Learn about 22 local schools and how they ensure that their mission statements are manifesting positively and effectively in the classroom. From how their teachers are engaging with students to teaching models and methods, here’s how private schools in Marin, San Francisco and the Outer Bay Area bring their mission statements to life in the classroom.
Belvedere-Hawthorne Nursery School
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
Early childhood education foundational theory is embedded in our play-based curriculum, and substantiated by current research in brain development, creating a highly valuable learning environment for enriched and optimal cognitive growth and development.
Our program fosters creativity, stimulates the imagination, cultivates an inner sense of trust and autonomy, and supports cognitive, physical and social development. Through immersion in our play-based curriculum, children strengthen emotional and executive functioning for goal-oriented collaborations, imperative for school readiness and learning success.
How does your school support individual students’ learning needs?
Our teachers are highly qualified and trained in early childhood education, and we maintain a 6:1 child-to-teacher ratio across all programs. Both directors and teachers work closely with each child, maintaining open and ongoing communication with parents to support the unique needs of each child. Formal parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year, offering thoughtful insights into each child’s development and providing an opportunity to address any questions or concerns.
Our school is also rooted in an active and supportive community that fosters strong home–school connections.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
Established in 1939, Belvedere Nursery School is the oldest nursery school in Southern Marin. From the beginning, our dedicated teachers have lovingly supported children through play and meaningful projects — scaffolding emerging skills, fostering self-regulation and nurturing social-emotional growth.
We provide hands-on experiences in a joyful and supportive environment, where children engage in problem solving and enhance acquisition of cognitive and linguistic skills within our developmental play-based curriculum. Our students leave with a lasting love of learning — and often, lifelong friendships.
Brandeis Marin
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
Every facet of Brandeis Marin — from academics to support services — is designed to nurture the whole child. Our innovative social-impact curriculum cultivates creativity and ethical consciousness, supporting our graduates to become leaders and agents of positive change. Our community is intellectually and morally strengthened when many different voices, viewpoints and backgrounds learn with and from each other.
How does your school support individual student’s learning needs?
Small class sizes enable teachers to connect with students and support their transformation into scholars, friends, athletes, artists and spiritual beings. When needed, our learning support team works closely with students, teachers, families and outside professionals to implement strategies tailored to each child’s needs. Cultivating a strong home/school partnership is a top priority for administrators and faculty.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
At Brandeis Marin, our mission is brought to life through an integrated curriculum that weaves together Jewish values, academic excellence and creative exploration. In every classroom, students grow as critical thinkers with a strong sense of purpose and a deepening capacity for empathy — whether through project-based learning, the arts or design thinking. Our commitment to supporting diverse learners ensures that each student can thrive, while our Jewish studies program inspires inquiry, nurtures ethical action and encourages openness to multiple perspectives. From Kindergarten through 8th grade, students experience a holistic education grounded in community, creativity and the timeless wisdom of Jewish tradition.
Chronos Academy
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
Chronos Academy is an innovative, TK–8 school that integrates every subject with global history; each week is a stop on a journey through time. When gifted children are exposed to the diverse history of peoples, ideas, sciences and the arts, they thrive. They take pleasure in making their own connections to innovators who came before them and discovering the important role they play, present day. Here, precocious, driven and divergent thinkers reach their intellectual potential through activities such as connecting every lesson to a chronological timeline; memorization to music; exploration outdoors, in museums or theater and more.
How does your school support individual students’ learning needs?
All students learn the same integrated content each week, but skills are individualized to each student’s unique learning profile. Students learn math, writing and language at their own pace in small classes of eight to 12 students. They spend at least one hour every week working one-on-one with a teacher on their personal learning goals, strengthening weaknesses or delving deeper into areas of interest, and teachers celebrate students’ progress toward mastery of each skill. Learning specialists are available on campus during the school day to meet students’ goals so that every student consistently expands their full potential.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
Chronos Academy imparts a chronology of innovation and discovery to equip students to discover and innovate in their time.
Every lesson, every day, is tied to personalities from history. Math, literature, science, philosophy, music and art were innovated by men and women who studied their own predecessors in school and grew up to contribute their gifts to humanity. Chronos Academy students study their innovations in the classroom, build them in the Makers Workshop and graduate with a drive to make their own contributions.
