Marin County's oldest city is San Rafael. Located 12 miles north of San Francisco, the multicultural community offers a variety of educational styles from which to choose with fifteen public schools and more than ten private schools. San Rafael is also home to Dominican University of California.
The Dixie School District oversees elementary and middle schools while the
San Rafael City Schools administers elementary, middle school, and high schools, including a continuation high school, and an independent study high school.
Dixie School District
http://dixiesd.marin.k12.ca.us/
San Rafael City School District
Bahia Vista Elementary School
125 Bahia Way
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2415
Grades: K-5
Bahia Vista School has a multicultural student body. On-site services include additional educational support and childcare.
Coleman Elementary School
800 Belle Ave
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2420
Grades: K-5
Coleman Elementary School maintains an enrichment center with a focus on art, science and music. Childcare is offered along with after-school enrichment classes and family support services.
Dixie Elementary School
1175 Idylberry Road
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 492-3730
Grades: K-5
http://dixiesd.marin.k12.ca.us/dixieschool/index.html
Dixie School was named a California Distinguished School in 2002 and a National Blue Ribbon School in 2004. A childcare facility is maintained by The City of San Rafael.
Glenwood Elementary School
25 West Castlewood Drive
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2430
Grades: K-5
A California Distinguished School in 1998, Glenwood Elementary is also a National Blue Ribbon School. In 2006, the school was placed in the top 10% of schools with a comparable grade range.
Laurel Dell Elementary School
225 Woodland Ave
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2317
Grades: K-5
Though a small school, grant funding provides for after school activities, including tutoring.
Mary E. Silveira Elementary School
375 Blackstone Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 492-3741
Grades: K-5
In 2000, the school was named a California Distinguished School.
Many after-school classes are offered in a variety of subjects and daycare at the school is available.
San Pedro Elementary School
498 Point San Pedro Road
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2450
Grades: K-5
A diverse population is served at San Pedro Elementary. Grant funding provides after school programs.
Sun Valley Elementary School
75 Happy Lane
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2440
Grades: K-5
Named a California Distinguished School in 1997, the school is located adjacent to open spaces. In 2006, students scored above state averages in all subjects of proficiency.
Vallecito School
50 Nova Albion Way
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 492-3750
Grades: K-5
http://dixiesd.marin.k12.ca.us/vallecito_elementary/
Designated as a California Distinguished School in 1993 and again in 2006, the school ranks in the top 10% of California schools having a similar grade range. After school care is offered for a fee.
Venetia Valley School
177 North San Pedro Road
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 492-3150
Grades: K-8
The recently renovated school was named a California Distinguished School in 1995. In addition to the core curriculum, students in grades 6-8 are offered courses in physical education, band, technology, and drama.
Davidson Middle School
280 Woodland Ave
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2400
Grades: 6-8
Davidson is a three-time California Distinguished School (1988, 1990, and 1994) with challenging academic programs including special programs for GATE students, ELL students and Special Day students.
Miller Creek Middle School
2255 Las Gallinas Ave
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 492-3760
Grades: 6-8
http://dixiesd.marin.k12.ca.us/millercreek/
Miller Creek Middle School maintains rigorous academic standards, and is a three time California Distinguished School, most recently in 2005. The Miller Creek Home and School Club supports many school-wide enrichment activities.
San Rafael High School
185 Mission Ave
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2330
Grades: 9-12
The curriculum at San Rafael provides college preparatory instruction, with honors/advanced placement in the academic disciplines. San Rafael High School also offers vocational courses in technology, business, and industrial arts.
Terra Linda High School
320 Nova Albion Way
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 492-3100
Grades: 9-12
http://terralindahighschool.net/
In 2005, Terra Linda High School was designated as a California Distinguished School. A variety of elective classes, advanced placement classes, and vocational programs are offered. In 2006, a new performing arts hall was opened. Over 90% of graduates enter post-secondary educational institutions.
Madrone Continuation High School
150 Lovell Ave
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2435
Grades: 10-12
Madrone Continuation High School offers a diploma through alternative secondary education. Though facilities are shared with San Rafael High School, Madrone operates as a separate school.
