Here are a few of the best private schools where you can send your children. These partners offer high quality education covering a wide range of subjects to help prepare your kids for the world.
Read our comprehensive guide to private schools in Marin and beyond here.
Interested in how some of these local schools are incorporating AI into their curriculum? Click here.
Saint Patrick School
Inspiring Smart Minds and Kind Hearts
Our educational environment consists of an innovative curriculum which cultivates engaged learners and encourages students to work to their full potential. Our school community fosters an enthusiasm for learning and inspires students to be critical thinkers who lead with compassion.
We believe that a partnership with parents helps our teachers motivate our children in developing their unique talents and gifts with confidence which prepares them for success in premier high schools.
We invite you to tour St. Patrick School to learn about our programs and to hear about how we partner with the parent community to educate the whole child.
Together, we help our children grow to be STAR students.
- Skilled Learners – Thoughtful Individuals
- Active Christians – Responsible Citizens
120 King Street, Larkspur, CA 415.924.0501
San Domenico School
174-Year Legacy of Providing an Exceptional Education
Since 1850, San Domenico has placed exceptional education, meaning, and purpose at its core. Our rigorous curriculum supports the traditional measure of academic success, yielding high student GPAs along with entrances to top universities around the globe. However, at SD, we also believe that when students develop a deeper sense of purpose, their academic engagement increases, as do their well-being and resilience. This focus on purpose-driven learning is critical in today’s world, creating the changemakers and leaders who can confidently share their voices and talents with their teachers and peers.
As Marin County’s only K-12 school, with an international boarding program for high school, we are proud to offer an exceptional education for students from all over the San Francisco Bay Area at our bucolic 515-acre campus. Our rich heritage creates an unparalleled environment for students to learn and grow.
1500 Butterfield Road, San Anselmo, CA 415.258.1905
Landmark College Success Center
Supporting Students Who Learn Differently
Four years ago, Landmark College established a Success Center in San Mateo to support neurodiverse teens, young adults, and adults with executive function and social skills development. Learning specialists meet one-on-one or in group sessions to help clients achieve goals tailored to their wants and needs. Sessions take place either in-person at their space on the campus of Stanbridge Academy or online. Individuals do not need to be enrolled in a Landmark College program to access Success Center services.
Four years ago, Landmark College established a Success Center in San Mateo to support neurodiverse teens, young adults, and adults with executive function and social skills development. Learning specialists meet one-on-one or in group sessions to help clients achieve goals tailored to their wants and needs. Sessions take place either in-person at their space on the campus of Stanbridge Academy or online. Individuals do not need to be enrolled in a Landmark College program to access Success Center services.
As the College expanded its online offerings to include dual enrollment courses for high school students and associate degrees, there was a need for “micro-campuses” that provide similar support in different time zones. The high concentration of interest in Landmark College’s programs from the California Bay Area made it a natural location to establish the first Success Center, but additional locations are being explored.
Visit the Landmark College website to download a free brochure or contact the Success Center staff to answer any questions you may have.
515 E. Poplar Avenue, San Mateo, CA 408.505.4170
Archbishop Riordan High School
Imagine Your Future in Purple & Gold
Archbishop Riordan High School is dedicated to fostering the educational development of young men and women within the Catholic – Marianist tradition. Our mission is to inspire excellence across all endeavors, offering a diverse array of programs that empower every student to Think More, Do More, and Be More.
Whether your interests lie in the arts, sciences, athletics, or community service, our programs are designed to cultivate your unique talents and ambitions. Known for our commitment to innovation, rigorous academic standards, and nurturing family atmosphere, we welcome you to become a part of our vibrant community.
175 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco, CA 415.586.8200
Millennium School
It Starts in the Middle
Millennium is a stand-alone 6-8th grade all-gender independent middle school in San Francisco, CA. We focus on developing our students’ whole selves through a rigorous academic program of transdisciplinary “Quests” or classes, project-based learning and real-world experiential learning, a robust mindfulness program, and focus on developing our students’ “inner selves” through our unique SEL and advisory program, including affinity groups. Students engage in real-world expeditions, wilderness days, international and domestic travel, and week-long camping trips. They experience authentic assessment from experts in their fields, and they engage in apprenticeships with local businesses and professionals. At Millennium, our teachers are called guides. They are more than simply holders of content, they guide passage through the transformational journey that is middle school.
