleja emphasizes intellectual curiosity, leadership development, and social responsibility. With a student-teacher ratio of approximately 8:1 and annual tuition exceeding $60,000, the school provides a highly personalized and resource-rich environment that attracts families who prioritize elite education.
Academically, Castilleja students consistently achieve top-tier results, with an average SAT score exceeding 1450 and ACT scores above 33. The school offers more than 30 AP and Honors courses, alongside specialized programs in STEM, arts, and humanities. Signature initiatives, such as the Global Scholars Program and Innovation Lab, provide hands-on, project-based learning that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Graduates routinely matriculate to leading universities, including Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Ivy League institutions, reflecting the school’s unparalleled preparation for higher education.
In Focus: Menlo School – Academic Rigor and a Gateway to Elite Universities
Menlo School, serving students in grades 6–12, is highly sought after by Menlo Park families seeking a rigorous and well-rounded college preparatory experience. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1 and a curriculum that includes over 40 advanced courses, Menlo School balances depth in STEM, humanities, and the arts with hands-on programs such as Applied Science Research and Biotechnology Research. Its students consistently achieve SAT scores above 1440 and ACT scores of 33, with a 100% graduation rate and more than 95% matriculating to four-year colleges, including top-tier universities across the U.S.
The academic program emphasizes depth and challenge, offering more than 40 advanced courses in the Upper School, including specialized programs such as Applied Science Research and Biotechnology Research. Students consistently achieve exceptional standardized test results, with an average SAT score of 1440 and an average ACT score of 33, and the school maintains a near-perfect graduation rate. College matriculation is a key measure of Menlo School’s success: graduates routinely gain admission to Stanford, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and Ivy League institutions including Yale, Brown, and Columbia.
The Educational Premium: How Top-Tier Schools Drive Real Estate Valuations
In Menlo Park, access to high-performing schools is a primary driver of residential desirability and property values. Families seeking both academic excellence and long-term investment potential prioritize proximity to schools with strong reputations, rigorous curricula, and a track record of student success. Schools also serve as social and community anchors, hosting events, athletic competitions, and parent organizations that help knit neighborhoods together. The result is a self-reinforcing cycle: highly rated schools attract affluent, education-focused families, whose presence and contributions enhance school quality, which in turn maintains strong property values across Menlo Park’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Hillview Middle School
Grades Served: 6–8
Type: Public
Niche.com Grade: A+
Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
Key Academic Programs: Gifted and Talented Education (GATE), STEM initiatives, robust arts and athletics
Feeder School: Menlo-Atherton High School
Oak Knoll Elementary School
Grades Served: K–5
Type: Public
Niche.com Grade: A+
Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
Key Academic Programs: Advanced literacy and math programs, enrichment in arts, music, and STEM
Laurel School
Grades Served: K–5
Type: Public
Niche.com Grade: A+
Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Key Academic Programs: Strong academic foundation, enrichment programs, community engagement
Section IV: Deconstructing the Nation's Premier Real Estate Market
Menlo Park Market Dynamics: A Quantitative Analysis (2020–2025)
Menlo Park’s real estate market is consistently ranked among Silicon Valley’s most desirable and expensive residential areas, driven by proximity to Stanford University, Sand Hill Road, and major tech hubs. Over the five-year period from 2020 to 2025, the median price per square foot has appreciated at an effective annual rate of approximately 5.2%, while the preceding decade saw an annual increase of 4.9%. This trajectory reflects a market defined by sustained, stable growth, attracting buyers seeking long-term wealth preservation alongside lifestyle advantages.
Key Performance Indicators (Q3 2025): Price, Velocity, and Inventory
An examination of recent market data from the third quarter of 2025 reveals a complex and nuanced environment.
Pricing: The median sale price in Menlo Park during Q3 2025 was roughly $3.4 million. As a medium-volume market with a mix of historic homes, modern rebuilds, and luxury estates, the median is influenced by the specific homes transacting each month. Average listing prices hover near $4.1 million, while the median price per square foot is approximately $1,450, reflecting the city’s blend of established neighborhoods and newer developments.
Velocity: Homes in Menlo Park have a median Days on Market (DOM) of 32–35 days, slightly faster than neighboring high-end towns due to a broader buyer pool. Well-priced homes in sought-after neighborhoods can go into contract within a week, while ultra-luxury or historic estates may take 60–90 days due to a more selective buyer audience.
Negotiability: The market is moderately competitive. On average, homes sell for 98–99% of their list price, though roughly 30–40% of transactions involve some price negotiation. Expert pricing strategy remains critical, as overpricing is consistently penalized, particularly for homes in the mid-$2–5 million range.
Neighborhood Micro-Markets: Sharon Heights, Felton Gables, Allied Arts
Sharon Heights: Considered the most prestigious enclave within Menlo Park, characterized by large, flat lots, mature landscaping, and custom-built estates. Median sale prices are around $6–7 million, with homes offering proximity to Sand Hill Road, Stanford, and elite schools. Privacy and architectural distinction define this neighborhood.
