We’ve got everything you need to know about where to send your kids to private school in Marin.
Catholic | Christian | French | Independent | Lutheran | Montessori | Nondenominational | Parent Cooperative | Waldorf
Catholic
Marin Catholic High School
Kentfield
Founded on the values of faith, knowledge and service, Marin Catholic opened in 1949 as a Archdiocesan, Catholic, college preparatory school in Kentfield. The school consists of nearly 800 students who are dedicated to taking on the challenges of making valuable contributions to the school community as well as the rigorous workload. Faculty and staff of Marin Catholic do their best to create and maintain a student-centered environment that allows all their students the opportunity to achieve excellence.
675 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Kentfield 415.464.3800
Our Lady of Loretto School
Novato
Faculty and staff of Our Lady of Loretto School are committed to providing a high quality education to students that emphasizes self-expression, diversity and independent thought. Rooted in Catholic values, the school seeks to instill in students a sense of social conscience, personal commitment and Christian action. The school is TK through 8th grade, divided into three sections: TK–2nd, 3rd–5th and 6th–8th.
1811 Virginia Ave, Novato, 415.892.8621
Saint Hilary School
Tiburon
Saint Hilary School is a Catholic K–8 school located in Tiburon. Employing a whole-child approach to education, each student develops a unique relationship with God, experiences spiritual growth and pursues academic excellence through an engaging and challenging curriculum.
765 Hilary Dr, Belvedere Tiburon, 415.435.2224
Saint Patrick School
Larkspur
St. Patrick School in Larkspur is a K–8 co-ed Catholic Private school. Teachers work diligently to help students reach their full academic potential according to a curriculum based on the standards of the Archdiocese of San Francisco and National standards.
120 King Street, Larkspur, 415.924.0501
St. Anselm School
San Anselmo
St. Anselm School has had a long-standing tradition of providing a high-quality Catholic education to children in Kindergarten up to 8th grade. Based in San Anselmo, the school is committed to making sure every student realizes that their true potential involves fostering a sense of duty to God, themselves, their family and local community. St. Anselm students are intellectually curious, natural care-takers of the community, are knowledgeable about the teachings of the Catholic faith and demonstrate “Do Good, Be Kind” principles everyday.
40 Belle Ave, San Anselmo, 415.454.8667
St. Isabella School
San Rafael
St. Isabella School is a private K-8 Catholic private school. The faculty specializes in science, math, Spanish, technology and physical education while providing a foundation for spiritual, psychological and academic development. Students are challenged to live out the Catholic faith in service to society, family and God.
1 Trinity Way, San Rafael, 415.479.3727
Saint Raphael School
San Rafael
Established in 1889 as a part of the Saint Raphael parish, Saint Raphael School strives to foster a Catholic faith that gives meaning and direction to life and the challenges that come with it. The school encourages students to pursue academic excellence while incorporating a spirit of service to God and all others. Located in the center of downtown San Rafael, the school celebrates diversity and inclusiveness to create a warm and friendly environment for all students.
1100 Fifth Ave, San Rafael, 415.454.4455
Christian
Marin Christian Academy
Novato
Marin Christian Academy offers a faith-based education from the preschool level all the way until high school. They have been accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The school strives to achieve educational excellence in positive and nurturing environments for their students. Teachers share a love for their students, while helping them develop critical thinking skills during the process. The curriculum is rich and balanced as the faculty is very passionate about helping students develop mentally, socially and spiritually.
1370 S Novato Blvd, Novato, 415.892.5713
North Bay Christian Academy
Novato
The North Bay Christian Academy aims to create a community with care and learning among parents, faculty and students. The academy is a dual accredited, non-profit high school located in Novato. Despite the small enrollment size, the school reflects the diverse community of the Bay Area, as well as internationally as many attend the school. The small school size allows students to get their academic needs addressed properly. They even offer specialty tutoring resources for dyslexic students, as well as having three certified Barton tutors available for daily remediation.
6965 Redwood Blvd, Novato, 415.892.8921
French
Lycée Francais de San Francisco
Sausalito
Lycée Français de San Francisco, otherwise known as LFSF, is a French immersion school that has three separate campuses, with one in Sausalito and two in San Francisco. They offer a one of a kind multilingual and multicultural education program that is intended to empower students to become global thinkers who are able to make important contributions to the world at large. Children aged 2 to 5th grade are invited to attend elementary school at the Sausalito campus, while the middle school and high schools are located in SF.