Good Shepard Lutheran School
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
At Good Shepherd Lutheran School, we believe education should develop the whole child — intellectually, socially and emotionally. Our academic program blends rigorous, standards-based curriculum with hands-on learning, creativity and critical thinking. Small class sizes allow for meaningful connections between teachers and students, fostering a learning environment where curiosity is encouraged and individual strengths are celebrated. We aim to prepare students not only for academic success but also for thoughtful, engaged lives beyond the classroom.
How does your school support individual students’ learning needs?
Every student learns differently, and we are committed to meeting them where they are. Through differentiated instruction, personalized support and regular communication with families, our teachers adapt lessons to challenge advanced learners while providing scaffolding for those who need extra support. Our school counselor supports social-emotional learning work alongside classroom teachers to ensure each child feels confident, capable and supported. This individualized approach helps students thrive academically while building resilience and a love for learning.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
Our mission — to educate the whole child in a values-driven environment — comes to life in every classroom. Academic excellence is paired with character education, fostering respect, compassion and integrity in daily interactions. Social-emotional learning is woven into lessons and routines, helping students build empathy, self-awareness and strong relationships. From collaborative projects to service learning, our classrooms reflect a community where students are inspired to use their talents and knowledge to make a positive impact in the world.
Hamilton Montessori School
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
Children experience what Dr. Montessori described as planes of development, which outlines stages of development, and the evidenced based research that as sensorial creatures, a child can take in information through their senses, if given the opportunity to explore and experience. The classroom is therefore the laboratory for children to take charge of their learning.
How does your school support individual students’ learning needs?
Montessori education is not an ‘everybody at the same time’ experience. The teacher is the guide, allowing each child to learn in the way they take in information, connecting with their interests, abilities and challenges.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
We are committed to education for peace, which fosters belonging, equity and inclusion. From seeking diversity, to teaching children about the joy of inclusion by learning about other cultures and their contributions to practicing peaceful interactions with each other and the natural environment.
Headlands Preparatory School
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
At Headlands Prep, we believe that all students can grow as individuals and learners within a supportive and individualized learning environment. Headlands Prep is committed to developing and celebrating personal strengths as each student masters course content while building self-confidence and an understanding of their unique learning profile.
How does your school support individual students’ learning needs?
Headlands Prep analyzes each student’s strengths and preferred learning modalities. Our rigorous college preparatory curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to progress at their own pace and tailor their educational experience to suit their individual needs. Through our personalized one-to-one model, our teachers can effectively engage with each student’s distinct interests, empowering them to articulate and develop their own thoughts, passions, and opinions.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
The mission at Headlands Preparatory School comes to life in the classroom through individualized learning that balances academic rigor with emotional well-being. Students are known, valued and challenged as capable, engaged learners. Teachers and students collaborate with purpose and mutual respect, fostering confidence, curiosity and growth. This inclusive environment nurtures both academic excellence and personal transformation, preparing students to be thoughtful, compassionate and globally minded citizens.
Hiba Academy Bay Area
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
Hiba Academy Bay Area provides a dual language education — Mandarin and English — with just the right balance of academic rigor, multicultural experience, and personal wellbeing. We are part of Wellington College Education — a global network of schools.
We empower students to excel academically, and personally, through a balanced, bilingual curriculum that emphasizes academic excellence, multicultural experiences and well-being. Our goal is to equip students to make meaningful contributions, solve real-world challenges, bridge cultural divides and lead the way to a more connected world.
Our Values are Kindness, Responsibility, Respect, Courage and Integrity. Our educational Ethos emphasizes Academics, Multicultural Experiences and Personal Well-being.
How does your school support individual students’ learning needs?
Well-being and social development are nurtured in multiple ways. We foster positive relationships between teachers and students. We take time to support every child in expressing their emotions and taking pride in self-regulation. We emphasize differentiation and getting to know the individual learning modalities of each child. We use a research-based tool called the Leuven Scale to systematically assess each child’s well-being and engagement in real time. The 1–5 scale, combined with narratives, calibrates an individual child’s authentic involvement in learning in the moment. This enables teachers to provide the right balance of challenge and support.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
We ensure academic excellence through personalized teaching and a challenging curriculum, preparing students for outstanding results and future success. Our curriculum and community engagement promote respect for cultural differences, fostering inclusivity and global citizenship. We emphasize well-being and self-respect, fostering self-confidence, moral integrity and resilience in a supportive learning environment.
