I attended Redwood as a freshman and sophomore from 1967 to 1969. The math and English classes for…read moreAP students (they didn't use that term back then) were excellent. With about 1800 students, it stands to reason that quite a few would be academically outstanding. I personally knew two who went on to Harvard and one who went on to Yale. Virtually all of the students who bothered to study qualified for a UC or CSU campus. The rest went to community college and then transferred to university, or they had no interest in college and went into sales, the trades, the military, etc. I had attended a small private school and was not comfortable with such a large high school. I had no understanding of what people dread about large public high schools: cliques, bullies, etc. But for someone who wasn't particularly outgoing, I was treated reasonably well. I have always been interested in what is going on in education. I understand that Redwood chose to stop taking money from the state of California (am I wrong?). That would be a good thing. The more parents have control over what their students are learning, the better. Some people talk about Redwood kids being snobby. That was certainly not my experience when I went there. But large public high schools are much more forgiving environments for children who are goodlooking, athletic and outgoing than they are for students who aren't any of those things. I advise parents who have choices (e.g., public vs. private schools) to keep this in mind when they are selecting schools for their children.

UPSIDE - Best teachers around, especially Ms. Rubio who consistently works overtime to help her…read morestudents succeed. Top notch education for your children. DOWNSIDE - Lots of drugs, entitled kids and intense social politics; emphasis on money and status. Not too unusual for a high School, but this school makes the book Mean Girls look like child's play. Little or no participation by my daughters teachers concerning diversity week which is sad, because the kids I have met here show a surprising lack knowledge about people who are not white, straight, rich or privileged.

Hmmm....do I admit I went here? I'm certainly not going to give my graduation year!!…read more Oh, okay. The good: Excellent academics, great facility, gorgeous grounds, awesome teachers. My biology teacher even officiated at my wedding (love you Marty!). Lots of smart kids, lots of artistic kids, I suppose some athletes, but I was SO not one of them. The not-so-good: Yup, it's a snobby private high school in Marin. Lots of kids got really nice cars for their 16th birthdays, lots of entitled rich kids. But I wouldn't say I was ostracized for driving a 1983 volvo wagon... Because it's small, there isn't a lot of social diversity, and very little ethnic/socioeconomic diversity. And I don't even want to think how much it costs to go there now, or how much it will be in (gulp) 2018 when my son heads off to high school. I can guarantee the only way we'll afford to send him is is if he gets some alumni-kid scholarship!

What an incredible school! I've had the privilege now twice to attend a school performance because…read morewe have a friend on staff. What I wouldn't give to have attended a school like this. The grounds are immaculate. It has so much charm and none of the pompousness you may expect from a place like this. The performances we saw were very well done and so much fun to watch. The only down side is I have to start saving now because my 5 year old says she wants to go here when she's older.

If I could give Hall less than one star, I would. Unfortunately, the Principal, Eric is so full of…read morehimself he's unable to do what's best for students. He seems to be on a power trip rather than helping kids. He likes to put on a show and loves to hear himself talk (just go to an assembly!). This guy is clueless and has no idea that kids simply don't connect with him! Sadly, many parents don't either. After volunteering every year since my kids were in Kinder, I stopped when I realized Eric was just an egotistical, mean-spirited bully! I no longer wanted to raise money or give money to support this school! Also, the science and math classes aren't quite up to par with the standards, so kids are entering high school feeling behind. It is getting better in the last year or so, but more house-cleaning needs to happen to get rid of teachers who've been around too long and aren't doing their jobs.

As far as middle schools go, this is an excellent one. We left a fancy private school for our…read moredaughter in San Francisco and felt that Hall Middle School provides a rigorous and relevant education from 6th through 8th grades. Our daughter is now thriving at Redwood High School. Thanks to the principal, the teachers and the community of Hall!

