Marin
Catholic | Independent | Lutheran | Montessori | Parent Cooperative | Waldorf
San Francisco
Catholic | Independent | Waldorf
Sausalito Nursery School | Hamilton Montessori School | Chronos Academy | Millennium School | Headlands Preparatory School | San Domenico School | Brandeis Marin | Belvedere-Hawthorne Nursery Schools | Winston Preparatory School – Marin County | Tahoe Expedition Academy | Good Shepherd Lutheran School | Sterne School | Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory | Saint Patrick School | Marin Horizon School | Marin Waldorf School | San Francisco Waldorf School | Saint Hilary School
– Marin –
Catholic
Saint Hilary School
Nurture Faith. Inspire Minds. Grow Hearts.
Saint Hilary School’s K–8 motto, “Come Forth, Every Day,” inspires our faculty, students, and parents to follow Jesus’ call and live our mission. We foster spiritual growth through faith and service, academic excellence through a future-ready curriculum, and a compassionate community where all feel a sense of belonging.
Students grow spiritually through hands-on projects and develop a unique friendship with God — gaining the grace to show compassion and the grit to overcome challenges. Our exceptional educators provide differentiated resources and instruction to support every learner.
Saint Hilary graduates consistently rank in the top 10% nationally in Math and Language Arts while growing as engaged, confident individuals — ready to come forth every day, at Saint Hilary and beyond.
765 Hilary Drive, Tiburon, CA 415.435.2224
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
Independent
Belvedere-Hawthorne Nursery Schools
Leading Early Childhood Education in Southern Marin Since 1939
Belvedere Nursery School is the oldest nursery school in Southern Marin. Our teachers are highly qualified and trained in early childhood education, and we maintain a 6:1 child-to-teacher ratio across all programs. Our early childhood programs are designed for children ages 2 through 5. 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. Our students leave with a lasting love of learning—and often, lifelong friendships.
15 Cove Road Place, Belvedere 415.435.1661
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 Jewish values and a thriving community, we inspire open minds and courageous hearts, fostering tomorrow’s compassionate and impactful leaders.
If you’re seeking a joyful 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 415.472.1833
Chronos Academy
A Gift to Give
Is your child devouring information on a favorite topic and begging for more?
…racing ahead of their grade level in a subject?
…curious or even anxious about world crises?
…asking too many questions, answering too many questions or pretending not to know?
…finishing schoolwork too fast, too perfectly, or not at all?
…longing for a friend who’s also interested in deep topics? 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 suppressing their abilities in order to fit in, developing mental health problems, or conflicting with teachers who are unable to accommodate them.
Chronos Academy guides bright, gifted, and driven students to new heights of curiosity and connections, with nearly limitless opportunities for students to stretch into their own capacities.
Founders Daniel and Celeste Ezell have developed a unique curriculum that 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 WASC accredited, independent TK-8 school where bright, precocious and gifted children gain knowledge and skills to become innovators of the future.
Now more than ever, giftedness is a gift to give.
110 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur 415.383-2283
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
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 Preschool through Grade 8, nestled at the foot of Mount Tamalpais in Mill Valley. Within our unique community, every student is seen, heard, and valued. We prioritize the size and composition of our classes to foster exceptional teacher-student relationships—giving students the confidence to take intellectual risks and become advocates for positive change.
305 Montford Avenue, Mill Valley 415.388.8408
San Domenico School
Purpose-Driven Excellence Since 1850
As California’s first independent school, San Domenico has been blending tradition with innovation for 175 years. Located on a stunning 515-acre campus in San Anselmo, SD offers a K–12 education where academic excellence meets purpose- driven values.
Here, students are known, challenged, and inspired. Our graduates leave prepared not only for college, but for life — equipped with the resilience, compassion, and clarity of purpose needed to lead in a fast-changing world.
This year, as we celebrate our 175th anniversary, we invite you to discover what makes San Domenico unique. Join us for our Rooted for the Future Speaker Series—free and open to the public—designed to help parents navigate today’s biggest challenges: from raising confident kids in a complex social world to understanding the role of artificial intelligence in education.
Whether you’re seeking a school that supports your child’s academic potential, emotional growth, or leadership development, SD offers a proven path grounded in values and alive with possibility.
Come explore a community where students grow into the kind of people the world needs most.
Learn more at sandomenico.org/175
1500 Butterfield Road, San Anselmo, CA 415.258.1900
Winston Preparatory School – Marin County
Individualized Learning to Lifelong Success
Winston Preparatory School Marin County, located in San Rafael, provides an individualized learning environment for students in grades 3-12 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 spend 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.
