About Tiburon

Tiburon, Spanish for ‘shark’, traces its history to its days as a Miwok Village as late as the 1700’s. It prospered in the 1800’s as a railroad town with a large service yard and terminal for N.W.P.R.R.
Located on a hilly peninsula jutting into San Francisco Bay and reaching toward Angel Island State Park, Tiburon is one of the wealthiest and most popular communities in the Bay Region. A mere six miles across the water, ferry boats shuttle passengers to and from San Francisco or nearby Angel Island. Tiburon is blessed with two renowned yacht clubs, tennis and swim facilities and Main Street offers a splendid variety of quaint art galleries, boutiques, cafes, shops and restaurants. Many of the businesses are housed in buildings dating back to the 1880’s when Tiburon became a rowdy railroad town.
This community has a history all its own prides itself on its heritage: St. Hilary’s Roman Catholic Church built in 1886 and one of the very few examples of Carpenter Gothic architecture; the most beautiful wild flower gardens on which it stands; China Cabin, a 22k gold Social Saloon from the SS China which landed in San Francisco in 1876; China Cove Immigration Station on Angel Islands, where nearly 200,000 Chinese immigrants were processed before moving onto the mainland; Ark Row, with several shops and business housed in 19th century quaint original houseboats and arks.

Tiburon School Information

Susan’s youngest son was fortunate enough to attend Del Mar in the Tiburon School District (Reed Union School District). He thrived in their elective classes, which included instrumental music, journalism, art, and more. The Reed Union School District offers some of the best public schools in the county. There is Reed Elementary, BelAire Elementary, and Del Mar Middle School. Most students continue school at Redwood High School.

Tiburon is also home to St. Hilary School, a co-ed Catholic elementary and middle school that serves K-8.

Tiburon School Links

Reed Union School District

Tamalpais Union High School District (Includes Drake High and Redwood High)

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Reed Union School District

Tamalpais Union High School District

Important Phone Numbers

Demographics

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

About Sausalito

Sausalito was first discovered in 1775 by Spanish explorer Juan Manual de Ayala, who is credited for giving Sausalito its name ‘Saucelito’, meaning little willow grove.
Nothing rivals the romance of Sausalito with its magnificent views of the Bay, San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors from all over the world fall in love with this elegant, small Mediterranean-style waterfront village. Short ferryboat rides between San Francisco and Sausalito, once the primary access, offer visitors and commuters alike a delightful change of pace. Marin Headlands, a scenic stretch of land which parallels the San Francisco coastline, is home to the Marine Mammal Center, a rescue and rehabilitation facility for seals and sea lions.
Sausalito is mostly an adult community of professionals and empty nesters. Homes are built on very steep hillsides which makes parklands virtually non-existent. There is also approximately 350 houseboats, ranging from junks to mansions. Boutiques, street side cafes, yacht clubs, fine restaurants, shops and art galleries help create the sophisticated charm of this very beautiful bayside community.
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Important Phone Numbers

School Links

Sausalito Marin City School District

Tamalpais Union High School District

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Sausalito Marin City School District

Tamalpais Union High School District

Demographics

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

About San Rafael

A thriving community of commerce and culture, San Rafael is the oldest and most populous city in the county. Named after the Mission San Rafael Archangel established by Father Junipero Serra, San Rafael is located halfway between San Francisco and the wine country.

World Famous architect and genius Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Civic Center building circa 1953, situated on an inviting 20 acre park which includes a 2,000 seat theater (home of the Marin Symphony), exhibition hall and lagoon. Lucas Arts (ILM), the entertainment company owned by George Lucas, has its operations in San Rafael. The landmark Rafael Theater has been renovated to house three theaters and a year-round showcase for independent filmmakers, foreign films, rare documentaries and educational films. Dominican College exudes an aura of elegance and offers strong programs in music, fine and dramatic arts, science and teacher training.

China Camp, named in honor of an old Chinese fishing village on the site, features hiking, horseback riding, biking, boat ramps, fishing piers and windsurfing. Further north, public McNears Beach Park has a swimming pool, fishing pier, two tennis courts and picnic areas.

San Rafael, a melting pot drawn by people of diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds, is the kind of town where families can enjoy an active lifestyle and satisfy their cultural tastes at the same time
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San Rafael School Information

San Rafael schools are becoming some of the best in the county. Susan’s husband works for San Rafael City Schools and is always talking about new programs and the advancements they are making. San Rafael City Schools provide six elementary schools, one middle school, one combined elementary/middle school, two high schools, one continuation school, and one independent study high school.

