Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Search Homes

Schools & Education in Marin County

Public Districts, Independent Schools & How Education Shapes Community Across Marin

Education as a Cornerstone of Marin Living

For many families considering a move to Marin County, schools are central to the conversation.

Over decades living and working throughout Mill Valley and Southern Marin, I’ve seen how education shapes neighborhood identity. Schools are not only academic institutions—they function as community anchors. Campuses are often embedded within residential neighborhoods, parent participation is active, and outdoor access frequently complements classroom experience.

Educational philosophies and campus sizes vary across Marin, but many communities share an emphasis on engagement, environmental awareness, and long-term civic investment.

Public School District Structure in Marin County

Marin County’s public education system is organized into:

  • Elementary districts (K–8 or K–5)
  • Unified districts (K–12)
  • A separate high school district serving much of Southern and Central Marin

District boundaries do not always align precisely with city limits. Families are encouraged to confirm attendance zones directly with districts when evaluating specific properties.

Southern Marin Elementary Districts (K–8)

Mill Valley School District (K–8)

Serves much of Mill Valley. Students typically matriculate into the Tamalpais Union High School District.

Reed Union School District (K–8)

Serves Tiburon and Belvedere.

Larkspur–Corte Madera School District (K–8)

Serves portions of Larkspur and Corte Madera.

Kentfield School District (K–8)

Serves Kentfield and Greenbrae.

Ross School District (K–8)

Serves the Town of Ross through a single K–8 campus.

Ross Valley School District (K–8)

Serves San Anselmo and Fairfax. Students typically attend high school within the Tamalpais Union High School District.

High School District (Southern & Central Marin)

Tamalpais Union High School District (Grades 9–12)

Serves students from:

  • Mill Valley
  • Larkspur
  • Kentfield
  • Ross
  • San Anselmo
  • Tiburon
  • Belvedere
  • Portions of Corte Madera

High schools include:

  • Tamalpais High School (Mill Valley)
  • Redwood High School (Larkspur)
  • Archie Williams High School (San Anselmo)

San Rafael Area

San Rafael City Schools (Unified K–12 District)

Serves much of San Rafael, including:

  • Elementary schools
  • Middle schools
  • San Rafael High School
  • Terra Linda High School

Novato Area

Novato Unified School District (K–12)

Serves the City of Novato and surrounding communities including:

  • Elementary schools
  • Middle schools
  • Novato High School
  • San Marin High School

West Marin & Coastal Districts

Shoreline Unified School District (K–12)

Serves West Marin communities including Point Reyes Station, Tomales, and surrounding coastal rural areas.

Lagunitas School District (K–8)

Serves Lagunitas and surrounding rural communities.

Bolinas–Stinson Union School District (K–8)

Serves Bolinas and Stinson Beach. Students may matriculate into Tamalpais Union or Shoreline Unified depending on district boundaries.

Independent & Private Schools in Marin County

Marin offers a diverse range of independent, faith-based, and alternative schools serving various grade levels.

  • Marin Academy (San Rafael) – College-preparatory high school
  • The Branson School (Ross) – Independent high school
  • Marin Country Day School (Corte Madera) – K–8 project-based learning
  • Marin Catholic (Kentfield) – Catholic college-preparatory high school
  • Saint Hilary School (Tiburon) – Catholic elementary school
  • Marin Waldorf School (San Rafael) – Experiential arts-based curriculum

How School Districts Influence Neighborhood Choices

School boundaries often influence home search patterns. Families typically consider:

  • Elementary district alignment
  • High school matriculation patterns
  • Walkability to campus
  • Community culture
  • Extracurricular offerings

Families should verify district and attendance information directly with schools, as boundaries and policies may change.

Education as Part of the Marin Lifestyle

In Marin County, schools are integrated into the community fabric. Campuses sit near redwood groves, open hillsides, and walkable neighborhoods.

For families exploring Mill Valley, Kentfield, Larkspur, Ross, Tiburon, San Rafael, Novato, or West Marin, understanding district structure is an important component of neighborhood evaluation.

Work With Me

Every client is different, and I strongly believe in understanding your unique needs, and helping you achieve your goals. Because of this commitment, I have distinguished myself by generating 80% of my business from client referrals.

Follow Me on Instagram