Wellington education ensures student well-being precisely because children are being meaningfully challenged. They are told to “have a think” and “have a go.” They are encouraged to try, and to take risks. There is tension and release when a child has worked hard in a supportive social environment and experiences an “Aha!” moment. It feels good to be in the flow of the learning zone. Children own their knowledge when they have earned it by persisting — whether by solving a tricky problem, obtaining a non-inflated grade for excellent work or finally realizing that they truly understand.
Lycée Français de San Francisco
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
The Lycée Français de San Francisco delivers a multilingual, multicultural and academically rigorous education from preschool through high school. Grounded in the values of curiosity, respect, empathy and excellence, the school nurtures students to become thoughtful, inquisitive and compassionate global citizens.
To meet diverse learner profiles and broaden access, the Lycée offers two distinct, integrated pathways in the upper grades:
- French Track: Based on the official French national curriculum, this path leads to both the French Baccalaureate and a U.S. High School Diploma.
- International Track: This IB-powered program, requiring no prior French, culminates in a bilingual International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and a U.S. High School Diploma.
Experiential initiatives like Start’Up Lycée reinforce the school’s emphasis on real-world learning and innovation.
How does your school support individual students’ learning needs?
The Lycée offers a personalized, inclusive support system that helps every student thrive:
- Faculty support: Teachers provide individualized guidance, including after-school homework help — especially helpful for students without bilingual support at home.
- Student support teams: Experts in learning support, speech therapy and wellness collaborate to address academic and emotional challenges.
- Social-emotional learning (SEL): As a strategic priority, SEL programs are being expanded to benefit all students.
Tailored academic pathways: A range of electives and enrichment options — including advanced math, Latin, U.S. History and the arts — allow students to explore strengths while receiving support where needed.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
At the Lycée Français de San Francisco, our mission shapes classroom life every day. Bilingualism, cultural openness and academic excellence are woven into lessons, discussions and projects. Teachers model our core values — respect, empathy and curiosity — while guiding students to think critically and engage globally. By blending French and American educational approaches, we prepare students to thrive in a multicultural world with confidence, adaptability and a strong sense of responsibility.
Marin Horizon School
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
At Marin Horizon School, our expectations are high, so our students are challenged academically from a young age. Our foundational curriculum as well as our project-based science and social studies curriculum means that students are grappling with complex, multi-layered questions, exercising their creativity and pursuing their individual curiosities and passions. Our intentionally designed scope and sequence, along with our thoughtfully selected core curriculum, results in deep learning and cognitive engagement.
How does your school support individual students’ learning needs?
Marin Horizon dedicates both time and resources to ensure that the program honors and supports the individual learning styles of each child and that they understand what they need in order to succeed. Teachers differentiate instruction using the science-based Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach. Teachers, learning specialists and administrators meet regularly to strategize on how to maximize each student’s experience. The practice of goal setting and self-reflection are modeled, practiced and woven into the curriculum.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
Our mission: We ground students in a deep sense of belonging so they become enthusiastic learners, develop confident voices and emerge as beacons of kindness in their communities.
A deep sense of belonging is fundamental to our educational experience, and it’s something we practice every day. Our students are intentionally and proactively cultivating the skills — such as self-awareness, self management, healthy relationships and accountability to one another — both inside and outside of the classroom to create a strong and inclusive community.
With this foundation, students have the confidence to take risks and challenge themselves, to speak up and advocate for themselves and others and to become ethical and conscious leaders of the future.
In the words of a current parent, “Marin Horizon has been absolutely transformative for our daughter. She went from being the kid who seldom participated in class at her old school, to being the kid who wants to read a poem at assembly, sing in the school play and present in front of her class. We are so grateful that she (and we!) are part of this extraordinary community, which fosters kindness, intellectual curiosity and confidence.”
Mark Day School
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
Mark Day School believes that students learn best through hands-on, interactive and collaborative work that challenges them just beyond their comfort zones. Students are also engaged in inquiry-based learning activities during which they question, hypothesize, explore, experiment, research and present their findings. Technology is thoughtfully integrated into each classroom as a means of research, differentiation and creating media-based projects.
How does your school support individual student’s learning needs?