Oracle Independent Study
4380 Redwood Highway
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 491-0792
Grades: 9-12
http://oracle.marin.k12.ca.us/
Oracle is an independent study program for students whose needs reach outside the traditional high school environment. A state-approved curriculum is individualized to the needs of the student. Enrollment in community college or ROP is also encouraged.
San Rafael Private Schools
San Rafael is home to some of the finest private schools in Marin County.
Brandeis Hillel Day School
180 North San Pedro Road
San Rafael, CA 94903
Phone: (415) 472-1833
Jewish
Grades: K-8
The rigorous curriculum at Brandeis includes a strong foundation in core academics with an emphasis on reading, writing, reading, and public speaking; mathematics; science; social studies; Hebrew; and Judaic studies. Brandeis shares its campus with the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center and Congregation Rodef Sholom.
Dunham Academy
1 St. Vincent Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 491-4700
Nonsectarian
Grades: K-8
Academically selective
Dunham Academy is a selective school with curriculum designed to meet the needs of academically talented students. Admission is competitive. The Academy operates on a year-round calendar, and is opened extended hours as a convenience to parents.
Leebil Learning Center
1411 Lincoln Ave
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 454-6618
Nonsectarian
Grades: 7-12
Leebil Learning Center is a special education school serving students with a variety of learning disabilities.
Marin Academy
1600 Mission Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 453-4550
Nonsectarian
Grades: 9-12
Marin Academy is a coeducational, college preparatory high school with a comprehensive academic program. Completion of 3 years of a world language is a graduation requirement, available choices include French, Spanish, and Japanese. Over 99% of Marin Academy students attend four-year colleges, including Duke, Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and UC Berkeley. The County of Marin has certified Marin Academy High School as a Green Business.
Marin Waldorf School
755 Idylberry Road
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 479-8190
Waldorf
Grades: Preschool-8
Waldorf education offers a complex and diverse program, celebrating academic excellence and cultivating artistic expression. Students remain with their teacher throughout the grades. Although there is no standardized testing, seventh grade students at Marin Waldorf begin practicing for SAT placement.
Montessori de Terra Linda
620 Del Ganado Road
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 479-7373
Montessori
Grades: Preschool-6
Montessori de Terra Linda is associated with the Association Montessori Internationale. The school offers a Montessori education for children ages 6-12 in three program levels. Outdoor education, After School Enrichment classes and Summer Camp programs are also available.
Saint Isabella Elementary School
1 Trinity Way
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 479-3727
Catholic/Christian
Grades: K-8
http://stisabellaschool.webdbs.net/
St. Isabella's integrates technology into the curriculum throughout the grades. Extended Day offers all students before and after school care that has planned activities and homework time. The school strives to provide a solid foundation for the spiritual, psychological and academic development of its students.
Saint Marks School
39 Trellis Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 472-8000
Nonsectarian
Grades: K-8
http://www.saintmarksschool.org/
St. Marks offers a challenging academic program with emphasis on the arts, physical education and world languages. The core academics are coupled with the Seven Pillars of Character: honesty, caring, fairness, responsibility, courage, respect, and citizenship with a goal of combining the best of what is progressive and traditional.
Saint Raphael School
1100 Fifth Ave
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 454-4455
Christian/Catholic
Grades: K-8
http://www.straphaelschool.com/
Founded in 1889, the school is one of California's original mission school, as part of the Mission San Rafael. St. Raphael is fully accredited and includes religious instruction as directed by the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Diverse after-school classes are also available.
Timothy Murphy School
1 St. Vincent Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 499-7616
Special education for boys
Grades: 2-12
http://www.timothymurphyschool.org/
Timothy Murphy School provides special education services to boys ages 7 to 18 year of age addressing academic, behavioral and life skills. It is, predominately, a residential program, although some day students are accepted. Transitional High School classes are held at Terra Linda High School for those ready to re-enter a public school environment.
Dominican University of California
San Rafael is home to the campus of the Dominican University of California, an independent Catholic university. Founded in 1890, the school offers more than 60 programs.