610 Coloma St, Sausalito, 415.661.5232
Independent
Belvedere-Hawthorne Nursery
Tiburon
As the oldest nursery school in Southern Marin, Belvedere-Hawthorne Nursery provides community-valued nursery and Pre K educations. Regardless of the program, they prioritize cognitive, physical and social development through hands-on learning and a play-based curriculum. Belvedere-Hawthorne also fosters creativity and self autonomy, among other important characteristics for school readiness and learning success.
15 Cove Place, Belvedere, 415.435.1661 (nursery school)
145 Rock Hill Rd, Tiburon, 415.435.9757 (Pre K)
Brandeis Marin
San Rafael
Brandeis Marin is a independent K–8 day school that offers an inspirational academic experience and community that brings together progressive Jewish values, inspires open minds and seeks to shape compassionate, ethical and engaged citizens.
180 North San Pedro Road, 415.472.1833
Branson School
Ross
As a coeducational, college preparatory school, Branson has the mission of developing students into those who will make a positive impact on the world through living lives of purpose, integrity, learning and joy. The school currently consists of 370 students attending grades 9–12 in Ross. They believe in the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion are crucial to creating an effective learning environment as well as a lively, warmhearted community.
39 Fernhill Ave, Ross, 415.454.3612
Bright Horizons
San Rafael
Bright Horizons at Marin Commons takes a Discovery Driven Learning® approach to make early learning an adventure. They have the goal of nurturing your child’s natural curiosity, focusing on what interests them the most, supporting them learn through play, as well as helping them prepare for academic success. Bright Horizons offers early education programs for infants, toddlers, preschool and kindergarten prep. They even have a mobile app for parents to stay connected with their children, as they will be able to get photos and real-time updates from teachers.
1600 Los Gamos Dr Suite 230, Lobby C, San Rafael, 415.492.2262
Chronos Academy
Larkspur
At Chronos Academy, precocious, driven and divergent thinkers reach their intellectual potential as they connect every lesson to a chronological timeline; memorize music; make daily integrated projects; explore the outdoors, museums and theater every Friday; learn math, writing and language skills at their own pace; give weekly presentations; and solve group challenges each session. Chronos Academy is an innovative, TK–8 school that integrates every subject with global history, each week 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.
110 Magnolia Avenue Larkspur, 415.383.2283
Fusion Academy
San Rafael
Fusion Academy in San Rafael offers one-to-one private school learning for students in middle and high school. Teachers and mentors personalize the curriculum and pacing of the material based on the student’s strengths and weaknesses. Students can participate in the program whether it’s full- or part-time, or whether it’s for class credit, tutoring, mentoring or post-secondary counseling. Fusion Academy Marin became Fusion’s 15th campus in the country when it opened back in 2014. Students can enroll at any point during the school year even if it’s mid-semester or mid-year.
1600 Los Gamos Dr Suite, San Rafael 380, 415.472.1421
GATE Academy
San Rafael
Students at GATE Academy are “creators of knowledge, not just consumers of facts” according to their website. GATE Academy believes their students should learn by doing, seeing, thinking, making and sharing. They offer an inquiry-based education for children who want to learn and love to have fun. There are many hands on/minds on activities for the children to learn, where students are able to be engaged in their own learning. GATE believes that their students are “deep, reflective thinkers who have a passion for figuring out, doing, and understanding.”
1 St Vincent Dr, San Rafael 415.491.4700
Headlands Preparatory School
Sausalito
Headlands Preparatory School is a 6–12th grade, WASC-accredited college preparatory school. Students receive a transformative educational experience that helps build self-esteem and nurture responsible contributors. Supportive staff practice a one-to-one model and flexible scheduling which allows students to learn at their own pace and participate in activities.
1050 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.944.2254
Marin Horizon School
Mill Valley
Marin Horizon is an independent, toddler through 8th grade, co-educational day school located in a residential neighborhood in Mill Valley, only 15 minutes from San Francisco. At the core of a Marin Horizon education is the development of each student’s unique and confident voice. Marin Horizon has challenging, project-based academics in a joyful learning environment, phenomenal teachers who believe close student-teacher relationships are central to student success, an outdoor education program that reinforces the social-emotional learning, independence and leadership fostered in our classrooms, a long-standing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and a beautiful campus, nestled at the base of Mount Tamalpais, surrounded by trails and open space.
305 Montford Ave, Mill Valley, 415.388.8408
Mark Day School
San Rafael
Mark Day School is an independent K-8 school in San Rafael. Innovative and full of heart, Mark Day School nurtures each child to pursue their curiosity, think critically, embrace challenge with courage and joy and work in partnership with others to build more caring and inclusive communities.
