San Rafael
San Rafael Elementary School District
The San Rafael Elementary School District serves neighborhoods within the central Marin community of San Rafael. The district has six elementary schools, one K-8 school and one middle school. The schools for kindergarten through fifth grade are Bahia Vista, Coleman, Glenwood, Laurel Dell, San Pedro and Sun Valley Elementary Schools. Venetia Valley is the kindergarten through eighth grade school. James B. Davidson Middle School serves students in grades 6-8. District enrollment is 3750 students. Students of the San Rafael Elementary School District are also in the San Rafael High School District. The district office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Support Services
The San Rafael Elementary School District has approximately 190 full-time equivalent teachers, 11 site administrators and 75 classified staff. Special needs students are supported by the services of resource specialists, speech and language specialists, school counselors, school psychologists, nurses and a librarian. Schools in the district offer a GATE program for gifted and talented students, enrichment and advanced learning programs as well as high-quality music and art instruction and engaging technology-based experiences.
Student Achievement
San Rafael schools have adopted rigorous and challenging content and performance standards. During the fall parent conferences, personal learning goals are established for each child. These goals are designed to challenge the student to meet or exceed state and district standards. Spring conferences are used to assess student progress. Grades 4-8 receive letter grade report cards. The schools use the California Standards Tests as well as district-developed assessment tests to monitor individual student progress and measure school program effectiveness. STAR results are available at the district office or online at the California Department of Education’s website: http://star.cde.ca.gov.
Community Involvement
Parent volunteer participation within the district takes many forms. Parents assist in the classrooms and in PTA-sponsored programs that enrich the core curriculum and raise funds for student programs. Members of the business and residential community support the San Rafael Elementary School District through contributions to the San Rafael Public Education Foundation. Several community organizations and local businesses provide volunteers who assist in the classrooms or offer after-school tutorial training.
Michael R. Watenpaugh,
Ed. D., Superintendent
San Rafael Elementary School District
310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 492-3200 (Information)
(415) 492-3233 (Superintendent’s Office) Fax: (415) 492-3245http://www.srcs.org/
Bahia Vista School – Grades: Kindergarten – 5
468 students
School hours:
Extended Kindergarten: 8:15 to 1:10, Grades 1 – 5: 8:15 to 2:40
Early Dismissal on Wednesdays at 1:45
Library Hours: 8:00 to 2:00
Bahia Vista School serves the communities east of Highway 101 and south of the San Rafael Canal, including Larkspur Landing.
In the fall of 2006, students and staff of Bahia Vista were welcomed into an entirely new school built on the location of the former school building. The new facility consists of two, two-story buildings that can accommodate approximately 450 students.
Bahia Vista School has a strong focus on literacy and uses “Success for All,” a phonics-based reading program developed at Johns Hopkins University. Student achievement of fundamental skills is stressed and measured through standardized tests, benchmark assessments, portfolios of student work and teacher observation.
English learning students also receive daily structured, systematic instruction in English Language Development.
The school community celebrates student cultural and ethnic diversity. The Bahia Vista Family Center (BVFC) serves students and their families by providing access to a variety of services and after school programs. The BVFC is a Healthy Start Program. The school also has a Family Literacy program as well as an extensive after school program through grant funding.
Juan Rodriguez, Principal
Bahia Vista School
125 Bahia Way
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2415
Coleman School – Grades: Kindergarten – 5
341 students
School hours:
Extended Kindergarten: 8:35 to 1:30, Grades 1 – 5: 8:55 to 3:15, Early Dismissal on Wednesdays at 1:55
Library Hours: 9:00 to 3:00
Coleman School, located east of Highway 101 near Central San Rafael, serves the Dominican neighborhood and downtown San Rafael. It is an entirely new school facility, constructed in 2004. Classrooms are arranged around the library, which serves as a focal point on the campus. A separate kindergarten building is located at the front of the campus to provide easy access for students and their families. The campus also includes a multi-purpose building and soccer field.
Coleman School has a literacy coordinator who provides resources, staff development and support in the reading program.
Technology supports learning across the curriculum and in the library resource center. Also, every classroom has access to state-of- the-art technology. In addition to the core curriculum, Coleman offers music, yoga, physical education, creative arts instruction, school tutorials and after school enrichment and support classes.
The school/parent community is actively involved as volunteers on SSC, PTA and SELAC Committees. Parent-paid after school daycare is available on site.