We believe that learning is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Lessons, activities and classroom configurations often involve different modalities to support varied learning styles. Teachers across K–8 know each student deeply, and use this insight to inform differentiated lessons and activities and offer strategies to support and challenge students. Our learning specialists meet with students individually and in small groups and work closely with parents and guardians to educate them on their students’ learning profile.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
At Mark Day School, our mission comes alive through our exceptional faculty, who are innovative and full of heart every day. They nurture curiosity, support and stretch each student with care, and draw from years of experience and the latest in educational research to design joyful learning experiences. In their classrooms, students don’t just learn — they grow into thoughtful, engaged community members who think critically, collaborate with purpose and lead with compassion.
Marin Waldorf School
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
At Marin Waldorf School, we take a holistic, hands-on, and interdisciplinary approach to education. Our innovative academic curriculum blends language arts, science, mathematics, music, healthy movement and the arts, encouraging students to make connections across subject areas and to approach learning through a variety of activities and experiences. Through strong teacher-student relationships and a school community characterized by kindness and belonging, we support each child in building self-confidence, a deep sense of self and strong social bonds.
How does your school support individual students’ learning needs?
Through strong multi-year relationships and intentionally small class sizes, teachers at Marin Waldorf School get to know each and every student. Student learning and instructional responsiveness is at the heart of our approach, prioritizing individual student progress over rigid instructional sequences, grades and testing. In addition, our comprehensive student support program includes frequent student assessment, breakout groups and extra lesson support in math and literacy and direct intervention as needed. This individualized approach ensures every child receives exactly what they need to thrive academically.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
We place extraordinary value on human relationships. Classrooms are vibrant, collaborative and social environments, which encourage students to engage with learning and with each other. Our teachers don’t rely on tech or tablets to engage their students; instead they invest time and creativity in planning dynamic lessons and hands-on activities that engage students intellectually, emotionally and physically. Abundant time outdoors and kinesthetic activities encourage healthy movement and social harmony among students.
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
Millennium was uniquely created with middle schoolers in mind. Steeped in research from luminaries in neuroscience, psychology, developmental science, education and personal growth, Millennium is intentionally designed so that students can deeply explore themselves and their world. Our program is made up of three pillars: whole-self education, inspired academics and real-world experiences. This combination of immersive, rigorous learning experiences honors this period of early adolescence for what it is: a time of heightened curiosity and creativity, identity formation and the building of strong emotional skills and social connections.
How does your school support individual students’ learning needs?
Millennium embraces inclusivity, welcoming students with diverse learning profiles. Our approach is rooted in the understanding that each student’s educational needs are unique. We are committed to supporting neurodivergent students and addressing social-emotional issues, guided by the latest insights from neuroscience. We recognize and celebrate different learning styles, acknowledging that each individual has both strengths and areas for growth. Students who have not thrived in traditional educational settings often find success at Millennium due to our progressive, hands-on and individualized approach.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
The Millennium Way framework transforms our classrooms into dynamic learning labs where teaching Guides mirror, model and mentor students through academics and social-emotional growth. Students engage in interdisciplinary Quests each term — tackling real-world challenges through thought-provoking questions like “Are We Alone in the Universe?” Our unique academic structure combines Humanities and STEM Quests with engaging language, math and art blocks. Our weekly off-campus programming and annual trips ensure that learning extends beyond textbooks and the classroom to foster identity development and personal growth.
Mount Tamalpais School
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
The unparalleled academic program at Mount Tamalpais School is dedicated to cultivating knowledge and valuing childhood. Our mission — “Where Learning is Revered, and Education is Joyful” — is central to our approach, which is geared toward both rigorous academics and playful exploration. Guided by our community values in our strategic plan, we are focused on creating a community of kindness, inclusion, and belonging. We strongly believe that our students will only truly thrive academically when they feel seen, heard and valued.
How does your school support individual student’s learning needs?
We support a range of learners at MTS. Our teachers, experts in the subject that they teach, are able to differentiate their lessons to meet the needs of their students. Our two learning specialists also work closely with our faculty to monitor the growth and learning of all students, ensuring that class time meets the needs of our neurodiverse learners while highlighting the strengths of all students.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
Mount Tamalpais School is committed to ensuring that every member of our diverse community is seen, valued and heard. Inclusion, equity and belonging are practiced by consciously inviting each person and family — students, teachers and caregivers — to bring their full selves to campus and share their own experiences and perspectives. Throughout our program, we center one of our school values: “Practice Active Inclusion.” Each year our students learn from primary resources, guest speakers and experiences outside the classroom walls to deepen our understanding of the full human experience.
