Marin Horizon School

305 Montford Avenue, Mill Valley , California, 94941
415.388.8408  ext. 224
Email: admissions@marinhorizon.org
Website: https://www.marinhorizon.org/
School Information:
Founded in 1977, Marin Horizon School is an independent, coed day school for students in Toddler through Grade 8. We're located at the foot of majestic Mount Tamalpais in Mill Valley, California. Marin Horizon fosters a genuine passion for learning, kindness, and positive change. Our curriculum is designed to inspire students to embrace challenges, think critically, and become compassionate advocates. And within our inclusive community, every student is seen, heard, and valued, fostering a sense of ownership over their education and an exploration of their unique interests. Our approach combines engaging projects with interdisciplinary learning, helping students develop critical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Our dedicated teachers guide students on a journey of growth, encouraging them to navigate complexity and think beyond boundaries. At Marin Horizon, education goes beyond traditional classrooms. Our students engage in enriching outdoor adventures, creative arts, and community projects, fostering empathy and social consciousness. At Marin Horizon, we are not just educating minds; we are cultivating compassionate, informed individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to the world.

Philosophy

Play Based

Academic

Montessori

Nature

Schedule:
Marin Horizon follows an academic year calendar, from late August to early June, with a summer camp in between for 3-7 year olds. Toddlers can attend between 3-5 days per week, from 8:30am-12:30pm, with extended care options from 8am-5:30pm. Primary students can attend 4 or 5 days per week, from 8:30am-2pm, with extended care options from 7:30am-5:30pm.
Admission:
Toddler students must be 2 by September 1st of the year they enroll, and Primary students must be 3. Our application is due on January 31. We offer tours throughout the fall, beginning in October and ending in January.
Class Size:
Marin Horizon averages between 280-300 students per year, between the Toddler through 8th grade programs. The toddler program maintains a 6:1 student teacher ratio, with a maximum of 18 students per classroom, and in the Primary programs it is 9:1 with a maximum of 27 students per classroom. In both cases there are 3 teachers in the classroom at all times.

JCC Preschool Mill Valley and San Rafael

200 N. San Pedro Rd. , San Rafael, CA 94903
School Contact: Erin Burns
(415) 388-1409
Email: eburns@marinjcc.org 
Website: https://www.marinjcc.org
School Information:
The JCC Preschool provides a warm, nurturing environment guided by universal values such as kindness, respect, and community care. Our school celebrates Jewish life while embracing diversity, welcoming children and families from all backgrounds. We believe in a constructivist approach to education, where children are seen as capable and competent learners who thrive through hands-on exploration and meaningful interactions with their surroundings. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to support the unique learning styles of each child within a group setting. We offer a blend of open-ended and structured activities that promote literacy, numeracy, language, creativity, and social-emotional development. Throughout the day, children participate in small and large group activities such as circle time, music, creative movement, art, science, and dramatic play, all of which are essential for building social skills, self-expression, and a sense of belonging. We place great emphasis on uninterrupted play, allowing children the time and space to build relationships, refine social skills, and explore their interests. Our values-based curriculum promotes citizenship, social justice, and a strong sense of community, ensuring that each child feels valued and included. The outdoors serves as an extension of our classroom, providing additional opportunities for exploration and discovery. Parents are engaged partners in their child's education, and together, we create a supportive environment where children can grow, learn, and flourish.
Philosophy:

Play Based

Reggio Emilia

Nature

Schedule:
Half-day: 9 – 1; Full day: 8 - 4; Academic school year (9-month calendar)
Admission:
Must be eligible age by Sept. 1st of the year enrolling Mill Valley: Ages 2 - 5 years San Rafael: Ages 18 mos. - 5 years Tours at 9:30 AM Wed and Fri beginning in October Applications due in January
Class Size:
18 mos. - 2 years: 1:4 teacher: child ratio 2 years: 1:5 ratio 3 years: 1:7 ratio 4-5 years: 1:8 ratio

Solange's Montessori Preschool

211 Cardinal Road, Mill Valley, California, 94941
School Contact: Solange Silveira
415- 407-6885
Email: Solangeinmillvalley@gmail.com
Website: Solangesmontessoripreschool.com
School Information:
Solange’s Montessori Preschool is based on following each child uniqueness. We are one on one following the child development on their own pace, challenging the child on their on time. With lots of love and caring.