At Millennium, we empower students for a life of well-being.
888 Turk Street, San Francisco CA 415.992.8520
Chronos Academy
A Gift to Give
Is your child unable to talk to classmates about deep questions?
- Racing ahead of their grade level in a subject?
- Devouring information on a favorite topic and begging for more?
- Curious or even anxious about world events or deep crises?
- Asking too many questions, answering too many questions or pretending not to know?
- Finishing schoolwork too fast, too perfectly, or not at all?
They may be gifted.
When a gifted child is not operating at the edge of his or her intellectual potential, they are in danger of developing a jaded self-perception, suppressing their abilities in order to fit in, experiencing mental health problems, or conflicting with teachers who are unable to accommodate them.
Chronos Academy guides bright, gifted, and driven TK-8th grade students to new heights of curiosity and connections, with nearly limitless opportunities for students to stretch into their own capacities.
Chronos Academy’s unique curriculum threads a history of diverse peoples, ideas, sciences and arts through chronological unit studies woven together week by week. Students learn about the innovators from history and join them in exploring new levels of study. Children need inspirational mentors; history provides 10,000 years of them.
Chronos Academy is a place where bright, precocious and gifted children develop their own skills to offer for the benefit of the world today. In every culture and throughout time, giftedness is a gift to give.
110 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, CA 415.383-2283
GATE Academy
Where gifted kids thrive!
GATE Academy is a small, fully accredited, independent, preK-8 school that has served academically gifted children for 25 years.
Gifted children have different learning needs. These include alternative curriculum delivery methods with individualized lesson plans, and grouping developmentally similar students together. To achieve this, GATE Academy clusters motivated and cognitively gifted students in small classroom groups with their social, emotional and intellectual peers, providing them with an inquiry-based, accelerated, self-paced
curriculum in a school environment that celebrates them for who they are.
With inquiry-based learning, GATE students learn how to learn anything – and they learn to become creators of knowledge, rather than simply consumers of facts. GATE Academy’s unique learning environment allows its students to thrive, and become compassionate, curious and creative learners for life. Private tours are available by appointment.
1 St. Vincent Drive, San Rafael, CA 415.491.4700
Headlands Preparatory School
Transforming the Learning Experience
Headlands Preparatory School is an award winning, WASC accredited, college preparatory school for students in grades 6 through 12. Our mission is to offer our students a transformative educational experience that helps build academic self-esteem, develop self-awareness, and nurture responsible contributors to the global community while mastering college preparatory courses.
Our one-to-one model and flexible scheduling allow students to learn at their own pace and design a schedule that supports their academic needs and personal interests. While the individual is the focal point of our learning process, we have built a strong sense of community among our students and faculty. Students form friendships based on common interests discovered through our small group electives, lunch time social clubs, community building, and service activities.
1050 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 415.944.2254
Winston Preparatory School – Marin County
Where Learning is Transformative
Winston Preparatory School Marin County, located in San Rafael, offers an individualized learning environment for students ages 8-21 with learning differences, such as dyslexia, nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD), and executive functioning challenges (ADHD).
We believe what matters most is developing a deep understanding of how your child learns and creating the right environment to help them reach their full potential. Before they spend their first day at Winston Prep, our faculty has spent weeks designing an academic program for their specific needs. Unlike any other school, Winston Prep groups students based on their learning difficulty profile, skill level, and educational and social-emotional needs.
The innovative Focus Program is a key part of our research-based teaching model. Expert teachers work one-to-one with students every day to address areas of greatest need, to help them develop their own understanding of how they learn, and to nurture their unique strengths towards independence.
As a result, students experience extraordinary transformations in their lives and learning. Winston Prep’s high school graduation rate is 99.7% versus 70.8% nationwide for students with learning differences. Approximately 80% of Winston graduates enroll in college versus just 33% nationwide for students with learning differences.
Join us at Winston Prep Marin County’s next Open House to learn more. Register today at www.winstonprep.edu/open-houses, or contact Pavati Zeno, Director of Admissions, at [email protected] for additional information.