It's been disheartening to watch this school's accelerating slide into mediocrity…read more Things were bad before COVID, and then some new administrators and teachers came in. It looked like things turned around for a year or two, but now they're worse now than before. The one remaining bright spot were the friends and community we built through the school, but now many families we know are pulling their kids out for other schools, or are actively planning on it in the coming year. The school is raising tuition and hoping to scoop up clueless newcomers to area who heard about how great MPMS was in the past, before they realize what it is now.

We have sent all three of our children to MPMS and they thrived, both academically and socially…read more There is a commitment to knowing each student not just for their school work but for their emotional growth and development. MPMS is a hidden gem in Larkspur and I appreciate the commitment the school makes to deeply knowing kids and their needs. The parent/faculty community is wonderful too.

I'm current student at Dominican University of California. Each week I go into two classes here to…read moredo my student observations. First I want to say how hard these teachers work at this school. They have so much passion for teaching and that is something i have not seen in other schools I have been to. I appreciate the six grade math teacher Mr.Promis a lot. He is very knowledgeable and kind to each of his students. As well as Ms.Ryan in the SPED department. She is so kind and respectful to each of her students. Both of these teachers bring qualities of a wonderful teacher. I inspire to be them -José

This is for the school year 2021 - 2022…read more There are different experiences for each student here. Some kids can have a relatively smooth experience with minimal friction. But on the other hand if you're perceived as different - you your child will be a target - which is NOT RIGHT. There are some very disruptive kids who are yelling out VERY inappropriate things (sexual, derogatory, etc), thus disrupting class for the rest of the students. And the teachers glaze over them and nothing is done. Bullying is also allowed - despite the fact that there is a policy saying that its not. Teachers/After School supervisors (DXL) do nothing to prevent the harassment/bullying when its clear that a student is being targeted. Students are allowed to continue with no repercussions. If its is brought up to these authority figures - they sweep it away - saying that they are learning their limits. But one has to ask, at the expense of another students well being? And yet nothing is done to help prevent this. Students routinely yell out racist rhetoric, and discriminate against students they perceive as different. If the student is "in" with the teacher - the bullied student is not believed. To top it off - there are teachers who participate in this harassment - blatant body shaming from some the PE teachers, and force competitions in an unhealthy way (one student is the best - you should be like them and not be lazy). There is also gender discrimination - where they blame female periods for the physical issues that may occur. These kids are going through changes and SHOULD not be shamed for things that are happening with their body. Lastly even some of the admin staff are very rude to the students - when they come in sick - they believe they are faking it and tell them to deal. There is no kindness from them. I will say, that there are some teachers and admin staff that really do care about the kids, but its overshadowed by negative. Things need to change. While I understand there is only so much that the school can do, there should be better measures to ensure mental health a TOP priority (especially in the current climate we are in).

I would never send a kid to this school as long as Skip Kniesche has any position of power. Having…read morebeen a student at this school first hand and experiencing Skip's form of leadership as a Vice Principal, this man will overlook any signs of distress in your child. If you have a kid who doesn't fit in completely, he will likely ignore your child and dismiss them. I even came back to the school 10 years later to request a specimen I had lent the school that had magically become a permanent fixture of theirs without my consent. Who did I speak to? Skip! And he was extremely rude and unpleasant. What did it take in order to get him to treat me like a human and return my property? My FATHER had to call. Yes. I was 18 years old and my father had to come to the school in order for Skip to get off his butt and treat me like a person. Shame on Skip. Shame on this school. If you have a kid who's an outcast, or if you have any personal home issues going on and are hoping for a school to be somewhat sensitive to those struggles, do not send your child to this school.

Terrible school. The people who greet you in the office are extremely rude, and can be heard…read moretalking badly about parents constantly. You can tell they genuinely dislike the job. Kids there are very judgmental, and teachers do little to nothing about bullying! It doesn't feel like a safe environment, and the education moves far too fast for most students. I would absolutely NOT recommend sending any students here. The older kids are quite rude to the 5th graders as well, and the electives aren't funded well enough at all. The PTA spends all it's money on "teacher appreciation WEEK". Yes, I said WEEK. They dedicate a whole week to giving to teachers who rarely help students. DO NOT SEND A STUDENT HERE. This school depresses many people, and personally, it brings me to a dark place remembering going there. I was immediately so much happier after graduating, I wouldn't even consider going back to visit even after all these years!

