The Marin School Confidence, Creativity, Integrity, and Academic Excellence The Marin School is an independent, college-prep high school in San Rafael.
Small by design, TMS students thrive in a challenging, collaborative environment where dedicated faculty set high expectations and encourage each student to realize their full potential.
We offer a UC-approved, thought-provoking curriculum, with a creative approach to everything we do.
Our small, supportive environment inspires our students to take risks and explore new ideas. Unique STEM offerings include Virology, Zoology, and our FabLab Maker space. Digital, Visual and Performing Arts electives provide opportunities for artists at all levels to refine their skills. Our sports teams compete in a small-school sports league with an emphasis on health and wellness - all teams are co-ed and no tryouts are required.
A daily shuttle service makes stops along a central corridor throughout San Francisco and Marin County.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked CA School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 76 students
- Yearly Tuition: $54,950
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- Average class size: 8 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 11 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Marin School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Extracurriculars
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia, Language-based, Mild to Moderate Learning Differences
Year Founded
1981
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
76 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
20%
State avg.: 51%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
68%
Average Class Size
8 students
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1130
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
27
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 11 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$54,950
Tuition Notes
Tuition assistance available based upon demonstrated need.
% on Financial Aid
35%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$30,000
Acceptance Rate
60%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Associate
Andrew Cassetta
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
17 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Community Service Club, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Fab Lab, Film Club, Garden Club, LGBTQ+ Alliance, Model United Nations, Music Appreciation Club, Student Leadership Council, Yearbook Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Drama, Drawing and Painting, Jazz Band, Photography Class, Public Art, Recording Studio, Studio Arts
Community Service Club, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Fab Lab, Film Club, Garden Club, LGBTQ+ Alliance, Model United Nations, Music Appreciation Club, Student Leadership Council, Yearbook Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Drama, Drawing and Painting, Jazz Band, Photography Class, Public Art, Recording Studio, Studio Arts
School Notes
- College-preparatory high school (U.C. approved curriculum)
- Excellent student/teacher ratio
- A class size that promotes learning (average 9)
- Students who are seeking a close relationship with their teachers.
- Students who demonstrate academic and creative potential.
- Students who will actively participate in the learning process and in the school.
- Students who will make a personal investment in their academic success.
- Students who value the opportunities offered in a small learning community.
- We celebrate diverse thinking and individual personalities.
- We practice collaboration instead of competition.
- We offer participatory classes and encourage each individual's voice.
- We motivate students through innovative lessons and real-world applications.
- We emphasize conceptual thinking rather than rote learning.
- We honor each student's unique learning style.
- We identify and nurture each student's talents and gifts.
- We offer a web-based daily communication tool for parents, students and staff.
- Faculty meet weekly to ensure full staff knowledge of each student's progress.
- Students at The Marin School matriculate to leading colleges and universities across the country. We believe in the individual, and everything we do is designed to inspire, guide and empower each student to achieve his or her full academic and social potential.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Marin School cost?
The Marin School's tuition is approximately $54,950 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Marin School?
The acceptance rate of The Marin School is 60%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. The Marin School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
What sports does The Marin School offer?
The Marin School offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Soccer and Track and Field.
What is The Marin School's ranking?
The Marin School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for The Marin School?
The application deadline for The Marin School is Jan. 11 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 11 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed The Marin School also viewed these schools: San Domenico School, Marin Academy, The Bay School Of San Francisco, Drew School and Brandeis Marin.
The nearest high school to The Marin School is The Helix School (1.3 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Brandeis Marin (0.1 miles away)
The nearest preschool is St. Raphael School (1.7 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
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San Anselmo, CA 94960
(415) 258-1900
San Anselmo, CA 94960
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K-12
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Grades: 9-12 | 440 students 1.6 miles 1600 Mission Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 453-4550
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 453-4550
1.6
9-12
440
Grades: 9-12 14.3 miles 35 Keyes Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 561-5800
San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 561-5800
14.3
9-12
n/a
Grades: 9-12 | 297 students 15.2 miles 2901 California St
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 430-3737
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 430-3737
15.2
9-12
297
Grades: K-8 | 139 students 0.1 miles 180 N San Pedro Rd
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 472-1833
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 472-1833
0.1
K-8
139
School Reviews
5 10/22/2020
Our daughter is a senior at The Marin School (TMS) and we couldn`t be happier. We feel so lucky that we found TMS and decided that the commute from San Francisco would be worth it. It has been, and more. We were looking for a school that could provide individual attention and differentiated learning for our daughter while also challenging her academically. We have had first-hand experience with schools that say that they provide this, but in fact don`t. It can really only be done with dedicated teachers and a small student:teacher ratio. We knew TMS had a small student:teacher ratio when we applied, but found out how talented , dedicated and caring the teachers are at TMS once our daughter started in 9th grade. She`s now a senior and has grown tremendously and is well prepared for college. We are honestly blown away by the ability of TMS to provide excellent, supported, standard and honors courses for core subjects. We`re impressed by the school's ability to meet the needs of all students not just because of its size, but because it`s so rare. We were initially concerned about the social life at TMS because it`s small, but through clubs, lunch, where all grades are combined, and the culture at TMS, our daughter has always had many friends, with friends in different grades. We are highly satisfied.
5 11/19/2018
The Marin School has been a terrific school for our daughter over the past two years. They have provided the right level of individualized instruction and focus for her. She has participated in student government and other leadership opportunities, which she has really enjoyed. The school has created a community in which has been easy for our daughter to make friends. All in all, we`ve been very happy with the school!
5 8/11/2018
TMS is a fabulous school for our child. The small class size and great teachers & staff make all the difference. They really care about each individual student. Being so small, less than 100 students in grades 9-12, enables TMS to give each student everything they need, whether it be more challenge, tutoring or emotional support. We are extremely happy with this school.
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