Felton Gables: Known for its tree-lined streets and mid-century to contemporary homes, this neighborhood offers a quiet, residential atmosphere while maintaining convenient access to downtown Menlo Park. Median prices range from $3.5–5 million.
Allied Arts District: Distinguished by historic homes, including Mediterranean and Tudor revival styles, and a strong sense of community. Homes typically sell in the $3–4.5 million range, combining charm, accessibility, and proximity to city amenities.
Comparative Market Analysis: Menlo Park vs. Woodside vs. Los Altos Hills
The choice between Silicon Valley's three most elite residential enclaves is often less about finances—all are prohibitively expensive—and more about lifestyle and self-identity. Each town possesses a distinct personality that attracts a different segment of the ultra-luxury market.
Menlo Park: Offers a blend of prestige and accessibility. The city appeals to tech executives, entrepreneurs, and families who desire high-quality schools, convenience to Sand Hill Road, and a mix of historic and modern homes. Lot sizes are generally smaller than Atherton (0.25–1.5 acres), creating a balance between privacy and livability.
Woodside: Represents "old hidden money" and a more understated form of luxury. It is defined by a rural, equestrian-friendly culture, with larger, more secluded estates (some exceeding 100 acres) tucked away in rolling hills and redwood forests. Privacy and a connection to nature are the paramount values here.
Los Altos Hills: Is known for its bucolic, orchard-like terrain and grand homes that often command breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay. Like Woodside, it has strict zoning that preserves its rural charm, but its location offers a different vantage point and feel, attracting those who value scenic tranquility and privacy.
Atherton
Dominant Vibe/Culture: Accessible luxury, tech executive families, education-focused
Typical Lot Size: 0.25–1.5 acres
Topography: Gently rolling, tree-lined, suburban
Proximity to Urban Centers: Excellent; near Palo Alto, Stanford, Sand Hill Road
Architectural Style: Historic Revivals, Mid-Century, Contemporary, Modern Estates
Median Sale Price (Q3 2025): ~$3.4M
Key Differentiator: Balance of prestige, accessibility, and strong school networks
Woodside
Dominant Vibe/Culture: Understated luxury, “Old Hidden Money,” equestrian, rural
Typical Lot Size: Larger parcels, some 100+ acres
Topography: Rolling hills, redwood forests, canyons
Proximity to Urban Centers: More secluded; offers an “escape” from the tech world
Architectural Style: Country estates, ranch-style homes, custom builds integrated with nature
Median Sale Price (Q3 2025): ~$4.0M (based on limited data)
Key Differentiator: The ultimate sanctuary for privacy and nature
Los Altos Hills
Dominant Vibe/Culture: Scenic tranquility, Bay views, bucolic privacy
Typical Lot Size: Large lots, strong focus on preserving open space
Topography: Rolling hills, sweeping views, orchard-like terrain
Proximity to Urban Centers: Excellent; offers sweeping views above Silicon Valley
Architectural Style: Grand custom homes designed to maximize views
Median Sale Price (Q3 2025): ~$4.2M (based on limited data)
Key Differentiator: The ultimate vista for views and serenity
Section V: Navigating the Apex of the Market: The Boyenga Team Advantage
The Modern Standard for Luxury Representation: The "Property Nerds" Philosophy
In a sophisticated, data-driven market like Menlo Park, success requires more than traditional real estate brokerage. It demands a precise, analytical, and highly strategic approach. This is the foundation of the Boyenga Team, led by Eric and Janelle Boyenga, who have been operating as the "original Silicon Valley Real Estate Team since 1996." Their brand is built upon a "Property Nerds" ethos—a meticulous, data-first methodology that always prioritizes the client’s best interests.
This philosophy resonates perfectly with Menlo Park’s clientele, which includes tech executives, entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists who approach high-stakes decisions with rigor and logic. By embracing technology, analytics, and a deep attention to detail, the Boyenga Team speaks the native language of this demographic. Their motto, "We Engineer Happiness," reframes real estate as an optimized solution to a complex financial and lifestyle decision rather than a mere transaction.
A Data-Driven, Tech-Forward Marketing Arsenal for Sellers
The Boyenga Team deploys a cutting-edge suite of real estate technologies to prepare, market, and sell luxury Menlo Park properties:
Intelligent Digital Marketing: Targeted campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms leverage advanced performance optimization to reach both active and passive buyers.
High-Impact Visuals: Best-in-class photography, aerial drone shots, and Matterport 3D tours ensure properties make a flawless first impression.
Discreet Representation: For high-profile clients, privacy is paramount. The team expertly markets listings through Compass Private Exclusives and its extensive off-market network.