Ruth Reynolds, Principal
Coleman School
800 Belle Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2372
Davidson Middle School – Grades: 6-8
848 students
School hours: 8:00 to 3:15 Mon-Wed, 8:00 to 2:00 Thu-Fri
Library hours: 7:30 to 3:30
Davidson Middle School, a culturally diverse grade 6-8 school serving San Rafael, offers a comprehensive academic and enrichment program for students both during and after the school day. Our Core program offers advanced and on-level classes in Language Arts, Social Studies, Math and Science.
Physical Education and an extensive elective program are also part of the curriculum.
Through a block schedule, students are able to successfully achieve the state standards at an appropriate pace. GATE, ELL and Special Education classes are offered, as well as a comprehensive after school program. A strong counsel-ling program is also provided.
An intensive intramural program comaliments the school day activity.
Having recently completed a $19.5 million renovation of the campus, students are provided with the most up-to-date facilities, classrooms, technology, textbooks and materials.
Working together with a strong PTA and other community agencies, Davidson offers a unique and comprehensive program for each child in order to insure student achievement and preparation for high school.
Harriet MacLean, Principal
Davidson Middle School
280 Woodland Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2400
Glenwood School – Grades: Kindergarten – 5
368 students
School hours:
Extended Kindergarten: 8:45 to 1:20, Grades 1 – 5: 8:30 to 2:45, Early Dismissal on Wednesdays at 1:40
Library hours: 8:45 to 3:00
Glenwood School, a National Blue Ribbon School, located east of Central San Rafael, serves the area from Bayside Acres east to Peacock Gap. Glenwood School has a multipurpose building, state-of-the-art computer lab, new art and science building, a large library and baseball diamond and soccer fields. The school’s access to a marsh provides for a seasonal environmental studies program.
Glenwood school provides standards-based instruction and enrichment programs that lead to a high level of academic excellence.
Parent involvement and an emphasis on family activities are vital components of the Glenwood School program. The many volunteer hours given by parents (approximately 6,000 hours per year) greatly benefit the school.
The school community is culturally diverse, representing many countries. Education workshops help parents integrate learning into family life. Active parent participation is evident and welcomed throughout the school.
Before and after school programs include Scout troops, sports and classes in Spanish, French, writing, chess and art. Daycare is available before and after school.
Elizabeth Blcok, Principal
Glenwood School
25 Castlewood Drive
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2430
Laurel Dell School – Grades: Kindergarten – 5
179 students
School hours:
Extended Kindergarten: 8:25 to 1:25, Grades 1 – 5: 8:25 to 2:45, Early Dismissal on Wednesdays at 1:35
Library hours: 10:00-12:00 Mon./Fri.
Laurel Dell School, the district’s smallest school, opened its doors in 1996. Laurel Dell serves students both in the Bret Harte and east Gerstle Park neighborhoods, and throughout the district. The school has seven classrooms, a library and a computer lab, an outdoor amphitheater, and a beautiful school garden.
Laurel Dell offers students a challenging classroom experience and an extended-day kindergarten program. The curriculum is delivered through developmentally appropriate practices that meet the needs of the school’s diverse population. All classroom teachers provide quality, standards-based programs in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies.
Laurel Dell enjoys a diversity of cultures among the student body. The PTA/SELAC is very active and supports the school community, sponsoring special events and coordinating parent efforts such as creating a school garden, the Harvest Festival, Dollar Days, and Fiesta del Sol.
After school programs include SNAP, Cub Academy, art, science, YMCA sports and academic tutoring.
Robert Marcucci, Principal
Laurel Dell School
225 Woodland Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2317
San Pedro School – Grades: Kindergarten – 5
412 students
School hours:
Extended Kindergarten: 8:30 to 1:25, Grades 1 – 5: 8:30 to 2:50, Early Dismissal on Wednesdays at 1:15
Library hours: 9:00 to 3:00
San Pedro School is located in the Loch Lomond neighborhood east of downtown San Rafael. It serves the communities east of Highway 10, the area south of the San Rafael Canal, and the Loch Lomond neighborhood. San Pedro is now enjoying recent renovation with a new multipurpose building, library, computer lab and classroom wing. The sports fields have also been restored.
San Pedro implements standards-based, district-adopted curriculum in all subject areas and provides intense reading and English language intervention through three different research-based programs.