MA is a great college prep school in the Bay Area!…read more Great location near downtown San Rafael! Amazing school grounds and facilities! Excellent teachers who have a love of learning and want to share these passion with students! Great sports and a NEW AQUATIC CENTER has been built! Truly has a school campus feel in an urban environment! You student will be equipped for that next stage in school!

Ma is a pretty good school and you should definitely look at yelp reviews to decide what high…read moreschool you're going to.

I will say that it is an absolute honor and privilege being a former student and proud alum at "San…read moreRafael High School" (home of the "Bulldogs") for the entire four years I attended. Located on a 33-acre campus directly in between 3rd St and Mission Ave in the heart of central San Rafael, this high school was founded back in 1888. However, the current campus has been in place since 1924. From a geographical standpoint, I would have to say this high school is in the heart of Marin County with thousands of students that graduated while moving onto successful career paths. My personal journey at San Rafael High began in 1991 where I took a variety of required college preparatory classes that included English, US/World History, Geography, Mathematics, Foreign Language (Spanish/French), Government, Science, and Physical Education. I also took other various classes that included Home Economics (which covered cooking, money, & life skills), Woodshop, and during my tenure at the school, I was also part of a 10-watt non-profit radio station known as KSRH. All of these classes helped pave the way through a variety of unique courses to further advance my career development into college and beyond. As for the campus itself, it is quite large as the main focal point is the iconic administration building featuring grand columns that have a timeless and grandeur look to it. This is where assemblies, plays, and other various school events are showcased. There are several other standalone buildings that feature a large cafeteria, a dedicated drama/art area, and hallways with general studies. The rear part of the campus boasts a large track with football field, outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, soccer field, and baseball fields. And for those "potheads", this was where the term '420' began back in the early 1970's. Also, if you watch the 1984 music video "Sister Christian" by Night Ranger, the majority of this video was filmed on campus. I will say that during my tenure at this high school, the entire curriculum was absolutely memorable and excellent. I was one that truly and genuinely enjoyed going to school since it was a wealth of information that I retained over the past few decades. All of my teachers were wonderful and helped me guide myself on the path to success. Furthermore, San Rafael High was the one high school where it was culturally diverse; not just with the students but also the teachers that come very all walks of life. During this stretch of my life, I got to meet a lot of amazing people whom I became close friends with and are still friends with to the present day. With that said, I am giving "San Rafael High School" a unanimous five-star rating.

Graduated SRHS in 1972 and to this day I still have the fondest memories..In my freshman year of 68…read moreit was still uptight but by 69 all hell broke lose..We were smoking pot all over the campus, teachers, principle and deans were cool with it..Sometimes at lunch break we would have a keg of beer out on the soccer field..Teachers were great and we all went on to become successful..I'm still close friends with many and I was part of the 420 gang..Wish I could relive it again..

My son had a counselor at Tam High say they could not educate my son in front of him. It was one of…read morethe lowest points in my life. He had a 504 plan for ADHD. His iq was evaluated to be at the 95th percentile. Somehow, Tam could not educate a bright young man with learning issues. He came to Tam from Palo Alto High. At Paly he was running an A in algebra. At Tam he was failing. I would ask, who failed who. Connor went to San Andreas. He went on to community college where he had a near perfect GPA. Today, he has completed his first semester at USC. He has a 3.5 gpa at USC. In his first semester, he accomplished 2 challenging extra credit projects in Econ. He was published in the Wall Street Journal. He solved a game theory problem to make his class have the highest grades for his section among all the sections. San Andreas treated him with respect. His teachers nurtured him. He wasn't perfect. He made progress toward the goal. He was able to pull himself out of the failure trajectory that Tam had him on. It's taken him longer. He had to learn new skills. He has a bright future. Count me grateful to San An.