Philosophy

Montessori

Play Based

Home Based

Schedule:

The preschool is from 8am to 5pm and all year around. We follow the Mill Valley public school Holiday in consideration to the parents that have older children. And we are very flexible with our community. Since everyone has a different needs.

Admission:

As I mentioned before. We are open to accommodate our community in every level as possible. Just call and schedule a tour. There is not deadlines. Flexibility, community and communication is our theme.

Class Size:

We are one big room. All ages are together learning and respecting each other uniqueness.

Lycee Français de San Francisco

610 Coloma St., Sausalito, California, 94965
School Contact: Mireille Sagne
415-661-5232
Email: admissions@lelycee.org
Website: https://www.lelycee.org/
School Information:
La Petite École at LFSF: A Bilingual Journey Begins Here Starting from age 2, children at La Petite École are gently introduced to a curriculum that naturally prepares them for an exciting bilingual journey in the LFSF Preschool. Through play, learning, socialization, and interaction, they develop their knowledge and verbal skills in two languages. Our program nurtures gross and fine motor skills, encourages critical thinking, and fosters exploration of the world around them. Engaging educational projects lay a solid foundation for learning, seamlessly incorporating artistic activities in a warm, bilingual environment at our international preschool. LFSF offers a continuous program from Preschool to 12th grade. Families choose LFSF for its renowned academic excellence and emphasis on multilingualism and critical thinking, developed over more than 50 years. They stay for the close-knit community of international families that make LFSF their home. From Preschool to Life: Limitless possibilities—No French required.

Philosophy

Play Based

Academic

Language Immersion

Schedule:
8:30am to 3:15pm before and after school care available. 10-month academic calendar + vacation camps. school.
Admission:
Online applications include a virtual open house, a family interview and a campus tour. Application deadline is January 19th, 2025.
Class Size:
Approximately 150 students at our Sausalito campus (840 students total at LFSF). Classroom sizes vary from 12 to 20 students, with 2 to 3 adults per class.

Guidepost Montessori At San Rafael

11 Professional Center Pkwy, San Rafael, California, 94903
School Contact: Ana Lima
628-277-1616
Email: alima@guidepostmontessori.com
Website: https://www.guidepostmontessori.com/schools/san-rafael-ca
School Information:
Giving children the keys to life. Guidepost Montessori offers a holistic education approach with 120+ schools, virtual options, and language immersion. Our curriculum fosters independence, creativity, and a love of learning. Children's House Pre-School Program: Our approach is designed to empower each child to achieve independence by combining our hands-on curriculum with personalized learning to create an environment where curiosity flourishes, independence grows, and academic excellence is a natural outcome. Students direct their own activities, building knowledge, confidence and social skills along the way. Teachers empower children to use all the materials available to them, which range from practical life activities to geography to mathematics.

Philosophy

Montessori

Schedule:
Monday-Friday | 7:00 am – 6:00 pm - 12-month calendar. 7:00 am-8:30 am: Extended Morning Hours: greet the Guide, put belongings inside cubbies, change into indoor shoes, wash hands, storytime, art projects, movement games, yoga, and Montessori-inspired activities, and help the Guides prepare the class. 8:40 am-9:30 am Outside Play: change into outdoor shoes, explore the playground and outside area, sidewalk chalk, blowing bubbles, bouncing/rolling/catching balls, gardening 9:45 am-10:00 am Morning Snack: change into indoor shoes, wash hands, children will assist in setting the table and serving morning snacks for themselves and students 10:00 am-12:00pm Morning Work Period: children will choose work from our Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, and Language areas, guides will give individual or small group lessons (updates and photos will be provided through Transparent Classroom) 12:15 pm-12:30 pm Lunch Time: wash hands, children will assist in setting the table and consuming their prepared lunches together. After lunch begins the transition to nap time. 12:45 pm-2:15 pm Nap Time/Rest Period: children use the restroom and prepare their cots with personal bed sheets/blankets, children are recommended to remain on their cots during the rest period, guides may quietly read stories if children do not sleep 2:30 pm-2:45pm Afternoon Snack: transition from nap, wash hands, children will assist in setting the table and serving afternoon snacks for themselves and fellow students 2:45 pm-3:45pm Afternoon Work Period: children will choose work from our Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, and Language areas, guides give individual or group lessons (updates and photos will be provided through Transparent Classroom) 4:00 pm-6:00 pm Extended Afternoon Hours: children may revisit the outdoor playground, explore the indoor gross motor environment, build with puzzles/blocks/train tracks/Legos
Admission:
Monday-Friday | 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Nido (6 weeks to 18 months) Toddler (18 months to 3 years) Children's House (3 to 6 years) Tours: Schedule yours at: https://www.guidepostmontessori.com/schools/san-rafael-ca