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory offers a unique educational experience to Bay Area students. Our Catholic high school is sponsored by the Daughters of Charity and the Christian Brothers, the only high school of its kind. SHC focuses on academics and all aspects that make a person whole. As a preparatory high school rooted in an inclusive community of faith, we help prepare young adults for a lifetime of success. Our curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong educational college prep foundation in which they develop academic curiosity, critical thinking skills and a desire to serve and lead in their communities.
How does your school support individual students’ learning needs?
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory provides academic resources to students with documented learning differences to ensure that all students are fully integrated into the curriculum and campus life. Along with our dedicated faculty, collaborative learning spaces and wellness curriculum, students receive accommodations and assistance in developing self-advocacy skills and strategies that stress independent learning to prepare them for college.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
Forming the whole person is essential to a Lasallian, Vincentian and Catholic education. Sacred Heart Cathedral offers unique educational experiences that help prepare “service-oriented leaders with a commitment to live the Gospel.” Our school motto, “Enter to learn, leave to serve,” provides the inspiration for our efforts to offer meaningful immersion and service experiences that support the holistic growth of our students. The strength of our mission is reflected in the strength of our inclusive culture.
Saint Hilary School
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
Our academic philosophy is to create inspired and enthusiastic learners who go on to succeed in their educational careers. Saint Hilary’s philosophy is to enable our students to actively participate in their learning and demonstrate a strong foundation in the basics of all curricular areas. We present challenging curricula that support their curiosity to learn, work independently and cooperatively, and critically think for themselves.
How does your school support individual students’ learning needs?
We offer dedicated enrichment and support opportunities for our students in the development of their reading and mathematical skills. Our teachers tailor their lesson plans to support all types of learners, incorporating multiple learning methods. We offer tutoring and after-school assistance if needed.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
At Saint Hilary School, our mission to Nurture Faith, Inspire Minds and Grow Hearts comes to life in every classroom through intentional, daily practice by our faculty and staff. We nurture faith by beginning each day in prayer, integrating our Catholic values across the curriculum, and encouraging our students to see Christ in one another. We inspire minds by cultivating a love of learning through engaging instruction, critical thinking and academic excellence in all subject areas. We grow hearts by fostering a compassionate classroom environment where kindness, service and respect are modeled and expected. Through this holistic approach, our classrooms become places where students thrive spiritually, intellectually and emotionally. It is a daily journey — one that we take seriously.
Our school’s motto, Come Forth Every Day, is reflected in our classrooms through a spirit of active engagement, personal growth and joyful participation. It is a daily invitation for every student and teacher to show up fully and bring their best selves each day — ready to learn, contribute and support one another and rise to the challenge of becoming the person God created them to be. Teachers create an environment where every child feels seen, valued and motivated to step forward with confidence, curiosity and kindness. Whether it’s through tackling academic challenges, participating in class discussions or offering help to a peer, students are guided to embrace each day as an opportunity to prepare to live lives of meaning, service and joy.
San Domenico School
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
Since 1850, San Domenico has prepared students for an ever-changing future by pairing academic excellence with a culture of kindness, integrity and ethical decision-making. Innovation in the classroom meets the evolving needs of today’s students, while timeless values remain central to their growth. Here, students find joy in helping others and learn to connect deep thinking with purposeful action, striving not only for greatness, but also for goodness. In doing so, they realize their fullest potential as the thoughtful, compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
How does your school support individual students’ learning needs?
Our program ensures that all students have the tools they need to thrive. Our learning specialists partner with teachers and families to provide tailored support, ranging from executive functioning strategies and metacognition coaching to small-group instruction in core subjects. Students learn how to self-advocate, manage their workload and understand their own learning styles. When needed, the team also helps families navigate the evaluation process for learning differences. Whether a student needs short-term guidance or long-term support, our approach promotes confidence, independence and academic growth.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
At San Domenico, our mission — to provide exceptional education rooted in inquiry, reflection and purpose — shapes every classroom experience as students progress through our K-12 program. On any given day, our Lower School students might conduct physics experiments with our dedicated science faculty. In Middle School, students reflect on identity and ethics in Philosophy, Ethics and World Religions classes. In Upper School, projects such as our Real Opportunities for Service Education (ROSE) graduation requirement teach students to engage meaningfully with the world. Now celebrating our 175th year, we remain rooted in values that prepare students to lead with purpose.
