Marin Country Day School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026)

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top Ranked CA School
Grades: Kindergarten-8
Enrollment: 590 students
Yearly Tuition: $29,000
Average class size: 18 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 17
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Marin Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Kindergarten-8

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Marin Country Day School
Kind	54
1	58
2	58
3	58
4	58
5	56
6	84
7	84
8	80

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Year Founded

1956

Student Body

Total Students

590 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

14%

State avg.: 52%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

98 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

6:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

53%

Average Class Size

18 students

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Jan. 17

Yearly Tuition Cost

$29,000

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Tuition range is $750-$32,800

% on Financial Aid

22%

Average Financial Aid Grant

$19,000

Admissions Director

Jenn Welch

Sports

Total Sports Offered

5 sports

Sports

BaseballBasketball

Cross CountrySoccer

Volleyball

School Notes

Marin Country Day School is an Independent K-8 coed day school enrolling 600 students at its 35-acre campus in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Our mission at MCDS is to create an inclusive community of learning that inspires curiosity, empathy and action.

In 1956 an adventurous group of parents and educators from Marin County and San Francisco joined together to found Marin Country Day School. They believed that learning is a joyous and lifelong process and that each child`s unique gifts should be nurtured. They valued equally the development of mind, body and spirit. The founders sought an environment that drew no attention to itself but was closely linked to nature; one that allowed room for study and laughter, noise and quiet, thought and action; where children would "fall in love with going to school." Perhaps most important, MCDS was founded by people who believed that members of a diverse school community could contribute immeasurably to the well-being of one another.
A hallmark of the school from its inception has been its outstanding faculty. MCDS teachers are intelligent, warm and passionate men and women who constantly examine their practice to identify areas in which they can grow. MCDS is an adult-rich environment in which differences among children are valued; teachers serve as role models and work to support both personal and academic development. In a "broad and balanced" course of study, students find areas in which to excel and others in which they may have to struggle. The school seeks to provide a safe environment in which to strive and to soar. Teachers work collaboratively in developing an active program that encourages students to question, to reason and to make connections. The classroom atmosphere is highly participatory, with teachers acting as coaches who encourage students` exploration, discovery and reflection. The school believes that every student should have unusual opportunities to grow and thrive in and out of the classroom, and that boys and girls have much to learn from each other. Strong and enduring friendships are a tradition at MCDS. All students are encouraged to participate actively in every area of school life.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Marin Country Day School cost?

Marin Country Day School's tuition is approximately $29,000 for private students.

What sports does Marin Country Day School offer?

Marin Country Day School offers 5 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer and Volleyball.

What is Marin Country Day School's ranking?

Marin Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body.

When is the application deadline for Marin Country Day School?

The application deadline for Marin Country Day School is Jan. 17.

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Marin County, CA is $27,917 for elementary schools and $34,712 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Marin County, CA is 79% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).