MARIN MONTESSORI SCHOOL

5200 Paradise Drive, Corte Madera 94925
School Contact: Leslie Cohen Kastner
(415) 924-5388x104
Email:  admissions@marinmontessori.org
Website: marinmontessori.org
School Information:
In an unsteady world, a child’s education means everything. At Marin Montessori School, we prepare students to be citizens of consequence who are deeply knowledgeable and capable and who are tethered to the natural world as well as to their local and broader communities. We understand that each child is unique, capable, and motivated from within, and our expert faculty unleash the intellectual and ethical capacities within each student at each age along a carefully calibrated sequence of exploration and discovery. Marin Montessori’s pedagogy is ideal for this moment of disruption and possibility. At MMS, we provide an environment and approach that are antidotes to a culture that can rob children of their curiosity, purpose, and empathy. We believe a child’s education should be a journey toward joy and purpose and away from conformity and anxiety. Here, we inspire and liberate each child’s inherent sense of wonder and purpose by building their academic knowledge and real-world know-how.
Schedule:
Toddler (18 months - 2 years 7 months) Half-Days (M-Th) 8:00 – 11:30 am Full-Days (M-Th) 8:00 – 2:55 pm Primary (2 years 8 months to 5 years 10 months) Half-Days (M-F) 8:30 – 11:45 am Full-Days (M-F) 8:30 – 3:00 pm Before and After School Care (Optional) 7:30 - 8:30 am (Primary only) 3:00-6:00 pm (Primary only) We operate on a typical school calendar with breaks around major holidays. The school year runs from late August through early June. We offer some summer camp for enrolled children.
Marin Montessori School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. We admit children who are 18 months in September through 14 years old. Our tours begin in mid-October and run through late January. We hold two Open House events: November 9, 2024 and January 11, 2025. Registration is required for all admissions events. Space is limited. Details can be found on our website. Our application deadline is January 31, 2025 for Fall 2025 enrollment.
Our school is ~260 students. We have two Toddler Classrooms and four Primary (preschool) Classrooms. We maintain maximum ratios of 6:1 in our Toddler program and 12:1 Primary (preschool) programs. Each classroom has two consistent adult caregivers/teachers and one additional support staff who supports at key times during the day.

Marin Waldorf School

755 Idylberry Rd, San Rafael, CA 94903
School Contact: Mary Beth Sartain
(415) 479-8190 x102 
Email: admissions@marinwaldorf.org
Website: https://www.marinwaldorf.org
School Information:
Marin Waldorf School fosters curiosity, reveals each student’s unique strengths, and equips children from preschool through grade 8 to lead responsibly in an ever-changing world. Our developmentally responsive and innovative Waldorf approach integrates social justice, equity, diversity, and environmental stewardship across all subjects. For over 50 years, Marin Waldorf School has delivered a vibrant, hands-on, and interdisciplinary curriculum that blends math, science, art, music, performance, physical education, language arts, and outdoor exploration. We embrace the joy found in the rhythm of work and play, foster a deep connection with the natural world, and cultivate a vibrant and supportive community. We are dedicated to deep academic inquiry and celebrating the endless possibilities of childhood. Schedule a tour today!

