Golden Hills Academy: Tuition, Admissions and Reviews | Marin Private Schools

Novato, California

We connect so children can grow.

We offer a therapeutic school program from TK through eighth grade, with small group cohorts and one-on-one intervention.

Ch. 1

The Story

Our mission is to demystify academic and social learning differences, and empower children with the correct tools so they can be self-aware, independent, and confident in both a classroom and social setting.

Our Director and Founder is Shana Kenney, M.Ed.

Our collaboration with families, and professionals provides our students with the confidence of being understood and capable. Our team of experienced educators, specialists, and therapists are passionate about guiding students on their journey to confidence, independence, and achievement.

Ch. 2

Who We Serve

Our learners are incredibly diverse in a range of mild to moderate academic, social, and emotional needs, and also exceptionally gifted with many strengths. Our program is designed for children who need an alternative approach.

Serves

Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and reading differences, Other learning differences, Speech and language, Executive function, Anxiety and emotional needs, Behavioral needs, Physical or medical needs

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Is this the right fit?

Our program does not provide the necessary supports for high needs on the Autism Spectrum or limited language, self-care and social engagement. It is not equipped to therapeutically serve aggressive or violent behaviors, including physical harm to self, others or property.

Ch. 3

Programs

Our program is intentionally designed to meet students where they are at, while helping them make meaningful progress towards greater independence and success in mainstream environments. Through personalized programs our educators provide wrap around services to remediate and advance students academically, guide self regulation, and foster friendships. Our specialists counsel children in self-advocacy.

4-5 Year Olds

Our youngest students build early learning and social skills, with an extra emphasis on self-regulation, expressive language, and fine-motor skills.

Ages or grades4 years to 5 years

Nurturing Growth

This age group places a strong emphasis on learning student skills, independence, and self regulation.

Ages or grades6 years to 7 years

Cultivating Curiosity

This age group places an emphasis on self-awareness, project based learning, remediation and advancement, and independent discovery.

Ages or grades8 years to 9 years

Discovery and Maturity

Children in this age group are active participants in community exploration, testing their maturity and their street smarts.

Ages or grades10 years to 11 years

11-13 Year Olds

Our middle school students can enroll full time, in a hybrid model, or with re-entry support for students who have been de-schooling, and they choose their electives and join cohorts that reflect their interests and learning styles.

Ages or grades11 years to 13 years

Ch. 4

Therapies & Support

Our relationship with private therapists allows for on-site push in and pull outs, as well as in home or in private clinic sessions. Our on-site specialists collaborate in real time with specialists and support staff, allowing for seamless communication and immediate implementation of strategies across settings. This interdisciplinary model ensures that therapeutic goals are reinforced daily not isolated to a single weekly session.

Integrated therapies

At Golden Hills Academy, we provide a truly full-service, whole-child approach by offering occupational therapy, speech therapy, social learning groups, and outdoor adventure community groups directly on campus.

Ch. 5

Life Skills & Transition

Life skills

Students navigate learning from multiple specialists, manage different materials, and transition between both on and off campus classes.

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Vocational and community

Our older students practice real-world scenarios off campus several times a week.

Ch. 6

Families

Each summer we run a camp that pairs a weekly social skills theme with field trips, pool days and Fridays at McNears Beach in San Rafael.

School community

We provide an environment that allows students to work on their needed skills, under the guidance and encouragement of well equipped educators, engaging hands on curriculum while still getting a mainstream school events experience.

Ch. 7

Fees

Non-refundable application fee$75 once

Ch. 8

Admissions

We offer rolling admissions, providing an opportunity for families to secure their child’s place without the constraints of a fixed application deadline.

Tours

We encourage a phone call and a visit.

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Application

To begin the admissions process, the first step is to download and fill out the application form and send to our director.

Apply online

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