The Dorris-Eaton School, founded in 1954, is an independent, coeducational, day school for preschool through junior high students.
The school is recognized locally as well as nationally for its 70 years of academic excellence.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 385 students
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 25 / Aug. 25 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Dorris-Eaton 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
Year Founded
1954
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
385 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
18 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniforms K-8
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 25 / Aug. 25 / rolling
Tuition Notes
Preschool tuition varies depending on the number of days a week attending and ranges from $5710-$10200. Tuition costs include supplies, snacks, library, Spanish, art, and music. Kindergarten-grade 5 tuition is $34230. Grades 6-8 tuition is $36320. Tuition costs include textbooks, literature books, lab fees, and most supplies. Extended care before and after school is available for an additional cost. Prices vary from preschool-grade 8. Financial Aid is available.
Summer Program Cost Notes
Our summer offerings are from 9 AM-12 PM. The cost for a two-week session at our preschool campus in Alamo is $660. The cost for a two-week session for kindergarten-grade 8 at our San Ramon campus is $815.
Admissions Director
Trina M. Spencer
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, Debate, Math Olympiad, MATHCOUNTS, Science Bowl, Student Council, Student Service, Theatre
Arts and Music Programs:
Band
Chess Club, Debate, Math Olympiad, MATHCOUNTS, Science Bowl, Student Council, Student Service, Theatre
Arts and Music Programs:
Band
School Notes
- The Dorris-Eaton School, founded in 1954, is an independent, coeducational, day school for preschool through junior high students. The school is recognized locally as well as nationally for its 70 years of academic excellence.
- Fostering intellectual curiosity is our focus. Critical and creative thinking, effective communication and public speaking, compelling writing, as well as organizational and study skills, are hallmarks of our program. Our low student-teacher ratio allows teachers to give meaningful student feedback and support.
- Emphasizing the process of learning provides our K-8 students the foundation to tackle our accelerated curriculum with confidence. Classes in art, Spanish, music, and physical education along with a constantly evolving selection of electives for our sixth through eighth graders round out our offerings.
- On our park-like six-acre preschool campus, there is much to explore and enjoy. Sharing, common courtesy, and working together form the springboard from which all activities flow. Our teachers offer a positive and joyful school experience and a rich, stimulating curriculum which includes classes in art, Spanish, and music.
- Developing positive interpersonal skills is an important ingredient in success in school and life. Each day, preschool-eighth grade students demonstrate kindness, respect, and a growth mindset. In addition, social awareness is advanced through community service, school volunteer service programs, and a variety of age-appropriate leadership opportunities.
- Dorris-Eaton's experienced faculty and comprehensive curriculum provide the solid foundation that enables our graduates to succeed in the finest high schools and universities in the country-positioning them to become influential leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs. The founding tenet, excellence in education, remains the guiding principle of The Dorris-Eaton School.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Dorris-Eaton School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Dorris-Eaton School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is The Dorris-Eaton School's ranking?
The Dorris-Eaton School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for The Dorris-Eaton School?
The application deadline for The Dorris-Eaton School is Feb. 25 / Aug. 25 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 25 / Aug. 25 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 3/16/2012
The K-8 curriculum emphasizes reading/literature, writing, grammar, mathematics, science, and history. Foreign language, computer science, art, music, and physical education are integral components of the program. Junior high students are encouraged to participate in the after school competitive sports program.
Endorse The Dorris-Eaton School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

A Parent's Guide To Understanding High School Teaching Methods
This comprehensive guide helps parents navigate the various teaching methods used in today's high school classrooms. By understanding these approaches, you'll be better equipped to support your teen's learning journey, communicate effectively with teachers, and create a complementary learning environment at home.

February 08, 2025
Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden SymphonyA musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.

January 24, 2025
A Roadmap For Starting A Private SchoolUse this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.