Marin Horizon combines a challenging academic curriculum with a program of character-enhancing life skills to help each student develop their unique and confident voice.
Teachers incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles as a framework for designing and delivering rigorous and engaging instruction.
Students become active participants in their own education, resulting in deep engagement and high achievement.
Students are seen and valued for their authentic selves, developing confidence and courage to maximize their learning.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 289 students
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 17 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Marin Horizon School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild to Moderate Learning Differences
Year Founded
1977
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in n/a
Student Body
Total Students
289 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
17%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
16 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 17 / rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies by grade. Please visit our website for details.
% on Financial Aid
32%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$25,000
Admissions Director
Lizzie Key
Admissions Associate
Kimberly Edwards
Endowment Size
$7 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
13 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Chess, Cooking
Club or Organization:
Garden Explorers, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Advanced Band, Drama, Visual Art
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball, Flag Football, Karate, Running Fundamentals, Soccer, Yoga
Club or Organization:
Garden Explorers, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Advanced Band, Drama, Visual Art
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball, Flag Football, Karate, Running Fundamentals, Soccer, Yoga
School Notes
- Challenging, rigorous, student-centered curriculum
- Faculty who believe close student-teacher relationships are the key to student success
- Supportive and joyful learning environment where a diversity of backgrounds and ideas are embraced
- Students encouraged to take risks, think critically, and become creative problem-solvers
- Outdoor education program that reinforces the social-emotional learning, independence, and leadershipfostered in our classroomsMontessori-inspired, student-centered, experiential learning
- Spanish classes, Kindergarten through 8th grade
- Integrated Technology curriculum with high iPad and computer-to-student ratios
- Media Literacy Program
- Artist-in-Residence Program
- Music and performing arts program, including several performances each year
- Outdoor Education, 1st through 8th grades
- Leadership Development, K through 8th grades
- Strong emphasis on writing, public speaking, time-management, conflict resolution, and research skills
- In-depth high school placement counseling program
- Self and peer assessment promote independence and critical thinking
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports does Marin Horizon School offer?
Marin Horizon School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football and Track and Field.
What is Marin Horizon School's ranking?
Marin Horizon School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Marin Horizon School?
The application deadline for Marin Horizon School is Jan. 17 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 17 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Calendar
View the Marin Horizon School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
April 07, 2025 (Monday)
Last Day of School (Toddler & Primary)
June 05, 2025 (Thursday)
Last Day of School (K-8th)
June 06, 2025 (Friday)
School Reviews
5 6/15/2024
My daughter had the privilege to attend Marin Horizon School for 8th grade and her experience exceeded our expectations on every level. My only regret is not moving to MHS earlier. What most impressed me was how close the teachers, staff and administrators got to know her, and the dedicated coaching she received in every single class. This struck me reading the narrative from each teacher in the first report cards. It was clear they knew my daughter deeply and had worked closely with her to develop her strengths and push her in the areas she needed to grow. The school community was incredibly warm and welcoming, she had many new friends within days of joining the school and felt as if she had been there for years. This was clearly intentional, MHS focuses on fostering a sense of belonging, bonding with teachers, character building and strong academics. I highly recommend MHS and can see why they have been voted 'Best Private School in Marin' for many years. It is indeed the best!
5 4/5/2024
We are in our second year at Marin Horizon with kids in 1st, 4th, and 6th grades. It has been an amazing experience. The faculty and staff are so focused on helping our children become better people and pupils. It is truly impressive to witness, on a daily basis, how well everyone who works at the school knows each of our kids. We love the community as well; the other families are so fun and friendly, not stuffy at all.
5 3/29/2024
Our son transferred to Marin Horizon from a Marin public school in 4th grade and it was the best decision we could have made for him. Marin Horizon has provided not only a great academic education for him but also a safe environment for him to grow into himself. His confidence has increased significantly due to the great relationships he has with his teachers and the belief they have him in, particularly in math and science. The smaller school size allows for wonderful teacher-student relationships as well as exciting outdoor education opportunities. We couldn't be happier with the community at Marin Horizon. He heads off to high school next year well prepared and it will be bittersweet to leave this amazing community behind.
