Winston Preparatory School- Marin County Campus Photo - Winston Prep Marin County Campus

Best San Rafael Private Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 16 private schools serving 2,271 students in San Rafael, CA (there are 21 public schools, serving 9,071 public students). 20% of all K-12 students in San Rafael, CA are educated in private schools (compared to the CA state average of 10%).
The top-ranked private schools in San Rafael, CA include Marin Academy, St. Raphael School, and Mark Day School.
The average tuition cost is $31,493, which is higher than the California private school average tuition cost of $18,024.
25% of private schools in San Rafael, CA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Jewish).

Top-Ranked San Rafael Private Schools (2026)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Fusion Academy Marin
Fusion Academy Marin Photo - Each Fusion campus has a state-of-the-art music studio with professional-grade tools. Students can explore instruments, vocals, songwriting, DJ performing arts, and more.
Alternative School
1600 Los Gamos Drive Lobby D, Suite 380
San Rafael, CA 94903
(877) 673-8893
Gr: 6-12 | 58 students Avg. class size: 1 student Tuition & acceptance rate listed
GATE Academy
GATE Academy Photo
Special Program Emphasis
(2)
1 Saint Vincent Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 491-4700
Gr: PK-8 | 50 students Avg. class size: 10 students Sports: 2 | Extracurrculars: 10 Tuition listed
Marin Academy
Marin Academy Photo
1600 Mission Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 453-2808
Gr: 9-12 | 463 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 15 | Extracurrculars: 42 Tuition listed
Mark Day School
Mark Day School Photo
(6)
39 Trellis Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 472-8000
Gr: K-8 | 370 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 6 | Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition listed
St. Raphael School
(Catholic)
1100 5th Ave
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 454-4455
Gr: PK-8 | 209 students Sports: 3 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Brandeis Marin
Brandeis Marin Photo - Music at Brandeis Marin is no joke! Our music program has flourished to new heights recently, with students performing for the community at seasonal concerts.
(Jewish)
(1)
180 N San Pedro Rd
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 472-1833
Gr: K-8 | 139 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 6 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
The Helix School
Special Education School
161 Mitchell Blvd
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 569-5056
Gr: K-12 | 51 students Avg. class size: 6 students Tuition listed
Ice Cream & Shoe Preschool & Kindergarten Inc.
Daycare / Preschool
1055 Las Ovejas Ave
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 492-0550
Gr: PK-1 | 86 students
Marin Waldorf School
Marin Waldorf School Photo
(1)
755 Idylberry Rd
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 479-8190
Gr: K-8 | 182 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 5
Montessori De Terra Linda
Montessori De Terra Linda Photo - Primary (ages 3-6) students love playing on the MdTL "shipwreck"
Montessori School
(3)
610 Del Ganado Road
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 479-7373
Gr: NS-6 | 149 students Avg. class size: 24 students Tuition listed
Montessori In Motion
Montessori In Motion Photo - Montessori in Motion spacious outdoor playground surrounded by nature.
Montessori School
3 Wellbrock Hts
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 472-5622
Gr: NS-K | 42 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 1 | Extracurrculars: 4 Tuition listed
Montessori School Of Central Marin
Montessori School Of Central Marin Photo
Montessori School
317 Auburn St
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 456-1748
Gr: PK-K | 68 students Avg. class size: 24 students
St. Isabella School
(Catholic)
(1)
1 Trinity Way
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 479-3727
Gr: K-8 | 234 students Avg. class size: 22 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Star Academy
Special Education School
4470 Redwood Hwy Ste 101
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 456-8727
Gr: 3-12 | 80 students Avg. class size: 8 students Sports: 2 Tuition listed
Trinity Preschool
Daycare / Preschool (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod)
333 Woodland Ave
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 453-4526
Gr: NS-PK | 90 students Avg. class size: 19 students Sports: 4 | Extracurrculars: 2 Tuition listed
Winston Preparatory School- Marin County Campus
Winston Preparatory School- Marin County Campus Photo - Winston Prep Marin County Campus
Special Education School
1 Saint Vincents Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 993-5533
Gr: 4-12 Avg. class size: 8 students Acceptance rate listed
[+] Show Closed Private Schools in San Rafael, California

San Rafael, California Private Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Caulbridge School (Closed 2024)
Special Program Emphasis
1 St Vincent Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 481-1243
Gr: PK-8 | 192 students Avg. class size: 14 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
150 N. San Pedro Road
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 339-9336
Gr: 9-12 | 76 students Avg. class size: 8 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Real School (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
102 Eye St
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 383-7573
Gr: 7-8 | 4 students

Overview

This Town (San Rafael)
This State (CA)
# Schools
16 Schools

Student Body:

# Students
2,271 Students
665,722 Students
% Average Students of Color
32%
51%

Academics and Faculty:

# Teachers
362 Teachers
55,562 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
12:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
61%
59%
Average Class Size
14 students
17 students

Tuition and Acceptance Rate:

Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$31,493
$18,024
Average Summer Program Cost
$5,000
$1,043
Average % on Financial Aid
28%
29%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$12,775
$8,935
Average Acceptance Rate
89%
81%
Average Endowment Size
$35 million
$34.01 million

Students by Ethnicity:

0.61
0.74
# American Indian Students
62 Students
3,584 Students
% American Indian Students
3%
n/a
# Asian Students
50 Students
72,174 Students
% Asian Students
2%
11%
# Hispanic Students
188 Students
104,627 Students
% Hispanic Students
9%
16%
# Black Students
75 Students
30,466 Students
% Black Students
4%
5%
# White Students
1,216 Students
236,488 Students
% White Students
56%
37%
# Hawaiian Students
1 Student
5,515 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
1%
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
562 Students
190,072 Students
% of Others Students
26%
30%
All Ethnic Groups

Extracurriculars and Sports:

Average Number of Extracurriculars
12 extracurriculars
9 extracurriculars
Average Number of Sports
5 sports
7 sports

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked private schools in San Rafael, CA?
The top-ranked private schools in San Rafael, CA include Marin Academy, St. Raphael School, and Mark Day School.
How many private schools are located in San Rafael?
16 private schools are located in San Rafael.
How much do private schools cost in San Rafael?
The average tuition cost is $31,493, which is higher than the California private school average tuition cost of $18,024.
How diverse are private schools in San Rafael?
San Rafael private schools are approximately 32% minority students, which is lower than the California private school average of 51%.
What percentage of students in San Rafael go to private school?
20% of all K-12 students in San Rafael are educated in private schools (compared to the CA state average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in San Rafael?
25% of private schools in San Rafael are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Jewish).
Which private schools in San Rafael are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Financial Aid 101 for Private School Families 2026
Guide to private school financial aid in 2026, with current costs, key planning timelines and practical steps parents need to maximize aid options.
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter in 2026
Discover why extracurricular activities remain essential in 2026, with updated research, costs, and admissions insights for parents and students.
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
How to Appeal for Financial Aid After Admission
Learn how to appeal for financial aid after admission to a private school, with expert steps, timelines, and 2026 updates for families.