39 Trellis Dr, San Rafael, 415.472.8000
Mount Tamalpais School
Mill Valley
Located in Mill Valley, Mount Tamalpais School is an independent, co-educational K-8 school where intellectual curiosity and joyful learning go hand in hand. MTS educators are specialists in their teaching disciplines, dedicated to challenging each student with thought-provoking questions that cultivate deep critical thinking. Connection and belonging are fostered through an intentional social-emotional learning curriculum woven into all classes. Families choose Mount Tamalpais School for the joyful and inspiring learning experience it offers and its dynamic, whole-child approach. MTS students enjoy childhood to the fullest and are well-prepared for the future.
100 Harvard Ave, Mill Valley, 415.383.9434
North Bridge Academy
Mill Valley
North Bridge Academy is a nonprofit school located in Mill Valley for dyslexic students in grades 2 through 8. The goal of the school is to equip and empower students with dyslexia to accept their strengths, understand their potential and go for their aspirations. Students learn in different ways than most, using multi-sensory, sequential and phonics based teaching to tailor curriculum to the individual needs of the students.
17 Buena Vista Ave, Mill Valley, 415.462.5657
San Domenico School
San Anselmo
San Domenico is a K–12 day school and international boarding school, educating the Marin and San Francisco communities since 1850. On their 515-acre campus students have a broad range of academic, creative and athletic opportunities. The education is focused on purpose-driven learning to create change makers and leaders in today’s world.
1500 Butterfield Road San Anselmo, 415.258.1905
The Discovery School
Sausalito
Located in and around the Bay Area Discovery Museum, The Discovery School is California’s only museum-based preschool. The school provides a distinctive atmosphere for children to learn and grow at a young age. The eccentric location of the school being at the museum and in its national park setting allows children’s natural curiosity to foster and flourish. The curriculum of the Discovery School is based on heavy research into how children develop and learn at the preschool level.
557 McReynolds Rd Suite 100, Sausalito, 415.339.3900
The Helix School
San Rafael
The Helix School is dedicated to nurturing the needs of children and young adults ages 5 through 22 who have autism and autism-like developmental challenges. The curriculum of the Helix School is specialized to the students’ developmental levels, sensory processing abilities and emotional-regulatory needs. Teachers at the school instruct students on how to develop self-awareness, self-regulate, process language, generalize what they learn, advocate for themselves and learn life skills.
161 Mitchell Blvd, San Rafael, 415.569.5056
The Mountain School
Corte Madera
Founded in 1990 by a group of parents who wanted to offer families in Marin a new type of approach to early education learning. The school offers children a fulfilling curriculum that gives them opportunities to explore and learn joyfully. There are two mixed-age preschool classrooms for children aged 2 years and 9 months to about 5 and a half years old. There are two teachers in both classrooms who help kids develop good habits by doing things like singing to the children and teaching them consistent routines and rituals.
50 El Camino Dr, Corte Madera, 415.924.4661
The New Village School
Sausalito
The New Village School is an independent school located in Sausalito that opened in 2009. The school gives a strong education for children from preschool age up until 8th grade. Class sizes are small with about 10-20 students per classroom and students learn without any screens until they’re in 6th grade. Instead they learn to develop social/emotional intelligence through an outdoor education system that often takes place on their farm and the ocean.
100 Ebbtide Ave #144, Sausalito, 415.289.0889
Winston Preparatory School
San Rafael
Winston Preparatory School in Marin County is a private, 3rd–12th-grade school for students with learning disabilities ranging from dyslexia, nonverbal learning disabilities and executive functioning difficulties. Dedicated staff focuses on each individual’s specific academic and social goals with daily one-to-one remediation. The Focus Program ensures students are evolving and developing skills to help them thrive.
1 Saint Vincents Drive, San Rafael, 415.993.5533
Lutheran
Good Shepherd Lutheran School
Novato
Good Shepherd Lutheran School (GSLS) offers a Lutheran education for children from preschool to middle school. At GSLS, everyone is welcome. Students are given the opportunity to thrive through their academics and social life. The school strives to enrich the educational process by embodying hope, love, respect, responsibility and compassion. All these beliefs reflect the school’s commitment to the local community. GSLS has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of both the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association and the California Association of Private School Organizations.
