Terra Marin is a progressive K-8th program in Mill Valley led by an exemplary team of educators who guide their students through a diverse, highly academic, holistic and effective model focused primarily on the healthy social, emotional, mental, academic and physical growth of its students.
Having received waiver approval from the Marin County Department of Health , San Francisco Department of Health,and the state, Terra Marin has brought back all students preschool-8th grade for safe on campus learning as well as outdoor classes.
Since January, 2021, thier faculty and staff are COVID Vaccinated. Under their strict re-opening safety plan, students are once again able to enjoy the high caliber academic and social emotional curriculum of this diverse and dynamic program.
All programs were developed though a neuroscience lens, looking at the whole child and teaching each student at his/her level.
Terra Marin is a place where each child feels known and celebrated for his/her own unique strengths, feels safe to be him/herself, and is comfortable and confident to challenge themselves in all types of environments.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Kindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 117 students
- Yearly Tuition: $38,300
- Acceptance rate: 40%
- Average class size: 11 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 13
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Terra Marin School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Advanced Degrees
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
2018
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
117 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
49%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
92%
Average Class Size
11 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 13
Yearly Tuition Cost
$38,300
% on Financial Aid
53%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$25,000
Acceptance Rate
40%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Johanna Cervantes
School Notes
- Terra Marin School (TMS) was founded by Wendy Xa, also the founder of several other popular Mandarin immersion preschools including most recently Terra Mandarin Preschool in Marin. She opened the doors of TMS to new students in September 2018. Her journey to begin TMS began the day she gave birth, 13 years ago. After an extensive search for the right fit for her daughter (and not finding one), Wendy decided she would start her own school in San Francisco. Despite the school's success, she decided to open another school that would focus on more then just Mandarin Immersion..it would celebrate each child's individuality and gifts as informed by the layers of multiple intelligences, offer a connective and warm environment for all, and integrate Earth Education into every school day. Today, TMS is highly focused on encouraging the art of inquiry, where students are challenged not stressed and always embraced for their differences and unique potential.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Terra Marin School cost?
Terra Marin School's tuition is approximately $38,300 for private students.
What schools are Terra Marin School often compared to?
Terra Marin School is often viewed alongside schools like Marin Horizon School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Terra Marin School?
The acceptance rate of Terra Marin School is 40%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Terra Marin School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
What is Terra Marin School's ranking?
Terra Marin School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for Terra Marin School?
The application deadline for Terra Marin School is Jan. 13.
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: Terra Marin School vs. Marin Horizon School
People that viewed Terra Marin School also viewed these schools: Ross Academy Montessori School, Marin Horizon School, Marin Primary & Middle School and St. Hilary School.
The nearest high school to Terra Marin School is SoloQuest School and Learning Center (1.3 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is North Bridge Academy (1.3 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Ross Academy Montessori School (0.5 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Ross Academy Montessori School
Montessori School
Grades: PK-K | 77 students 0.5 miles 7 Thomas Dr
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 383-5777
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 383-5777
0.5
PK-K
77
Grades: PK-8 | 289 students 1.4 miles 305 Montford Ave
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 388-8408
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 388-8408
1.4
PK-8
289
Grades: NS-8 | 302 students 1.6 miles 20 Magnolia Avenue
Larkspur, CA 94939
(415) 924-2608
Larkspur, CA 94939
(415) 924-2608
1.6
NS-8
302
Grades: K-8 | 282 students 2.9 miles 765 Hilary Drive
Belvedere Tiburon, CA 94920
(415) 435-2224
Belvedere Tiburon, CA 94920
(415) 435-2224
2.9
K-8
282
School Reviews
5 2/27/2023
My 3 daughters have attended Terra Marin for 5 years. They feel a deep sense of belonging in the community. Their confidence has soared through developing a strong connection to nature. They are being challenged academically. They are assessed and taught at their levels. The richness and depth of the curriculum are not something I have experienced anywhere else. The teachers and staff are exceptional. Our whole family feels so blessed to be part of this remarkable school.
5 6/8/2022
I am so grateful to the wonderful teachers and administration at Terra Marin School for creating a safe and positive learning environment for my son. The balance of high-quality academics and outdoor education has resulted in a kiddo who is excited to go to school, is focused, and shares what he is learning every day. In addition to core academics, the Mandarin, music, outdoor ed, and drama classes have far exceeded our expectations, and these quality classes are hard to find at any other Marin school. Small class sizes mean more 1:1 time with teachers and deeper learning. My son feels at home at TMS, and our family feels part of the welcoming community. I can't say enough good things about this school!
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