It's been disheartening to watch this school's accelerating slide into mediocrity. 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. read more

We have sent all three of our children to MPMS and they thrived, both academically and socially. 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. read more

My children love this school and so do my husband and I. It is supportive, nurturing and a safe place for children to learn and grow. The parent community is amazing which we appreciate so much. It takes a village and this is the type of village I want and need as I raise two children. Our boys have learned to self advocate which will serve them so well. Marin Primary and Middle School walks the walk, read the Mission, it holds up. My two sons have attended MP&MS since Junior Kindergarten and Pre-school. My oldest son will graduate from Eighth grade next year. All of the teaching staff is amazing! The team teaching model works so well. And the Specialist Program is top notch (Spanish, Drama, Music, Projects Lab, Art, Outdoor Education and Garden). You know it's an amazing environment when you arrive to pick up your kids after a long day and they would rather stay at school! read more

If you want to send your child to a school where they are well educated, seen for who they are as learners and humans all while be fostered to become young adults who stand out to high schools and colleges - THIS is the school. The educators and staff are committed to meeting each student where they are and helping them become the best possible students they can be. When we moved to the area and looked at all the schools the things that stood out to us most about MP&MS was the joyful learning and all the many ways they were integrating extra curricular programming. When we walked down the hallways we could see the cross grade relationships and all the adults seem to know all the kids. It felt inclusive and nurturing but also challenging. When I heard that over 90% of the 8th graders get into their first choice high school we were sold. Seven years later we can tell you that after having both our kids go through MP&MS it has exceeded our expectations. Both our children will be reunited at Branson in the fall and so we can say with our whole hearts that MP&MS has prepared them for a such an intimate and competitive environment. They are leaders in their classes and inspired to make a difference. Being a parent in Marin is not always easy but having MP&MS as extended family has made this journey so much sweeter. read more

Marin Primary and Middle School is a magical school located near the very cute downtown of Larkspur. Educators are experienced, passionate and life long learners. The curriculum is play-based in preschool and scaffolded nicely to prepare students for the top private and public high schools - the school is notorious for students attending their first choices after 8th grade graduation. MPMS grows respectful and compassionate humans who can advocate for themselves and are encouraged to take risks. MPMS is known for its strong Learning Resource Program for kids looking for a deeper challenge and also to help them overcome and work with learning challenges. The new head of school, Phil Gutierrez, is a fantastic listener, has an incredible vision for MPMS, attracts incredible talent and is also a life long learner. The way MPMS handled Covid is one example of the strong community at the school. Parents feel supported by the staff and faculty as well as one another. The school hosts fun, all-school events, as well as cultivating strong class bonds amongst families. read more

We were WOWED by the tour. MANY families are pulling kids from the school & we did too. When I would pick our daughter up from preschool she would act-out a lot in the car ride home. The acting-out would continue even long into the evening. I spoke to her teachers at MPMS and they gave me the explanation that "these kids are so young, they hold it together all day, and then they see their parents and sometimes finally feel safe to unload." Like it was "developmentally normal." Of course tantrums at a young age are normal, but this seemed different to me. I heard similar reports from other parents about their children at pick-up time. She was also getting hurt on the playground, all of which was reported to us as medical attention was required. Our child had already started another preschool year at MPMS when we transferred to a new preschool. Not an easy decision to make, or thing to do. WITHIN A WEEK at the new school she seemed like a DIFFERENT kid. It was like she matured by two years. She got in the car singing songs from the day, excitedly showing me all her projects and art work, and was even helping her little sister into her car seat, saying things like "she has such cute cheeks." I was so shocked by such a transformation in only a week. I remember pulling the car over, and calling her dad with tears of relief. Our daughter has since graduated preschool at her new school with a much more down-to-earth group of parents and peers. She is SOOOO much more prepared for Kindergarten. We often joke, and this is not really a joke to us, that we're not sure what she learned at MPMS, if anything. We were paying college tuition for preschool (close to $60,000 a year for two kids under 5). Teachers at MPMS seem scared to talk to the parents. Her teacher had to sneak into the hall and share how sad she was that we were leaving, and even in a nervous way, that she was upset by the headmaster and school. Bottomline: MPMS is sadly a parent-lead, not a child-lead, and money-lead school that does not put it's student's first. A new head master, Andrew, was hired a few years ago, and it's in a rapid decline. Our child and family had a much better academic and developmental experience at a different school. If you want to be apart of the Marin scene, and pay for the "look and feel" of a gorgeous school, plus the experience of some true Marin moments (such as the status parade in the parking lot, parents not communicating with one another, gossiping, and threatening the school for 'their way') -- go to MPMS! It was entertaining, depressing, and sadly harmful to say the least. It's taken me a long time to have the courage to write this review as I know there are good families and teachers with good intentions who are doing their best. Sadly, the MPMS ship needs a massive cultural overhaul for the sake of its community and CHILDREN. read more

We have two children that have attended Marin Primary and Middle School from pre school to 8th grade. Our third, who started when she was 2 years old, will graduate 8th grade next year. This school has been an amazing gift for our family. All three kids have thrived in a learning community of teachers and staff that are at this school because they love what they do and love kids. Our older children arrived at high school prepared for academic rigor, but they also had a confidence and sense of self that we credit to Marin Primary. Our kids love(d) to go to school every day--our MPMS graduates still go back to visit. This is truly a community of wonderful leadership, staff, parents and students. read more

Marin Primary & Middle School is a phenomenal school with teams of teachers, a nearly 50% male staff and a great philosophy of "Treasuring Childhood". As an elementary school principal at another school, and a former third grade teacher at MP&MS, I encourage you to come by and take a tour of Marin Primary & Middle School. Truly an amazing school. read more