Sterne School
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
At Sterne, we believe in a strengths-based approach to learning. When a student hears what they can’t do more often than what they can do, it becomes difficult to believe in oneself. Everyone learns, just not in the same way on the same day. Students need a setting that starts with their strengths and builds from there so they can move forward in school and in life with confidence. At Sterne, we challenge ourselves not just to start strong in our academic subjects, but in our approach to building a community where everyone is confident in their unique talents.
How does your school support individual student’s learning needs?
At Sterne, we start with strengths. Every student’s learning profile is known and supported. In a projects-based, collaborative learning environment, students are encouraged to draw upon their knowledge, talents and abilities to actively explore and solve problems. Our faculty helps students achieve continued success in subjects in which they excel, while targeted support builds confidence in areas that require more focus and attention. Each Sterne student is seen and understood, and by acknowledging everyone’s uniqueness, we are able to truly bring joy to their learning. Our customized approach to learning is not an add-on, it is integrated into every class every day.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
Sterne was founded in 1976 for students who had enormous talents and strengths, but who were not being served by traditional classrooms or curricula. Fifty years later, our mission has not changed: To build on the foundation of individual strengths to discover and nurture each student’s version of greatness. In the classroom, our core values reinforce this philosophy: Start with strengths; bring joy to learning; learn from everyone’s uniqueness; honor the educator; and never give up.
St. Patrick School
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
We believe that a Catholic education means living with a respect for God, self and others every day, and that this constant presence-of-mind is a critical component to developing a kind, reflective and responsible student. We are welcoming of all faiths and backgrounds, and this inclusive environment creates a safe space for learning. Our educational environment consists of an innovative curriculum that cultivates engaged learners and encourages students to work to their full potential, inspiring them to develop an enthusiasm for lifelong learning.
How does your school support individual student’s learning needs?
Student learning is monitored with formal and informal assessments on an ongoing basis by our teachers and Resource Specialist. Our team of dedicated teachers work to meet each student where they are at with the curriculum and provide either the remediation or enrichment they need to succeed and thrive. We have also expanded our Social Emotional Learning curriculum to meet the growing emotional needs of our students in a post-pandemic world.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
St. Patrick School’s mission comes to life in our classrooms every day, shaping students as scholars and people of strong character. Our commitment to forming the whole child is evident in the way we integrate spiritual, academic and personal development into our teaching practices. Academic excellence is pursued through an engaging curriculum that challenges students to think critically and work collaboratively. Through classroom discussions, service projects and opportunities for reflection, we foster individuals who can empathize, listen and consider different perspectives. Students practice kindness and compassion, emulating Jesus Christ in thought, word and deed, helping them to understand their role in building a caring and respectful classroom and school community. Classroom expectations emphasize accountability, leadership and service, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning and their actions.
San Francisco Waldorf School
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
We believe that education should support the development of the whole human being. A San Francisco Waldorf School experience inspires, challenges and awakens students to the world around them as they discover and develop. With love and devotion, we nourish the unique capacities of every student, to develop the critical and creative intelligence to envision the future, the compassion and commitment to understand others and the courage to be a free and active participant in our common human experience.
How does your school support individual students’ learning needs?
We emphasize hands-on experiences and creative thinking, integrating the arts across the curriculum and encouraging students to ask deep questions of themselves and others. We foster individuality, moral action and resilience by giving students meaningful tasks and responsibilities at school, and we build a respect for and understanding of the Earth through the sciences, gardening, environmental education, field trips and ample time outdoors, exploring the relationship between our city and the natural world.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
Engagement, camaraderie and a social mission are constants across our school community, from Preschool to 12th grade. These values are modeled by our extraordinary team of teachers and administrators, who are dedicated to promoting an environment where every child is celebrated. We help them develop resilience as they engage in a curriculum that requires them to spend time outside their comfort zones and learn to persevere through challenging tasks, whether that’s a mathematics puzzle, a steep hike on an outdoor trip or a particularly tough Chemistry lesson. We also support students to sharpen their abilities in the areas where they demonstrate extraordinary skill or passion, so that they learn to continuously hone their craft and pursue success.