5 2/17/2024
We have been part of the MHS Community for 3 years. The MHS staff and teachers have been instrumental in the early development of our son and daughter. Their appreciation for the needs of each individual student is unmatched and our children have blossomed with a sense of confidence that we never knew they had. They feel so comfortable in the environment MHS has created and are willing to take risks and challenge themselves. As parents, we are thrilled to see their continued growth as part of such a wonderful and supportive school community!
5 2/9/2024
We've been with Marin Horizon School for five years while on our educational journey. MHS's commitment to fostering a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment is awesome! Teachers and staff have always been approachable, responsive, and genuinely interested in the progress and well-being of our children. Also, the personalized attention provided to each child plays a crucial role in their growth. They prioritize that every child has unique strengths, and areas for development and tailor the curriculum accordingly allowing the children to be motivated to learn. Beyond the classroom, MHS places a strong emphasis on personal, social, and emotional growth. The school has an intentional focus on cultivating a community of kindness, compassion, and respect. Teachers and staff encourage students to develop their interpersonal skills, empathy, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Through character-building activities and social initiatives, our children are becoming a well-rounded and compassionate individual. From the moment we joined the school, we felt welcomed and embraced by not only the teachers and staff but also by fellow parents. The sense of belonging and camaraderie fostered within the school community is truly heartwarming. Whether through parent-teacher associations, school events, or parent-led initiatives, there are so many opportunities for families to come together and actively participate in their child's education and school community creating an enriching environment for all. In conclusion, Marin Horizon School has exceeded all expectations. We are grateful for the positive impact it has had on our family and highly recommend it to prospective parents seeking a nurturing and enriching educational environment for their children.
5 2/9/2024
We've been with Marin Horizon School for five years while on our educational journey. MHS's commitment to fostering a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment is awesome! Teachers and staff have always been approachable, responsive, and genuinely interested in the progress and well-being of our children. Also, the personalized attention provided to each child plays a crucial role in their growth. They prioritize that every child has unique strengths, and areas for development and tailor the curriculum accordingly allowing the children to be motivated to learn. Beyond the classroom, MHS places a strong emphasis on personal, social, and emotional growth. The school has an intentional focus on cultivating a community of kindness, compassion, and respect. Teachers and staff encourage students to develop their interpersonal skills, empathy, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Through character-building activities and social initiatives, our children are becoming a well-rounded and compassionate individual. From the moment we joined the school, we felt welcomed and embraced by not only the teachers and staff but also by fellow parents. The sense of belonging and camaraderie fostered within the school community is truly heartwarming. Whether through parent-teacher associations, school events, or parent-led initiatives, there are so many opportunities for families to come together and actively participate in their child's education and school community creating an enriching environment for all.In conclusion, Marin Horizon School has exceeded all expectations. We are grateful for the positive impact it has had on our family and highly recommend it to prospective parents seeking a nurturing and enriching educational environment for their children.
5 11/2/2018
Humanity is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. Combining age appropriate philosophy, logic, moral education, and community service might add up an education in being a humanitarian. Or you could send a child to Marin Horizon and watch them grock it and rock it. Let`s all rock our humanity!
5 10/7/2018
The third grade was our first year, then fourth, and now fifth. When we moved to the area from the East Coast and shortly thereafter started school, we arrived to some school events a bit after they had started. Around the third time running late, I sighed to a parent, "We're the late family," to which he replied with a smile, "So, are we going to start labeling, now?" The wisdom in his warmth signaled to me that we were in a special place. Since then, I have grown used to a parent mentioning non-violent communication (also known as compassionate communication) or hearing a teacher-lecturer speak of labeling the behavior, not the child. The school seems to strike a common-sensical balance in so many realms (work/play; being little/growing up; independence/interdependence; events/breaks; strict education/social opportunities), and, in this busy world, our Marin Horizon students have taught us some practical mindfulness techniques. I get such a good sense and have a solid feeling of trust, having spent many a morning or an afternoon and having met most everyone, by now. The teachers are conversant in the whole child, even to the degree of keeping up with technology trends of Eighth Graders... and even to the degree of knowing that the whole child can be nurtured in the midst of family and community and found in broader community.Our child had been labeled (gifted- "twice exceptional") and we had labeled ourselves (privileged-"wage slaves").Yet no one had given us any concrete means of how, through school community, to use these products. Marin Horizon gave us that, also! I'd say it "upgraded" us or "evolved" us as a family and as conscious and engaged citizen-neighbors. I have to admit, I am very proud to be a Marin Horizon parent!
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