San Rafael is also served by a second school district, the Dixie School District. They oversee three elementary schools and one middle school. High School students in the Dixie School District attend Terra Linda High School.

School Links

Dixie School District

San Rafael City Schools

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Dixie School District

San Rafael School District

San Rafael High District (Includes Terra Linda High)

Important Phone Numbers

Demographics

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

Once a stop on the Sausalito-Tomales run of the Pacific Coast Railroad, San Anselmo is easily recognized by the majestic stone castle which houses the San Francisco Theological Seminary.

Known as the ‘Antique Capital of Northern California’, San Anselmo attracts antique dealers and visitors from all over the West Coast. The lovely town’s main street, San Anselmo Avenue, winds through downtown with awning-shaded shops, cafes, gourmet restaurants, galleries and upscale boutiques lined on either side. On Sundays you might hear live jazz from one of the local coffee houses. To boot, there are no parking meters anywhere in San Anselmo!

Some of Marin County’s exciting events are held right here in San Anselmo: the Antique Dealers Fair the third Sunday in May followed by the Annual Art and Wine Festival in June, ending the season with the Country Fair Day in September. Community living is emphasized and very important. Five city parks and a local library offer gathering places for the locals and tennis, baseball, softball, soccer and swimming activities are scheduled during the season through the local schools.

A visit to San Anselmo provides an opportunity to experience the past and yet enjoy the amenities of today in a friendly, small-town atmosphere!
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Important Phone Numbers

School Links

Ross Valley School District

Tamalpais Union High School District

STAR Reports

Ross Valley School District

Tamalpais Union High School District

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

About Ross

The town of Ross was named after a local developer when his widow deeded the station land to the railroad.

Ross is a wealthy, small community, typified by shaded lanes and gated homes. Backyard swimming pools and tennis courts are not unusual here, where narrow streets, walls and private gates protect the mansions’ privacy. Several years ago residents agreed to forego private mail delivery to their homes, allowing the downtown post office to become a community place. Family life is very much emphasized in Ross with local schools posting in the 99^th percentile of academic rankings.

Ross is home to the Marin Art & Garden Center, a 10 acre facility with beautiful gardens, conference facilities and classes available to the public. A very peaceful and serene community, Ross is a most coveted place to establish residence.

Ross School Information

The Ross School District is a one school district that educates elementary and middle school grades. The Ross School has been named a California Distinguished School. Ross is also home to the Branson School, a private college-preparatory school committed to diversity and academic excellence.

There is also Redwood High School, Tamiscal Alternative, and San Andreas Alternative.

School Links

Ross School District

Tamalpais Union High School District

STAR Reports

Ross School District

Tamalpais Union High School District

Important Phone Numbers

Demographics

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

About Novato

Unlike any other township in Marin, Novato enjoys a perfect blend of the natural and the urban.
Novato’s rich historical heritage is delightfully preserved in the Old Town district, site of the annual Novato Art and Music Festival in June. The town’s heritage is also preserved in the museums that pay tribute to the Native American Miwoks, which were the first settlers of the area. As a matter of fact, Olompali State Historic Park has reconstructed a large Miwok Village!
Visitors and ‘natives’ alike have a varied menu of sights and activities from which to choose. Nature lovers will enjoy Stafford Lake for its hiking trails, fishing and picnic areas, horseback riding and running. In fact, Novato has two stables where horses are available for public riding. For those interested in city-like trappings, a visit to the new Vintage Oaks Mall – modern shopping center with more than 70 specialty shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and movie theaters – will fit the bill.
Novato, where city meets country, imparts both urban and rural character, a combination which is tough to beat!
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Important Phone Numbers

School Links

Novato Unified School District

STAR Reports

Novato Unified School District

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

About Mill Valley

Originally a logging town, taking its name from the 1836 sawmill that still stands among the trees in Old Mill Park, Mill Valley is a creative hideaway situated at the foot of Mt. Tamalpais. What sets Mill Valley apart is not just the spectacular physical beauty of its setting, but equally its human environment – uniquely combining tranquility and liveliness, privacy and community involvement, urban sophistication and village charm.

The cosmopolitan little town is an eclectic combination of the artist, filmmakers and entertainers living in a mix of old and new. The Annual Film Festival is an international event, attracting premier films and visitors from across the globe.