Enrichment programs include 4th and 5th grade music (vocal and beginning instrumental instruction), 3rd-grade string exposure, K-3 grade music (vocal and rhythm instruction), and 4th and 5th grade poetry workshops. Fifth-grade students participate in the Walker Creek Outdoor Education Program.
Additional academic support and enrichment is provided for all 4th and 5th graders and some 3rd graders in an extensive after-school program.
Kathryn Gibney, Principal
San Pedro School
498 Point San Pedro Road
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2450
Sun Valley School – Grades: Kindergarten – 5
33 students
School hours:
Kindergarten: 8:15 to 1:15, Grades 1 – 5: 8:15 to 2:35, Early Dismissal on Wednesdays at 1:15
Library hours: 8:30 to 2:45
Sun Valley School is located at the western end of San Rafael adjacent to rolling hills and acres of open space. The school serves the western portion of San Rafael including the Gerstle Park and Spring Grove areas.
Sun Valley School has a new multipurpose building, library, soccer field and school garden and continues to enjoy the newly renovated school facility.
The curriculum at Sun Valley is delivered through developmentally appropriate single-grade and multi-age instructional practices that meet the needs of the children. Both multi-age and single-grade classrooms provide quality standards-based programs in literacy, mathematics, science and social science. Fifth grade students participate in outdoor education.
The Block enrichment Program includes weekly art and music, bi-weekly P.E. and a rotation of science, computers and garden taught by appropriate consultants.
After school activities include art, foreign language, sports and scout troops. A plethora of after school classes are provided by San Rafael Community Services. On-site day care is available after school.
Julie Harris, Principal
Sun Valley School
75 Happy Lane
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2440
Venetia Valley School – Grades: Kindergarten – 8
683 students
School hours:
Kindergarten: 8:15 to 1:10, Grades1– 5: 8:15 to 2:45, Grades 6 – 8: 8:30 to 3:00, Early Dismissal on Wednesdays at 1:35
Library Hours: 8:30 to 3:30
Venetia Valley School is a K-8 school serving the communities of Los Ranchitos and Santa Venetia. It is located in northeast San Rafael near Marin County Civic Center. The school buildings have recently been remodeled and modernized.
Venetia Valley School emphasizes a curriculum that challenges each child to excel in reading, writing, mathematics and science, as well as art, music, gardening, and special physical education programs.
Classroom technology enhances student learning. Students in grades K-5 may opt to participate in an English/Spanish dual language program that develops student literacy in both languages by the 5th grade.
The 6-8 grade program consists of two to three classes at each grade level, offering a full range of challenging, academic instruction. Flexible grouping is used to address student needs and interests.
Pepe Gonzalez, Principal
Venetia Valley School
177 North San Pedro Road
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 492-3150
San Rafael High School District
The San Rafael High School District provides secondary education to students residing in two elementary districts of central Marin: Dixie School District and San Rafael Elementary School District. District students also reside in the Marin Community College District. The San Rafael High School District has two comprehensive high schools, San Rafael High and Terra Linda High, an alternative high school, Madrone, and an adult education program for those wishing to learn English.
District enrollment is 2,158 students. The district office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Support Services
The district has approximately 102 full-time equivalent teachers, 7 site administrators and 70 classified staff. Class size reduction support from state and federal programs has assisted in reducing the student to teacher ratio. Teacher support is offered through the Curriculum Department and the Peer Assistance and Review Program (PAR). Each school site offers new teacher support through departments. The English Language Development (ELD) program offers a strong language acquisition experience to integrate English learners into the academic core curriculum. The comprehensive high schools offer advanced placement, honors and college preparation courses and intensive assistance for students with learning disabilities. Counseling and career services help students assess job skills and arrange for internships.
Student Achievement
Academic performance for San Rafael District students is measured by a variety of indicators. The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) results, which measure student aptitude for college performance, are consistently higher than California averages. The 2006-07 District Average SAT results were: math 551, verbal 544 and writing 542, with California averages of math 513, verbal 493 and writing 491 (includes public and private results). The 2007-08 SAT results are not available at this writing. Student achievement is also measured by the California STAR testing program and district-developed assessment instruments. STAR results are available at the district office or online at the California Department of Education’s website: http://star.cde.ca.gov.