1180 Lynwood Drive, Novato, 415.897.2510
Montessori
Corte Madera Montessori
Corte Madera
Corte Madera Montessori offers early education for young children in the local area with primary classrooms for children aged 3–5. Classes are taught by Montessori-certified teachers, and the school provides a nurturing environment for children to discover their love of learning in a respectful environment. The school has a core belief that children learn the best through their own efforts. They also have a large playground for the children to roam during their twice-a-day recesses.
50 El Camino Dr, Corte Madera, 415.927.0919
Hamilton Montessori School
Novato
Hamilton Montessori School opened in 2018 and operates on the Unity in Marin campus, and although independent from them spiritually, this preschool relfects the natural beauty of the grounds they’re housed on. They honor a true Montessori education, with a curriculum of support, anti-bias, peaceful resolution skills and partnership.
600 Palm Drive, Novato, 415.851.3299
Marin Montessori School
Corte Madera
At Marin Montessori School, parents find more than academics — they find a deeply thoughtful approach to raising capable, curious and confident young people. Serving toddlers through ninth grade, MMS empowers students to engage in hands-on, real-world learning and to take true ownership of their education. The result? Young people who not only thrive in school, but who are prepared to lead lives of purpose and resilience.
5200 Paradise Dr, Corte Madera, 415.924.5388
Montessori de Terra Linda School
San Rafael
Montessori de Terra Linda School offers a private school education for preschoolers up until they hit 6th grade. They have classrooms where children are mixed ages so they can experience different roles. Because of this, many of the children stay in the same classroom for three years at a time.
610 Del Ganado Rd, San Rafael, 415.479.7373
Nondenominational
Marin Academy
San Rafael
Marin Academy is a coeducational private high school located in San Rafael. The school believes in academic excellence that pushes the educational boundaries of both how and what students learn. Marin Academy helps students build the tools they need to live their lives to fullest, both throughout high school and beyond. In the classrooms, teachers and students work side by side to analyze, learn and build new ways of understanding the world. The school bases these ideas off of their three main principles of “Think. Question. Create.”
1600 Mission Ave, San Rafael, 415.453.4550
Marin Country Day School
Corte Madera
Founded in 1956, Marin Country Day School is an independent, COED, K–8 day school located in Corte Madera. Dedicated teachers guide students through the core curriculum including the academic disciplines of English, Mandarin, Spanish, math, science and social studies in addition to art, athletics, drama, music and outdoor education. The school’s mission is to create an inclusive community of learning that inspires curiosity, action and empathy.
5221 Paradise Dr, Corte Madera, 415.927.5900
Marin Primary & Middle School
Larkspur
Marin Primary & Middle School offers a Pre K–8 education that seeks to amplify each student’s inherent strengths, build intellectual skills and grow socially and emotionally through collaboration and creativity. Celebrating over 45 years of serving Marin families, MPMS graduates are curious and value the connection between people, students and the world around them.
20 Magnolia Avenue Larkspur, CA 415.924.2608
Star Academy
San Rafael
As a recognized leader in the Bay Area in teaching students with learning disabilities, Star Academy offers education opportunities for students ranging from third grade to post-high school. Teachers at Star Academy are highly skilled and trained in how to provide an individually tailored educational program for students. This helps these students get the proper resources, skills and knowledge that they need to become successful in all aspects of life.
4470 Redwood Hwy, San Rafael, 415.456.8727
Terra Mandarin Preschool
Mill Valley
Terra Mandarin Preschool is “multilingualism meets nature-based education.” Students of Terra Mandarin Preschool learn Mandarin and English to become fluent while being in a nature-based environment. Teachers are passionate about education and use their skills to help students excel through traditional academic learning. Much of the work is based on student-led discussions and interactive projects, which have been inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Students from preschool all the way to 8th grade have the opportunity to take part in this truly unique learning experience.
529 Browning St, Mill Valley, 415.906.2220
Parent Cooperative
Sausalito Nursery School
Sausalito
Sausalito Nursery School is a parent cooperative, meaning they get to be involved with how the school operates, as well as upfront in the classroom through volunteer work. The school believes that children are creative, curious and brimming with imagination. Their academic philosophy is rooted in play-based education, where learning emerges organically through exploration, imagination and community.
625 Main St, Sausalito, 415.332.0174
Waldorf
Marin Waldorf School
San Rafael
Marin Waldorf School has the mission of raising children to be conscious, creative and innovative and who will be capable of shaping the future of economics, justice and cultural freedom. The school has offered an education from the preschool level up until 8th grade. Their 10-acre campus is based in San Rafael, where students are able to develop their intellect by bringing goodness, beauty and truth into the world.
755 Idylberry Rd, San Rafael, 415.479.8190
