The Best Marin Schools
Families move to Marin for the fine schools, and neighborhoods with the best schools appear to maintain higher home values. Marin County schools remain among the best in the Bay area and the state based on several criteria:
- Amount spent per pupil: “Marin residents … spend more per pupil on education than the Bay Area or the state,” according to the Marin Economic Commission report of 2007.
- Academic Performance Index (API)
- Standardized Achievement Test (SAT) score used for college entrance.
Kent Elementary School, Kentfield, CA
What Makes Marin Schools the Best?
It appears that community commitment makes for outstanding schools. Parents take an interest in education, and they make sure the schools are well funded.
Parcel Taxes
Residents of many school districts approve special parcel taxes, added to their property tax bills, to fund the schools. Even with the restricted economic conditions in 2009, Marin citizens voted in favor of parcel taxes in the Lagunitas, Larkspur-Corte Madera, and Novato school districts. In addition voters approved school bond measures for the Mill Valley schools.
School Foundations
Several school districts, including Dixie (northern San Rafael), Kentfield, Lagunitas, Larkspur-Corte Madera, Mill Valley, Nicasio, Novato, Tamalpais High, Tiburon (Reed), Ross, and Ross Valley have foundations that raise significant amounts each year to support school activities. Many businesses in each community contribute generously to these foundations.
Grants
To improve education in the school districts that that have lower achievement levels, the Marin Community Foundation committed $35M in 2009 to be spent over the next five years. This effort addresses the educational needs of students of color and those from low income families.
Coleman Elementary School, San Rafael, CA
The Best Schools in Marin
Most schools in Marin are excellent. A few schools in West Marin, San Rafael, and Sausalito rank lower in API scores.
Sausalito presents an interesting example. This hill town with world-class views and proximity to San Francisco is historically not oriented to families with children and has not been strong on public education. In addition, the Marin City portion of Sausalito is home to lower income families. To improve the educational opportunities in Sausalito, The Sausalito School District established a charter school, the Willow Creek Academy (K through 8), in 2001. As you can see from the following API scores, the students are now matching those in the best elementary schools in Marin.
| API Scores | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
| Willow Creek Academy | 674 | 709 | 738 | 829 | 826 | 856 |
The Novato School District is a good example of the strength of community commitment. Though the expenditure per student is the lowest in the Marin, API scores indicate an excellent level of education.
For information about specific schools or school districts, please send your questions to this blog or visit the Schools pages at Livinginmarin.com.
Tamalpais High School, Mill Valley, CA
Marin Mini News
Bay Model Receives American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Grant
A Sausalito tourist destination, a massive model of the San Francisco Bay that shows water movements, will receive a $13M overhaul. Mark Prado presented background on this project in The Marin Independent Journal on January 3, 2010.
Better Sound Walls along Hwy 101 in San Rafael
Highway 101 divides San Rafael into east and west and contributes significant road noise to the neighborhoods directly adjacent. CalTrans is completing the improvement of the sound walls that divide the freeway from the neighborhoods. Jim Wood presented an interesting history of this roadway in Marin Extraordinary Living Magazine, May 2009. Mark Prado discussed this improvement in The Marin Independent Journal on January 1, 2010.
142 Throckmorton Theater Survives Economic Challange
The small theater at 142 Throckmorton, a half block from the Mill Valley town square, is receiving large and small contributions toward the $500,000 that it needs to continue operating. The theater showcases contemporary and classical music and comedy shows. Local celebrities Dana Carvey and Robin Williams often drop in on the Tuesday night comedy session to present extended acts. Paul Liberatore reported the details in The Marin Independent Journal on January 1, 2010
Tiburon Estate May Get Larger
The owners of a 12,000 square foot estate on four acres of prime view hilltop in Tiburon may be tearing down the house to replace it with a 15,000 square foot home. The Tiburon Design Review Board approved the project concept. The property previously belonged to tennis stars Andre Agassi and Steffi Graff. Deirdre McCrohan reported on the proposal in The Ark on December 9, 2009.
Keeping Marin’s Air Clean
With certain weather conditions, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District posts restrictions on burning wood. Violation letters and fines are sent to offenders. Samanthe Campos reported on violators in the Pacific Sun on December 30, 2009.
Flood Control Planning for the Ross Valley Watershed
The Corte Madera Creek drains the Ross Valley, from Fairfax through Corte Madera to the Bay. During extreme weather conditions, areas along the creek can flood nearby homes and stores. Debbie Stutsman presented an update on planning in the Ross Valley Reporter on December 30, 2009. A new website presents a comprehensive review of the Ross Valley Watershed.