Marin Mountain School: Tuition, Admissions and Reviews

Ch. 1

The Story

Marin Mountain School was founded on the belief that early childhood is a sacred time, one that deserves protection, beauty, and deep attentiveness. We are inspired by Waldorf education to create an environment where children can truly be children.

The Mountain School was founded in 1990 by a group of parents who wanted to offer Marin families an established and yet new approach to early childhood education. Drawing inspiration from the principles of Waldorf Education, preventative discipline, and Kim John Payne’s Simplicity Parenting, we have created a program that is uniquely our own and accessible to all.

Community is not incidental to Marin Mountain School, it is at the very heart of it. We gather for festivals, work parties, parent evenings, and the everyday moments of connection that make this place feel like a true village. Parent involvement is warmly welcomed and deeply valued. Our board is parent-led. Our traditions are community-built.

The Apple Faire has been part of Marin Mountain School for as long as anyone can remember. It happens each October, when the air has just begun to turn and the apples in Marin are at their best.

Ch. 2

A School Day

A typical day at Marin Mountain School follows a gentle, predictable rhythm designed to help children feel secure and engaged. Mornings begin with circle time, songs, and movement, followed by indoor free play, clean up, snack, outdoor play, story time, and lunch.

Snack

At snack time, children and teachers gather around a large round table and share homemade, organic, and vegetarian snacks.

Lunch

The children end their mornings together with a lunch brought from home, eaten together at a communal table.

Rest

Our Afternoon Program is slower paced and includes rest time, snacks, indoor and outdoor play, and arts and crafts activities.

3:30

Pickup

The earliest pick-up is at 3:30pm and the latest pick-up at 5:45pm.

Ch. 3

Programs

Every program at Marin Mountain School is designed around the developmental needs of young children, honoring their natural curiosity and their deep need for beauty, rhythm, and genuine human warmth. Our two classrooms, the Hummingbird Nest and the Chickadee Nest, follow the same daily rhythm and curriculum.

Preschool

Children turning five by January 1 of the current school year must attend five mornings; afternoons are optional. Other children may attend two, three or five mornings. Drop-off after 8:45am is available at no additional charge.

Ages2 years 9 months to 6 years

Days2 mornings Th-F; 3 mornings M-W; 5 mornings M-F

HoursEarly care 8-8:45am (last drop-off 8:40); mornings 9am-1pm; afternoons 1-5:45pm

TeachersMixed-age classes led by experienced Waldorf-trained teachers

Ch. 4

The Campus

We serve children in the Hummingbird Nest and Chickadee Nest classrooms in Corte Madera. Our sunlit classrooms use soft colors and simple toys made from natural materials. Children plant, water and harvest in our outdoor garden space.

Ch. 5

Enrichment

In our Waldorf-inspired classrooms, children are free to wonder, create, and discover at their own pace. Learning unfolds through storytelling, beeswax modeling, watercolor painting, and time outdoors.

Our classrooms are filled with purposeful work: baking bread, folding napkins, tending the garden, kneading beeswax, painting with watercolors.

Watercolor PaintingSong & MusicApple FaireLantern WalkMay FaireSpring BasketsBeeswax ModelingStorytellingBread BakingCookingDramatic playGarden TendingSewing

Ch. 6

Values

Children in their first seven years are in a deeply formative time. They learn primarily through imitation, through sensory experience, through the warmth and quality of the people and environment around them.

i.

Rhythm

Rhythm creates a steady, predictable flow to the day, week, and year.

ii.

Ritual

Ritual brings meaning and intention to everyday moments.

iii.

Routine

Routine supports independence by giving children clear expectations and consistent structure.

Ch. 7

Admissions

We welcome you to come and experience the warmth of Marin Mountain School in person.

Jan 31

Application due

Jan 31

Financial aid due

i.

Tours

Parent tours run from October through January 31 for the upcoming school year. Tours take place on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:30am. If there is room in the program, private tours are available upon request. Please contact us at info@marinmountainschool.org to schedule your visit.

ii.

Age to enroll

The Marin Mountain School accepts children aged two years and nine months to six years old. A child may begin the first day of the month in which they turn two years and nine months.

iii.

Application

A non-refundable, one-time $75 fee accompanies each prospective student’s application. After applying, we schedule a playdate-style visit for parent and child. Children must be diaper or pull-up free during activity and rest.

iv.

Priority

The Marin Mountain School gives preference to current families and siblings for enrollment. The deadline for siblings is November 30 for start dates during the following school year. Our application fee is waived for siblings of current families.

Apply online

Ch. 8

Tuition

Tuition 2026-27

5 Full Days (M–F)$31,150 per year

5 Mornings & 4 Afternoons$28,050 per year

5 Mornings & 3 Afternoons$26,500 per year

5 Mornings & 2 Afternoons$24,900 per year

3 Full Days (M–W)$24,900 per year

5 Mornings (M–F)$22,050 per year

3 Mornings (M–W)$17,650 per year

2 Mornings (Th–F)$14,350 per year

Fees

Application Fee (non-refundable)$75 once

Enrollment & Site Development Fee (non-refundable)$500 per year

Care and options

Early Morning Care (Drop-in)$17 per day

Tuition payments begin May 1 for the school year starting in September and may be paid online, in one, two, four, eight, or ten payments.

Limited financial aid is available to qualified families. The maximum grant is 40% of the selected program. Application for Tuition Assistance should be received by January 31 for the school year beginning the following September. Visit the FACTS Site to apply for tuition assistance.

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