1 Saint Vincent Drive, San Rafael, CA 415.993.5533
Marin Horizon School
What do our students have in common?
Our students are capable, curious, kind…and often passionately opinionated. They are motivated to learn, and to pursue their own academic and personal interests. They feel a deep sense of belonging among their peers and school community, so they feel comfortable engaging in conversation with the adults in the room, or asking for what they need. They’re willing to take risks. Our students think learning is fun, and kindness is cool.
Marin Horizon School is an independent, coed day school for students in Toddler through Grade 8, nestled at the foot of Mount Tamalpais in Mill Valley. We prioritize smaller class sizes to enable exceptional teacher-student relationships and individualized attention. Within our unique community, every student is seen, heard, and valued. Our curriculum inspires students to embrace challenges, think critically, and become compassionate advocates.
305 Montford Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 415.388.8408
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
Transformative Education in San Francisco
Located in the heart of San Francisco, Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory is a private high school that offers a rigorous and innovative academic curriculum complemented by an outstanding arts program and a renowned athletics program. Our dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art facilities ensure students receive the best education and personal growth opportunities within an inclusive Catholic community of faith.
Learning and faith are emphasized, and preparing students to become compassionate, service-oriented leaders is the goal for all. Conveniently located for North Bay families with transportation options available, SHC combines values and innovation, fostering a community where every student can thrive in the classroom and in life.
Join the SHC family and see how we shape tomorrow’s leaders. Visit us today to discover why SHC is the perfect choice for your child’s future.
1055 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 415.775.6626
Marin Primary & Middle School
Be connected. Be curious. Be courageous.
At Marin Primary & Middle School, we inspire joyful learning, honor each child, and build connections to empower all students to make a difference.
We believe that it’s deep connections—between students, with teachers, and with ideas—that help kids know themselves and push through boundaries in school and in life. Every day, we strengthen these connections so that our students are able to tackle new ideas and challenges, pursue goals with optimism and courage, and apply all they learn to the world they’ll inherit.
From preschool through eighth grade, we engage children in a warm academic environment that embraces growth and honors the journey of learning. Each stage of development is a building block to ensure future success in the classroom and beyond.
MP&MS sets itself apart with extensive experiential learning opportunities. Through our Specialist classes and Outdoor Education program, our students explore and develop interests and skills beyond the traditional curriculum. Students spend time in music, art, drama, library, Spanish, projects lab, physical education, and garden classes every week.
From our Treeschool program for preschoolers to field trips with primary students and overnight excursions in middle school, every student gets the privilege to experience nature and learn outside the classroom often. These diverse experiences complement and enrich the student experience at MP&MS. You will love who your child becomes at Marin Primary & Middle School!
20 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, CA 415.924.2608
Brandeis Marin
Integrity. Kindness. Service.
Brandeis Marin stands proudly as a visionary hub for innovation and social impact education. Here, students are immersed in an interdisciplinary, project-based curriculum enriched by a robust arts program that fosters creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning.
Our talented faculty and low student-to-teacher ratio provide each student with the caring individualized attention they need to develop into scholars, athletes, artists, and change-makers.
By cultivating academic excellence grounded in progressive Jewish values and a thriving community, we inspire open minds and courageous hearts, fostering tomorrow’s compassionate and impactful leaders.
If you’re seeking an exceptional community for your family and an outstanding K-8 education for your child – you belong at Brandeis Marin!
180 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael, CA 415.472.1833
Sterne School
Start With Strengths
Sterne School is a co-ed independent day school serving 4th–12th grade students Bay Area-wide. Sterne is an inclusive school where neurodiverse learners thrive. We offer hands-on, project-based learning, combined with a college preparatory curriculum and a full complement of student life opportunities.
Our small class sizes and integrated supports are designed to amplify each student’s strengths, and give students the opportunity to truly connect with subject matter, teachers, and peers. Our faculty helps students build academic stamina, develop executive function skills, and engage in social-emotional learning. Sterne’s vibrant, urban campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including a new Performing Arts & Athletics Center. We provide competitive and recreational athletics for every grade; dozens of student clubs and affinity groups; local, national, and international experiential learning; student leadership and mentorship roles, electives, social events, and afterschool enrichment.
838 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 415.922.6081
