GATE Academy Photo

Best San Rafael Private Elementary Schools (2025-26)

For the 2025-26 school year, there are 12 private elementary schools serving 1,608 students in San Rafael, CA.
The top ranked private elementary schools in San Rafael, CA include Mark Day School and St. Raphael School.
The average acceptance rate is 89%, which is higher than the California private elementary school average acceptance rate of 81%.
25% of private elementary schools in San Rafael, CA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Jewish).

Top Ranked San Rafael Private Elementary Schools (2025-26)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Brandeis Marin
Brandeis Marin Photo - Brandeis Marin students worked in the design lab to build and decorate this Friendship bench.
(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
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
Mark Day School
Mark Day School Photo
(5)
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
The Helix School
Special Education School
161 Mitchell Blvd
San Rafael, CA 94903
(415) 569-5056
Gr: K-11 | 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
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
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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked private elementary schools in San Rafael, CA?
The top ranked private elementary schools in San Rafael, CA include Mark Day School and St. Raphael School.
How many private elementary schools are located in San Rafael?
12 private elementary schools are located in San Rafael.
How diverse are private elementary schools in San Rafael?
San Rafael private elementary schools are approximately 33% minority students, which is lower than the California private school average of 50%.
What percentage of private elementary schools are religiously affiliated in San Rafael?
25% of private elementary schools in San Rafael are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic and Jewish).

Recent Articles

Transferring from Public to Private School Mid-Year: What to Expect
Transferring from Public to Private School Mid-Year: What to Expect
Considering a mid-year transfer from public to private school? Learn what to expect with admissions, academic placement, social adjustment, and financial aid to ensure a smooth transition.
A Guide to Day vs. Boarding School: Which Is Right for Your Family
A Guide to Day vs. Boarding School: Which Is Right for Your Family
Discover the key differences between day and boarding schools to determine the best fit for your child. Explore benefits, costs, lifestyle factors, and questions to help guide your family’s decision.
The A to Z of Private Schools 2025
The A to Z of Private Schools 2025
Explore the A to Z of private schools in 2025—from admissions to tuition—offering parents and educators clear insights into today’s options.