The Best Private Schools in San Anselmo, California
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in San Anselmo. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Marin Primary & Middle School
Marin Primary & Middle School
Marin Primary & Middle School serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a progressive, child-centered approach to education. Located just minutes from San Anselmo in Larkspur, the school emphasizes social-emotional development alongside academic excellence. The curriculum integrates STEAM education, project-based learning, and outdoor education. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated art and science spaces, and extensive play areas. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced teachers, and strong community feel.
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Marin Academy
Marin Academy
Marin Academy is a highly regarded independent college preparatory high school serving students from throughout Marin County, including San Anselmo. The school offers a rigorous academic program with extensive Advanced Placement options and a comprehensive arts curriculum. The campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Known for its innovative teaching methods and strong student-teacher relationships, Marin Academy consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities. The school emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and community engagement.
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San Domenico School
San Domenico School
San Domenico School is one of California's oldest independent schools, offering a comprehensive PreK-12 education with a strong college preparatory focus. The 515-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes values-based education, academic excellence, and offers a unique boarding program for grades 9-12. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletics and renowned music programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in San Anselmo, California
What are the primary private school options available within or very close to San Anselmo, CA, and what grade levels do they serve?
San Anselmo itself is home to several highly-regarded private institutions. San Domenico School, located in the neighboring town of San Anselmo's vicinity, is a prominent K-12 school offering a college-preparatory curriculum with a notable arts and music program. Marin Primary & Middle School, situated in Larkspur just minutes away, serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on progressive, hands-on learning. While Marin Academy is a top-tier independent high school (9-12) located in San Rafael, it is a major destination for San Anselmo families. Additionally, smaller parochial and independent schools serve the immediate area, creating a dense network of options for Marin County residents.
How does the tuition for private schools in the San Anselmo, CA, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the San Anselmo/Marin County area is among the highest in California, reflecting the regional cost of living and the schools' resources. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $35,000-$55,000 for high schools and $25,000-$40,000 for K-8 programs. Importantly, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. For instance, San Domenico and Marin Academy award millions in aid annually. Parents should absolutely apply for financial aid even if unsure of eligibility, as many families with incomes well over $150,000 may qualify for partial grants. California does not have state-funded voucher programs for private schools, so aid is primarily sourced from the schools' endowments and fundraising.
What unique academic or extracurricular specializations do private schools near San Anselmo, CA, offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the San Anselmo area uniquely integrate Marin County's natural landscape and cultural resources into their programs. Many, like San Domenico, have robust outdoor and sustainability education, with students regularly utilizing nearby open spaces like the Marin Headlands for science and leadership programs. The proximity to San Francisco also fuels strong arts partnerships, with frequent field trips to museums and performances. Marin Academy emphasizes experiential and interdisciplinary learning, often involving local environmental and social justice organizations. Furthermore, schools often have specialized programs in visual and performing arts, leveraging the area's vibrant artistic community, and entrepreneurship, connected to the Bay Area's tech and innovation ecosystem.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in San Anselmo, CA, and when should parents start planning?
The admission process for sought-after Marin County private schools is highly structured and begins early. For entry in Fall 2025, the key timeline is: **Spring/Summer 2024** (research and attend open houses), **September 2024** (application portals open), **January 2025** (application deadlines for most schools). The process typically includes a submitted application, student essays, parent statements, teacher recommendations, school records, and a mandatory student visit/interview or assessment day. For kindergarten entry, some schools have birthdate cutoffs and may recommend applying two years in advance. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry points like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, families in San Anselmo are advised to start attending virtual or in-person open houses at least 12-18 months before the desired enrollment date.
For families in San Anselmo, what are the key considerations when comparing the highly-rated public school district (Ross Valley School District/San Rafael High Schools) with local private options?
San Anselmo is part of the well-regarded Ross Valley School District (K-8) and feeds into the San Rafael or Tamalpais Union High School Districts. The key considerations are: **Educational Approach:** Public schools offer a strong, standard curriculum, while private schools often provide more specialized, progressive, or project-based learning with smaller class sizes. **Resources:** Private schools have larger discretionary budgets for facilities, arts, and niche programs, but public schools are tuition-free. **Community & Diversity:** Public schools naturally reflect the geographic community of San Anselmo. Private schools draw from across Marin and the Bay Area, which can create a different social dynamic and potentially longer commutes for classmates. **Logistics:** Attending the local public school is often a walk or short bike ride, whereas private school usually involves driving to neighboring towns. The decision often hinges on a family's preference for a specific pedagogical philosophy or program not available in the public system.
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