At the core of our research-based model is the Focus Program, daily one-to-one sessions with a highly skilled teacher. Focus teachers work closely with students to understand their learning profiles, set meaningful goals, and implement strategies for academic and personal growth.
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 pzeno@winstonprep.edu for additional information.
1 Saint Vincents Drive, San Rafael 415.993.5533
Lutheran
Good Shepherd Lutheran School
Guided by Values. Driven by Knowledge. Enriched by the Arts.
Good Shepherd Lutheran School (GSLS) nurtures the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. Serving preschool through eighth grade, our dedicated educators create a safe, supportive learning environment where every student is known, valued, and inspired to achieve their best. With small class sizes and a strong academic program, students build confidence, critical thinking skills, and resilience to thrive in school and life.
Rooted in the values of respect, compassion, and integrity, GSLS blends rigorous academics with social-emotional learning and leadership opportunities. Students explore STEM, fine arts, music, Spanish, and athletics—all while growing into capable, confident, and kind young people. Whether just beginning their educational journey or preparing for high school, students at GSLS discover their strengths, build lasting connections, and thrive in a community that cares.
1180 Lynwood Drive, Novato 415.897.2510
Montessori
Hamilton Montessori School
Beautiful, Natural, Gated Environment
Seeking a place that encourages a love of learning, experience of the natural environment, and the confidence and agency to be changemakers in the world – now? At Hamilton Montessori School, we shape an environment on our beautiful campus and meditation garden that engages children in science, nature, accurate history of people of the world, and an understanding of the value of honor and diversity of people. We are not Montessori-like! Authentic Montessori education offers a rich philosophical foundation and practical framework for fostering equity and inclusion.
Our philosophy is based on the scientific work of Dr. Montessori, and its evidence-based application is apparent in the academic understanding, and more importantly, what she called “education for peace.” Our science program, led by a teacher with a degree in science, teaches appreciation for the earth. Our multi-year program includes Toddler, Preschool and Kindergarten. Please contact us for a tour.
600 Palm Drive, Novato 415.851.3299
Parent Cooperative
Sausalito Nursery School
The Childhood You Dreamed of — Right Here in Marin
There’s a place where childhood is still wonder-filled and alive with imagination, where play is the curriculum, and joy is the outcome. At Sausalito Nursery School, we believe childhood should be filled with creativity, connection, and space to grow. Our play-based cooperative preschool approach, now in its 85th year, invites children to explore the world through their senses, their stories, and their relationships. Play is how young children build cognitive flexibility, emotional strength, and a love of learning.
Community isn’t just part of our school — it’s the soul of it. Together, we co-create a magical first school experience — filled with open-ended art, rainy-day puddles, cozy reading corners, and community traditions.
“Sausalito Nursery School was the best decision I could have made for my girls.” – Christine Dodds
Book a tour today — your inner child will want to stay.
625 Main Street, Sausalito, CA 415.332.0174
Waldorf
Marin Waldorf School
Think, Make, Connect
Marin Waldorf School is a vibrant preschool and K-8 located on a 10-acre campus in Lucas Valley. Through intentionally small class sizes, 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.
- An innovative approach to STEM that integrates creativity and hands-on learning.
- Time outdoors every day for all students, outdoor classrooms, and three teaching gardens.
- Robust programs in visual and performing arts, including yearly class plays, applied arts classes, and choir, as well as instruction in violin-orchestra starting in 4th grade.
- Instruction in two world languages (Mandarin and Spanish) starting in 1st grade.
- A slow and thoughtful approach to technology and tech use in the classroom.
Visit our Open House on Saturday, October 18, 10am-12pm.
755 Idylberry Road, San Rafael 415.479.8190
– San Francisco –
Catholic
Nativity High School
An academically rigorous Catholic education
Nativity High School offers a unique education in the heart of San Francisco. Rooted in the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness, Nativity students read the most transformational books of human history and debate the deepest questions of human existence alongside a rigorous AP math and science curriculum. In small classes with passionate and devoted teachers, students engage with timeless ideas while developing practical life skills—from public speaking to financial literacy. Students explore their faith in a daily devotion period and read the world’s great religious texts including Christianity’s most notable apologists, and its harshest critics. Nativity’s service program sends students into the local neighborhood to offer a helping hand to those in need. At the end of four years, students are well prepared for higher education and also have an understanding of their ultimate higher purpose.
Tours of our campus in the Inner Richmond are available by appointment: reach out through the website form, email (hello@nativityhs.org), or send us a text at 415-322-9229.