Our association with MPMS goes back a few years now and it was a superior educational experience for our two children. David Heath was the Headmaster at during our tenure.The teaching staff was exceptional, providing an enriching educational experience of our children. Given the general state of public education in Southern Marin County at the time, we were fortunate to be able to affiliate Marin Primary. read more

We have been at Marin Primary and Middle school for 7 years. We have both of our children attending grades K and 3rd. The amazing teachers coupled with small class size really enables a personalized education where the teachers are able to really address and work with each student and support their accelerated learning/development. Wonderful open campus where everyone knows each others name. Safe and perfectly located to the city and all of Marin. Excellent education and socio emotional development really lends itself to a sense of ownership by the students. I highly recommend this school. read more

We have been a part of this amazing community now for 8 years, and I can honestly say it feels like a second home. Both our children are thriving, are excited to go to school every day, feel safe, feel heard, and are extremely well rounded individuals all thanks to the warm, inviting and dedicated community that is MP&MS. I love that this school focuses on the whole child. Academics are of course most important, but the school does a brilliant job of intertwining social emotional learning, how to be advocates for themselves in this crazy world, and also has fantastic electives that are a part of their weekly schedules. I love that our children have PE multiple times a week, a strong spanish, art, music, chorus and drama programs, as well as the most beautiful garden program, projects lab (building) and explorations lab (coding and robotics). It is easy to see how much children love to learn here, and how dedicated the teachers and staff are to the student body. As a parent I couldn't be happier, and I know our children feel the same way. The parent community is also a joy to be a part of. We love MPMS! read more

Our child just completed his first year at this school in the Preschool, and it has been fantastic! We had great teachers (Tika, Raquel, and Gabe) and they were nothing short of fantastic. It will be sad to see Gabe leave, and we all wish him the best! The highlight of our experience have definitely been the supportive environment provided by the instructors - they worked with us closely in helping to provide the best experience for our child. The school is very family-oriented and responsive and comes very highly recommended! read more

We love this school! The parent community is wonderful and it's been a perfect fit for my kids. Excellent parent-teacher ratio, big outdoor playground, amazing workshop. read more

Both of my daughters attended MP&MS from K-8. My oldest graduated and is a junior at Branson and my youngest is in 8th grade. We are so proud of the people our daughters have become while at MP&MS. The school graduates kids who know themselves. They are well rounded, confident self advocates, ethical, outgoing and great public speakers. The two team teaching model ensures that teachers know your child and know how they learn and what they need to be challenged and thrive. The school lives up to its mission of treasuring childhood which is not easy to find! read more

Lovely garden. Multi million dollar play yard. Designer amphitheater. Sadly, the culture is as superficial as the cushioned play area. the school lacks the very soul needed to nurture and truly treasure EVERY child, not just those of wealthy donors and protected staff members. There are much better options especially in Marin. More culturally diverse options. Better and more effective teachers especially in the younger, formative years. More nurturing and welcoming environments. MPMS. More Price, Missing Soul. Save your kid the yacht club experience and give them the education they deserve. read more

My daughter attends MPMS and she absolutely loves school! She wakes up every morning wanting to go to class to learn and be with her friends. The community is engaged and supportive, and the teachers are inspiring. They make learning fun! We feel lucky to be part of this wonderful community of parents, kids, and faculty. read more

MP&MS is a fantastic school. Our daughter transferred in and could not have been more welcomed into and embraced by this wonderful community of teachers, administrators and families. MP&MS offers an empowering and inspiring environment to learn, wonder and grow. The teachers at MP&MS are truly the most passionate and compassionate educators who care about their students as much as their diverse fields of expertise. The modern, open campus foster a safe, progressive, energetic environment for kids to grow - in and out of the classroom. Most importantly, we found MP&MS to be a joyful place and our daughter's smile at the beginning and end of every day said it all... read more

We have been at Marin Primary & Middle School for almost 10 years, and both of my kids (now 12 and 10) have thrived there. My daughter is enjoying the Middle School expansion (they have expanded 6-8 grades - a great opportunity for people looking for an independent middle school), and raves about her teachers. My son is excited to go to school every day, and doesn't want to leave when I pick him up. They both love the excellent specialist teachers for music, projects lab, drama and art - a strong team of real practitioners. Finally, my husband and I love the community - we have made lasting friends. We are thrilled with the school. read more

We had a less than ideal experience at Marin Primary and Middle School. Our son graduated 8th grade, but now struggles in high school, especially in math. My husband and I were uncomfortable with the lack of focus on academics,but never acted on our concerns. We didn't want to make the same mistake with our daughter, so when she reached middle school we took her out and placed her in another private school in Marin. The variety of languages offered, high placement in math, and the school's academic 'support network' are extraordinary, and we are pleased with her growth. She does a lot less 'touchy feely' activities now, but is thriving on the challenges of an age appropriate curriculum. read more

We absolutely LOVE MP&MS. We moved our son to the middle school last year and loved it so much we moved our other two children this year. Once we knew what it was really about, how could we not! This is a very special school! The progressive education provided at MP&MS really offers so much creative, hands on learning. From their language program to projects lab and drama. They really educate the "whole child". My boys truly love going to school. Social emotional learning is part of the curriculum as well, which I feel is very important and makes a difference in how our kids treat each other in this teen/tween stage. The teachers and administration are amazing too - they truly love what they do and the kids can feel that. They are very supportive and proactive. If a child feels comfortable in their environment, they will be more receptive to learning. My children have just flourished here. MP&MS is growing their middle school by 15 kids in 6th grade and it's an incredible new program. A lot of thought and research has been put into restructuring the middle school schedule and curriculum. The academics are superb and the community is really incredible and nurturing. This school lives it mission. It's a very special and unique educational experience and we feel so so lucky to be a part of it. read more