Play Based

Academic

Waldorf

Nature

Schedule:
Marin Waldorf School is in session 8:00 am to 5:30 pm for 10 months of the year. Early childhood programs start at 8:15 and end at 1 pm. Preschool parents can choose between a 3-day (Monday - Wednesday) and a 5-day preschool program and extended care until either 3:00 or 5:20pm. Kindergarten is 5 days. We also offer a Parent Toddler class for parents and caregivers and their children age 18 months to 3 years old. These 8-week sessions meet once a week for two hours during the fall, winter and spring. These simple, sweet, and playful morning gatherings are held in our school's cozy parent-child classroom and beautiful outdoor spaces. For parents and caregivers, the classes are an opportunity to connect with other families, discuss parenting and Waldorf education, and learn more about their child by quietly observing them at play. Additionally, we offer a popular summer camp for 6 weeks during the summer.
Our Early Childhood program serves ages 2 years and 9 months through though age 5. We have four mixed age classrooms--two for Kindergarten and Pre-K ages and two for Preschool age. We also offer a parent child class designed for families with children who are 18 months to 3 years old. Admission for our Early Childhood program consists of a tour, application, and interview. Tours begin in the fall with an application deadline of February. Registration for the Parent Toddler class is on a first come, first-served basis. 
Class Size:
We have four Early Childhood classrooms with two teachers in each classroom. Our ratio for mixed-age Kindergarten classes is 1 teacher: 9 students. Our ratio for mixed age PreK is of 1 teacher: 7 students. We have a total of 160 students preschool through grade 8. 

The Grove Preschool at Kol Shofar

215 Blackfield Drive, Tiburon, CA 94920
School Contact: Katherine Barboni
(415) 388-1012
Email: grovepreschool@kolshofar.org
Website: https://www.grovepreschool.org
School Information:
The Grove Preschool is recognized as a preschool that promotes environmental stewardship and offers opportunities for children to experience nature as a part of their day. The preschool roots its Reggio Emilia philosophy to the outdoors, where children can discover their world through play, the natural environment and Jewish Values.

Play Based

Religious

Reggio Emilia

Nature

Schedule:
We are open 11 months of the year from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with a half day option.
We enroll children aged 18 months - five years. We offer tours from October - January and begin to enroll children in February for an August start date.
We have 70 children enrolled in five classes. We have five classrooms with two - three teachers in each class.

The New Village School

100 Ebbtide Avenue, Suite 144 Sausalito, California, 94965
School Contact: Sam Wilder
(415) 289-0889
Email: sam@thenewvillageschool.org
Website: https://thenewvillageschool.org/
School Information:
The Little Village Preschool Finding the best preschool for your child can feel like navigating a complex maze of options and emotions. As a parent, you're faced with balancing practical considerations like location and cost with the desire to provide the most nurturing and enriching early education experience. You may worry about your child's readiness for this big step, their ability to adapt to a new environment, or whether the preschool's philosophy aligns with your family's values. The pressure to make the "right" choice can be overwhelming, especially when it feels like this decision could impact your child's future. At New Village School, we understand these challenges and are here to partner with you in making this important decision, ensuring your child's first steps into education are positive, joyful, and foundational for lifelong learning. Our Philosophy: Through conscious intent, the experience at the Little Village is one where living simply allows for children to learn to care for one another, for themselves, and their surroundings. Within this core tenant, childhood is preserved through slowing down and allowing children to be children. At the Little Village, children play, grow food, prepare their meals, make the table beautiful, share a meal, tend to a garden, tend to their home away from home, sing, move, paint, draw, play, rest, and play some more! The Little Village School creates a daily and weekly form that allows for calm and ease. Within this form there is room for flexibility, spontaneity and creativity. When there is a natural rhythm to the day, children feel more at ease, which in turn creates smoother transitions and overall less of a need for loving discipline. Children enrolled in the Little Village are taught to see goodness in the world, in themselves and in others. The children are met with respect, kindness and warmth. They are seen and given genuine presence. Each day, life is celebrated in simple and joyful ways. The Little Village School protects, respects, and values childhood. We honor slowing down, allowing children to play, teaching children to be mindful of caring for their space, teaching children to be respectful of all humans, creatures and our Earth. We strongly encourage screen free childhood. We strive for as close to zero-waste living as possible. We care deeply for our parents/guardians and support them as they set boundaries, slow down, tell stories and create more joy. The Little Village thanks you for the opportunity for us to be a part of your child's precious early years. General Info: -Children eligible for admission must be between the ages of 2 years, 9 months, and 4 years, 8 months. -The preschool operates from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. -The annual tuition for the current year is $19,500. We offer flexible payment options, allowing families to pay annually, quarterly, or monthly. Additionally, we provide Tuition Adjustments for qualified applicants to ensure accessibility. -The application deadline for the 2025-26 school year is January 27th, 2025.