350 9th Avenue, San Francisco
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
100% College Acceptance
Located in the heart of San Francisco, Sacred Heart Cathedral 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 ensures students receive the best education within an inclusive Catholic community of faith.
SHC offers 25 AP courses, opportunities to compete in 24 sports, transportation to and from Marin and state-of-the- art facilities, including, a 300-seat theater equipped with a sound and lighting booth, a spacious theater workshop, a 12,000-square-foot library, a 1,500-seat Pavilion, fitness and athletic performance centers and a dining hall that serves fresh cooked, nutritious meals.
With a 100 percent college acceptance, graduates go on to attend top universities, including Stanford, Notre Dame and UC Berkeley. Visit SHC today.
1055 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 415.775.6626
Independent
Millennium School
It Starts in the Middle
Millennium is a stand-alone, 6-8th grade, all-gender, independent middle school in San Francisco, CA. Our teachers aren’t just educators — they’re skilled Guides who understand the unique magic and challenges of the middle school years. When our students describe our program, they use words like friendly, fun and personal. We focus on developing our students’ whole selves through an inspired academic program, real-world experiential learning, and a robust mindfulness program that weaves together SEL curriculum, intimate advisory groups, grade level assemblies, and school-wide affinity groups. Students engage in weekly Wednesday expeditions, wilderness days, international and domestic travel, and week-long camping trips. In the classroom, they experience authentic connection and assessment from experts in their fields and also engage in apprenticeships with local businesses and professionals.
At Millennium, we know how to empower students not just for high school, but for a lifetime of well-being.
888 Turk Street, San Francisco 415.992.8520
Sterne School
Start With Strengths
Sterne School is a co-ed independent day school serving 4th–12th grade students Bay Area-wide. Our small class sizes and integrated supports are designed to amplify each student’s strengths. Sterne is an inclusive school where neurodiverse learners thrive. We offer project-based learning, combined with a college preparatory curriculum and a full complement of enriching student life opportunities.
Sterne’s Lower, Middle, and High School programs are designed as a seamless progression from foundational literacy and math skills to a comprehensive college prep program. Our approach takes into account the whole student: their unique learning profile, their strengths and interests, and areas of growth. Strong arts, athletics, and experiential education round out the student experience.
All Sterne students have a wealth of opportunities through our student life programs that offer something for everyone. Located in the heart of San Francisco, our vibrant, urban campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including a Performing Arts & Athletics Center housing a digital film studio, a black box theater, a music room and recording studio, and full gymnasium. We provide competitive and recreational athletics open to every grade; dozens of student clubs and affinity groups; local, national, and international experiential learning; leadership opportunities, electives, social events, and afterschool enrichment. All Sterne students have a wealth of opportunities to start with strengths and pursue their passions.
838 Kearny Street, San Francisco, CA 415.922.6081
Waldorf
San Francisco Waldorf School
Beyond Expectations: Passion and Purpose
San Francisco Waldorf School is a Preschool through 12th Grade independent school enrolling 400 students from across the Bay Area. We actively cultivate an inclusive, welcoming environment.
Our innovative, intentionally sequenced academic and artistic programs empower young people to see themselves as creative, curious, enthusiastic, confident learners and problem solvers. Our middle school and high school students participate in championship sports teams and an exciting range of extracurriculars on their journey as well-rounded people.
Our school community stands on the pillars of academic and social engagement, care for each individual, and deep respect for our students. Our team of experienced teachers and school administrators models these values in every action and creates an environment where every student is appreciated and nurtured.
Lower School: 2938 Washington Street, San Francisco
High School: 470 West Portal Avenue, San Francisco
Other Regions
Tahoe Expedition Academy
We Believe in The Infinite Power of Young People
Tahoe Expedition Academy is a Pre-K through 12th-grade independent day school in Truckee, CA. We believe in going beyond the classroom to fully engage our students in real-world learning. Our curriculum focuses on hands-on experiences like classroom collaboration, service learning, and fieldwork. As students progress, their horizons expand from Northern California to international locations. We support a diverse range of learners by focusing on three key pillars: academics, character, and adventure. Our unique Individualized Adventure Program allows students to pursue their passions—from skiing to equestrian—as part of their educational experience. This personalized approach ensures every student’s education is as unique as they are. At Tahoe Expedition Academy, we inspire a lifelong love of learning and adventure, nurturing curiosity and building confident, capable individuals ready for success. Make living in Tahoe a reality; apply today.
9765 Schaffer Mill Road, Truckee 530.546.5253