Another popular event is the 7-1/2 mile Dipsea Footrace (established in 1904) starting in Mill Valley and ending on the other side of Mount Tamalpais at Stinson Beach. The Mountain Play has been a Mill Valley tradition for more than 90 years. Mt. Tamalpais is part of the state park which offers some of the best hiking and views in the area.

Mill Valley offers a wide variety of shopping experiences for visitors who seek the unusual, from original art work galleries to unique boutiques. A quaint, family-oriented town, Mill Valley is a magnet for those with creative spirits.
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Mill Valley School Information

Mill Valley offers many quality options for both public and private schools. The Mill Valley School District is an excellent public school district that consists of five elementary schools and one middle school. There is Edna Maguire Elementary School, Old Mill Elementary School, Park Elementary School, Strawberry Point School, Tamalpais Valley Elementary School, Mill Valley Middle School, Tamalpais High School, Tamiscal Alternative and San Andreas HS. If you are looking to relocate, the Mill Valley School District is a great choice. Students score well above the state average on the California Standards Test and there are many support systems in place for the students.

In addition to the excellent public schools, there are great Mill Valley private schools as well. There is the Greenwood School, the Marin Horizon School, the Mount Tamalpais School, and the Ring Mountain Day School.

School Links

Mill Valley school district

Tamalpais Union High School District (Includes Drake High and Redwood High)

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Mill Valley School District

Tamalpais Union High School District

Important Phone Numbers

Demographics

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

About Larkspur

A city of contrast, Larkspur is modern and open at the edge of the Bay by the Ferry Terminal, and a hidden treasure along the creek and through Madrone Canyon. Larkspur was named after local blue flowers thought to be Larkspur, when in fact, they were lupine!

The area’s growth did not start until the Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937 when San Franciscans began to migrate to this peaceful community. The downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and enjoys a charming small town spirit. A stroll along Magnolia Avenue’s brick-lined sidewalk leads to boutiques, specialty shops, cafes and first-class restaurants. At the north end of town is what remains of the Escalle Winery, built in 1890 by Frenchman Jean Escalle. The Greenbrae Boardwalk, located near the Ferry Terminal, is among California’s last ark communities.

The town extends north to Greenbrae, where the Bon Air Shopping Center offers a bevy of popular boutiques, restaurants and gift shops. Larkspur Landing, a diverse waterside shopping center, is to the west just across the way from the Golden Gate Ferry Terminal.

Larkspur is an incorporated city, whereas Greenbrae is not!
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Important Phone Numbers

School Links

Larkspur School District

Tamalpais Union High School District (Includes Drake High and Redwood High)

STAR Reports

Larkspur School District

Tamalpais Union High School District

Demographics

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

About Kentfield

Kentfield, an upper middle-class to wealthy community, is located in the hills between Larkspur and Ross, at the base of Mt. Tamalpais. Kentfield is unincorporated, which means it is governed by the Marin County Board of Supervisors.

The area was ‘discovered’ by Adaline Kent in 1871 and the Kent family subsequently settles there. William Kent, who inherited the property upon his father’s death in 1901, graciously gifted to the County Muir Woods and the land upon which the College of Marin, a two-year community college, now stands.

Homes are set back from the road, mostly with low-profile roofs and designed to blend in with the neighborhood. Affluent Kent Woodlands offers large lots, many of them with spectacular views and prestigious homes. Kentfield exudes an air of sophistication with a country feeling.

Important Phone Numbers

School Links

Kentfield School District

Tamalpais Union High School District (Includes Drake High and Redwood High)
STAR Reports

Kentfield School District

Tamalpais Union High School District

Demographics

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

Greenbrae, also known as Green Brae in some circles, is a delightful “pocket community” nestled in between Larkspur, Ross, and San Rafael. With great shopping found in the Bon Air Center, with fifty shops offering specialty foods, designer fashions & accessories, unique gifts, and service-oriented businesses.

Greenbrae is well known for its tastefully landscaped custom homes, many of which have views of the bay, Corte Madera Creek and lowlands, and Mt. Tamalpais. A special effort was made during the development of this area to preserve the hundreds of majestic oak trees that grace the hillsides. Greenbrae residents enjoy a one minute drive to the freeway and two minutes to the Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal.

Officially, Greenbrae shares it’s infrastructure services with Larkspur.

Important Phone Numbers