The Compass Concierge Edge: Maximizing Value with Zero Upfront Cost
The Boyenga Team’s seller clients benefit from the Compass Concierge program, which fronts the costs of home improvements—including staging, painting, flooring, and cosmetic renovations—at zero interest and no upfront fees. Expert project management ensures that each investment maximizes the property’s value, transforming the agent-client relationship into a true strategic partnership. This approach consistently results in faster sales and higher prices.
Strategic Acquisition and Negotiation for Buyers in a Competitive Arena
For buyers navigating Menlo Park’s competitive market, the Boyenga Team provides unmatched access and insight. Decades of experience yield encyclopedic knowledge of neighborhoods, school districts, and market data. Most critically, they connect buyers to coveted off-market and private listings, a vital advantage in Menlo Park’s low-inventory environment. Clients consistently praise their negotiation acumen, responsiveness, and ability to make complex, high-value transactions seamless and stress-free.
A Legacy of Success: Case Studies and Client Testimonials
The Boyenga Team’s results speak for themselves: over $2.1 billion in sales across more than 1,950 transactions, with consistent recognition by the Wall Street Journal as one of the Top 100 Realtor® Teams in the U.S. Notable Menlo Park transactions include multi-million-dollar estates in Sharon Heights, Felton Gables, and the Allied Arts district, reflecting both their strategic insight and deep market expertise. Five-star client reviews consistently highlight their professionalism and meticulous attention to detail. One client remarked, "Eric's market analysis and neighborhood expertise were invaluable, and Janelle’s management of the listing process was seamless and stress-free." In Menlo Park, where access, discretion, and strategic insight define luxury real estate, the Boyenga Team’s combination of data-driven methodology, tech-forward marketing, and personal attention ensures clients achieve optimal results, whether buying or selling.
For Sellers: Maximizing Sale Price
Boyenga Team Solution: Strategic pre-listing home improvements and data-driven pricing analysis
Key Differentiator/Program: Compass Concierge – fronts costs for high-ROI renovations with $0 upfront cost or interest
For Sellers: Minimizing Hassle
Boyenga Team Solution: Full-service project management for renovations, staging, and marketing
Key Differentiator/Program: End-to-End Service – the team handles everything from contractor coordination to closing logistics, ensuring a seamless experience
For Sellers: Ensuring Privacy
Boyenga Team Solution: Targeted marketing to qualified buyers through a private network
Key Differentiator/Program: Private Exclusives – access to Compass's off-market platform and the team’s private network for discreet transactions
For Buyers: Access to Inventory
Boyenga Team Solution: Deep network connections and proprietary platform access
Key Differentiator/Program: Off-Market Listings – providing buyers with opportunities not available on the public market
For Buyers: Expert Negotiation
Boyenga Team Solution: Decades of experience and data-backed negotiation strategies
Key Differentiator/Program: “Property Nerds” Analytics – using market data and analytics to craft winning offers and secure favorable terms
For Buyers: Deep Market Knowledge
Boyenga Team Solution: Specialized expertise in Silicon Valley neighborhoods, schools, and zoning
Key Differentiator/Program: Local Expertise, Global Reach – in-depth local knowledge combined with the marketing power of a national brand
For Fiduciaries/Trusts
Boyenga Team Solution: Extensive experience with complex family trusts and estate transitions
Key Differentiator/Program: Specialized Fiduciary Services – navigating the unique legal, financial, and emotional requirements of trust and probate sales
The Future of Menlo Park Real Estate and the Imperative of Expert Guidance
Menlo Park’s real estate market is the product of decades of deliberate development, a strategic balance between accessibility, prestige, and proximity to Silicon Valley’s innovation hubs. Its desirability is not accidental—it stems from a combination of highly rated public and private schools, carefully maintained neighborhoods, and convenient access to Sand Hill Road, Stanford University, and major tech centers. The city has cultivated a reputation as a residential haven for executives, entrepreneurs, and families seeking both lifestyle and investment security.
Looking forward, Menlo Park faces pressures common to all high-demand Silicon Valley markets. Limited inventory, rising regulatory demands, and changing buyer expectations could influence development patterns and property valuations. Preserving the city’s character while accommodating evolving market dynamics will require sophisticated strategy, careful valuation, and deep local insight.
For buyers and sellers, the stakes are significant. Menlo Park’s market is competitive but nuanced: micro-neighborhoods such as Sharon Heights, Felton Gables, and the Allied Arts district differ widely in lot size, architectural style, school access, and lifestyle appeal. Superficial market analysis can be misleading, and small differences in property condition or positioning can translate into substantial financial outcomes. Success in Menlo Park real estate demands more than transactional expertise—it requires a partnership with a team that understands the city’s history, culture, and neighborhood DNA. Navigating this complex market effectively entails access to off-market opportunities, mastery of local valuation trends, and strategic negotiation skills. In Menlo Park, as in Atherton, expert guidance is not a luxury—it is an essential component for achieving optimal results in a high-stakes environment.