Community Involvement
Parents, community members and local businesses support the district’s schools through contributions to the San Rafael Public Education Foundation. Parents take an active role in the district by volunteering with classroom activities, PTA and Home and School Club programs, site leadership teams and booster clubs. The local business community supports the district by contributing matching donations and serving on school advisory committees.
Michael R. Watenpaugh, Ed. D., Superintendent
San Rafael High School District
310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 492-3200 (Information)
(415) 492-3233 (Superintendent’s
San Rafael High School – Grades: 9 – 12
1,131 students
School hours: 8:00 to 3:35
Library hours: 7:30 to 3:30
San Rafael High School is a 118 year old institution occupying 33 acres in central San Rafael. The school has an auditorium, theater, wood and metal shops, five computer labs, a swimming pool, three gyms, six tennis courts, a radio station and an all-weather track and lighted athletic field. The school was recently modernized.
San Rafael High offers college preparatory instruction and more than 20 honors/advancement placement courses in math, English, foreign language, social studies, fine arts and science. San Rafael High offers courses in technology, business, industrial arts, computer networking and other vocations. Along with the award winning music program, courses are also offered in theatre and fine arts. A rigorous English Language Development program serves a student population representing 30 countries. Wiring for classrooms has been completed since San Rafael’s status as a Digital High School.
The staff includes 53 certificated teachers, two assistant principals and three counselors to assist the principal.
Approximately 80% of the students enter college each year.
Judith B. Colton, Principal
San Rafael High School
185 Mission Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2330
Terra Linda High School – Grades: 9 – 12
975 students
School hours: 8:00 to 3:10
Library hours: 7:45 to 3:15
Terra Linda High School, a 2005 Distinguished School, provides comprehensive 9-12 grade education on a well-equipped and spacious campus in northern San Rafael. TLHS has a library computer lab and media center, a journalism lab, a Computer Assisted Design lab and science, math and English labs. Athletic facilities include a gymnasium, pool, a new all-weather track and football and soccer field, lacrosse and baseball fields. The school was recently modernized and added a new Performing Arts Center.
TLHS offers more than 20 honors and advanced placement courses in English, math, science, social studies and foreign language. TLHS provides technical preparation in catering and small business design, design and construction and auto mechanics. Quality drama, music and athletic programs are also offered.
A well-trained and highly qualified group of professionals staff TLHS. More than 90% of the graduates enter postsecondary educational institutions. The staff includes 58 certificated teachers, two assistant principals and three counselors.
Lars Christensen, Principal
Terra Linda High School
320 Nova Albion Way
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 492-3100
Madrone Continuation High School – Grades: 10 – 12
55 students
School hours: 8:30 to 1:00
Office hours: 8:00 to 4:00
Library hours:
San Rafael High School: 7:30 to 3:30
Madrone Continuation High School provides an alternative secondary education for students in the San Rafael High School District. The school is currently undergoing modernization and students and programs have been relocated to the Davidson annex property for the 2006-2007 school year.
Students receive individualized attention in classes that emphasize academics, self discipline, self-esteem and accountability.
Each student is assigned a school counselor. Technology is integrated into the coursework, with a ratio of one computer per every two students. The average class size is 17 students. Student achievement is measured on a pass/fail grading system. Students participate in the Statewide Assessment Program (STAR).
Students may earn a diploma at Madrone or return to the comprehensive high school program. Graduation requirements are consistent with those of the comprehensive high school program.
Karen Levin Allen, Principal
Madrone Continuation High
150 Lovell Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-2435
San Rafael Adult Education
250 students
Monday through Friday mornings: 8:30 to 11:30
Monday and Wednesday evenings: 7:00 to 9:00
Tuesday and Thursday evenings: 6:30 to 8:30
For more information call: 492-3226
San Rafael Adult Education is an independent program offering classes in metalworking, steel pan drums and Spanish, as well as English as a Second Language (ESL) for limited and non- English speaking students.
ESL classes are held Monday through Friday mornings from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Bahia Vista School and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Venetia Valley School (formerly Gallinas). Student creativity is developed through Metalworking and Intermediate Spanish classes, held on Tuesday evenings at San Rafael High. Steel Pan Band class is held Tuesday evenings at Davidson Middle School.
San Rafael Adult Education operates independently with its own administration and students.
Karen Levin Allen, Principal
San Rafael Adult Education
150 Lovell Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 485-22435