Philosophy

Play Based

Waldorf

Nature

Schedule:
General Info: -The preschool operates from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. -Our calendar runs from Mid-August to Mid-June with breaks throughout the school year. -The annual tuition for the current year is $19,500. We offer flexible payment options, allowing families to pay annually, quarterly, or monthly. Additionally, we provide Tuition Adjustments for qualified applicants to ensure accessibility.
Admission:

Children eligible for admission must be between the ages of 2 years, 9 months, and 4 years, 8 months.

We host Morning Circle Tours on Fridays and have several Open Houses throughout the school year.

The application deadline for the 2025-26 school year is January 27th, 2025.

Class Size:
Currently we have 25 students and three wonderful teachers.

Montessori in Motion

3 Wellbrock Heights, San Rafael, California 94903
School Contact: Crystal Flory-Biller
(415) 472-5622
Email: info@montessoriinmotion.com
Website: https://montessoriinmotion.com/
School Information:
Montessori in Motion has been joyfully educating Marin children since 1992. We are perched atop a beautiful hill overlooking Terra Linda surrounded by nature, with weekly sightings of rabbits, birds and families of deer. We provide the necessary tools for your child to become an independent, confident, learner and maintain a healthy positive self image while exploring the magic of Montessori education. Montessori in Motion Preschool and Kindergarten Provides: A stimulating and nurturing environment. A community where each child is valued as a unique individual. A happy community of parents, children and staff where open communication is welcomed and encouraged. A place for your child to discover, learn, grow, and play. Structure and Consistency. A school where love, laughter, and learning unite. A Beautiful and spacious playground with an incredible view overlooking lush open space surrounded by nature with an amazing vegetable and fruit garden grown by the students. Learn and Grow: The Montessori teacher surrounds children with a carefully planned, stimulating environment. The children discover materials especially designed for their readiness and maturity so that each child develops at their own pace in a noncompetitive environment. Explore: There is a careful blend of structure and freedom. Montessori children have plenty of time to explore their own interests and make friends. They develop initiative, self-discipline, and true responsibility. Positive Results: The Montessori method is based on nearly a century of careful observation of children. It has been proven to be remarkably effective with children of all ages, temperaments, and learning styles.

Philosophy

Montessori

Schedule:
School Day: 9-3pm Extended Day: 8:30-4:30pm We offer five day a week schedules. Naptime 1-3pm -Toddler class takes naps and the primary class kids are invited to nap if they choose to do so. Potty training is part of our program We follow the Miller Creek and San Rafael city school district calendar. Our school year is from late August to mid June. We offer a 6 week theme based summer camp which run to the end of July. We are closed for summer vacation and maintenance for most of August.
Admission:
Admissions Process Key Admission Dates: Schedule a tour for Fall 2025-2026 school year admission beginning third week of September 2024. Tours are scheduled Monday-Thursday. They begin at 9:30am and last approximately 30 minutes. Both parent and child are required to attend the tour. Families will get a chance to visit the classrooms, view our beautiful outdoor space, and your child will get to work with the materials. Email our Admissions Department or call us at 415-472-5622 to schedule your school tour. Submit an Application for the 2025-2026 school year. Priority registration deadline for the 2025-2026 school year for returning students and alumni is January 15th, 2025. Priority registration deadline for new students is January 28th, 2025. To join our school for mid-year enrollment or after the registration window has closed, please contact Admissions. Acceptance into Montessori in Motion for the 2025-2026 school year. Families will be notified via email within three business days after an application is submitted. A non-refundable hold fee equal in the amount of your first tuition installment will be due within 48 hours of acceptance to hold your child's space and ensure enrollment. We serve children ages 2-6 years old.
Class Size:
We enroll 36 children per school year. We have 3 classrooms with two teachers each classroom consisting of one Montessori AMS Credentialed Head Teacher and one certified Assistant Teacher. We have one pre-primary 2-3 year old classroom with 12 children enrolled and two primary 3-6 classrooms with 12 children in each class. Our ratio in our classrooms is 1:6 .