Sausalito Nursery School
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
At Sausalito Nursery School, we believe that children are creative, curious and brimming with imagination. Our academic philosophy is rooted in play-based education, where learning emerges organically through exploration, imagination and community. We view play as the primary vehicle through which children make sense of the world, develop cognitive and emotional resilience and build a lifelong love of learning. Rather than focusing on early academics in the traditional sense, we emphasize whole-child development — nurturing social-emotional growth, communication and problem-solving through rich, open-ended experiences. Academic concepts are introduced gently and organically through real-world, play-based experiences — like running an apple stand or creating signs for a class project — always grounded in joy, curiosity and connection.
Children also enjoy a vibrant variety of enrichment opportunities, including yoga, soccer, gymnastics, weekly music class and time with our visiting resident artist. Our outdoor spaces include a beloved mud kitchen and an edible garden designed just for children, allowing them to engage all their senses and connect deeply with the natural world.
How does your school support individual students’ learning needs?
Our 1:4 low student-to-teacher ratios and deep commitment to knowing each child allow us to support individual learning with care and intention. Teachers observe closely, follow the child’s interests and design experiences that meet each learner where they are — whether that’s a budding artist, an imaginative storyteller or a quiet observer. We celebrate different learning styles and developmental timelines, fostering confidence, competence and a sense of belonging.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
Our mission — to nurture a community of creative, curious, joyful learners with play-based education, compassion and a sense of wonder — comes to life in everything we do. You’ll find children engaged in imaginative play, mixing colors at the art table, building castles with friends, baking bread or exploring puddles after the rain. Teachers act as co-learners and guides, shaping environments that invite deep inquiry and joyful discovery. Parents are present, too, as classroom participants and partners, helping create a warm and vibrant community.
From our lush garden spaces to singing at circle time, our classrooms are living reflections of our mission: spaces where wonder leads, community is created, compassion holds steady and learning is full of joy.
As a cooperative preschool who highly values community, our parents are involved every step of the way from spending time in the classroom to serving on committees, and connecting through monthly moms’ or dads’ nights. This active partnership helps create a consistent, compassionate bridge between home and school.
Tahoe Expedition Academy
What is your school’s academic philosophy?
Tahoe Expedition Academy is an independent day school in Truckee, CA, serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. We believe in going beyond the classroom to fully engage our students in real-world learning. Our curriculum focuses on hands-on experiences, including classroom collaboration, service learning and extensive fieldwork in Northern California and beyond. As students progress, we gradually expand their horizons, beginning with local exploration and eventually moving to international locations around the world.
How does your school support individual students’ learning needs?
We cater to a wide range of students, providing extra support for students at all levels. Our goal is to prepare students for success by building skills in our three pillars: academics, character and adventure. Our unique Individualized Adventure Program allows students to explore their passions — whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, equestrian or even race car driving — outside the confines of a traditional classroom. This program ensures every student’s education is as unique as they are, and it’s all part of our commitment to nurture curiosity and build confident, capable individuals.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
At Tahoe Expedition Academy, we don’t just educate; we inspire a lifetime of learning and adventure. We invite you to join our community and give your child an education that is as boundless as the world around them. Apply today and make living and learning in Tahoe a reality.
Winston Preparatory School
What is your school’s academic philosophy? How does your school support individual student’s learning needs?
What makes Winston Prep Marin’s learning model different from other traditional learning programs is the way it helps cultivate a deep understanding of each student’s individual needs. Serving students in grades 3–12 with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia and nonverbal learning disabilities (NVLD), Winston Prep faculty continually assess how students respond to their individualized skill development plan. Students also receive one-to-one remediation daily, focusing on their specific academic and social goals. Winston Prep’s Focus program ensures that students are continuously evolving and developing skills, helping them thrive.
How does your mission statement manifest in the classroom?
The Winston Preparatory School is unique in its commitment to supporting faculty in their understanding of each student’s neuropsychological learning profile, informing individualized academic and social-emotional programming explicitly tailored to each student. Every teacher continually assesses and adapts evidence-based remediation methods based on the response of the student. This integration of research into daily instruction creates an environment where students thrive as they work towards independence. Our approach and in-house research findings are frequently shared globally at learning conferences and through various professional journal publications.
