Marin County Schools & Education
Marin County, California
School Score
63/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
87.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,425
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
63/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#14
of 58 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Marin County, California
Highly Rated Schools in Marin County
Marin County operates 74 public schools across 20 districts, serving a total student body of 30,304. The landscape is rich in primary education, featuring 44 elementary schools and 10 middle schools. With 16 high schools and 3 charter options, the county provides a robust academic foundation.
High Investment and Superior Results
Marin County's school score of 59.6 is significantly higher than both the state average of 56.0 and the national median. Per-pupil expenditure is a robust $10,425, far exceeding the state average of $8,762. These investments support a solid 87.4% graduation rate, nearly identical to the state benchmark.
Novato and San Rafael Lead District Enrollment
Novato Unified is the largest district in the county, managing 15 schools and 7,157 students. San Rafael City Elementary follows with 4,271 students, while Mill Valley Elementary serves 2,364. These districts are known for their strong community support and resource-rich environments.
Suburban Excellence Across the Bay
The vast majority of Marin schools are located in suburban settings, with 49 campuses serving these residential neighborhoods. The average school size is 427 students, providing a balanced feel between large facilities and personal attention. Redwood High is the largest campus, hosting 1,862 students in a high-performing environment.
Premium Homes Near Top-Tier Schools
For many homebuyers, Marin County's reputation for high school scores is a primary draw to the area. Districts like Novato Unified and Mill Valley offer established reputations that often correlate with local real estate value. Explore the suburban neighborhoods to find a home that puts your family near these prestigious public institutions.
School Overview
Total Schools
74
in Marin County
Total Enrollment
30,304
students
School Districts
20
districts
Charter Schools
3
4% of total
School Type Breakdown
20 School Districts in Marin County
Novato Unified
Tamalpais Union High
San Rafael City Elementary
San Rafael City High
Mill Valley Elementary
Miller Creek Elementary
Ross Valley Elementary
Larkspur-Corte Madera
Kentfield Elementary
Reed Union Elementary
74 Public Schools in Marin County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood High | Tamalpais Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,862 |
| Tamalpais High | Tamalpais Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,540 |
| Novato High | Novato Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,458 |
| San Rafael High | San Rafael City High | 9–12 | High | 1,265 |
| Archie Williams High | Tamalpais Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,224 |
| Terra Linda High | San Rafael City High | 9–12 | High | 1,189 |
| San Marin High | Novato Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,144 |
| James B. Davidson Middle | San Rafael City Elementary | 6–8 | Middle | 1,063 |
| Mill Valley Middle | Mill Valley Elementary | 6–8 | Middle | 797 |
| Sinaloa Middle | Novato Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 745 |
| Venetia Valley K-8 | San Rafael City Elementary | KG–8 | Primary | 728 |
| White Hill Middle | Ross Valley Elementary | 6–8 | Middle | 615 |
| Miller Creek Middle | Miller Creek Elementary | 6–8 | Middle | 608 |
| Bahia Vista Elementary | San Rafael City Elementary | KG–5 | Primary | 570 |
| Anthony G. Bacich Elementary | Kentfield Elementary | KG–4 | Primary | 541 |
| Hamilton Meadow Park | Novato Unified | KG–8 | Primary | 531 |
| Adaline E. Kent Middle | Kentfield Elementary | 5–8 | Middle | 513 |
| San Jose Intermediate | Novato Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 500 |
| San Pedro Elementary | San Rafael City Elementary | KG–5 | Primary | 494 |
| Sun Valley Elementary | San Rafael City Elementary | KG–5 | Primary | 473 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$10,425
State avg $8,762
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Marin County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Marin County, California?
Marin County operates 74 public schools across 20 districts, serving a total student body of 30,304. The landscape is rich in primary education, featuring 44 elementary schools and 10 middle schools. With 16 high schools and 3 charter options, the county provides a robust academic foundation.
How do schools in Marin County perform academically?
Marin County's school score of 59.6 is significantly higher than both the state average of 56.0 and the national median. Per-pupil expenditure is a robust $10,425, far exceeding the state average of $8,762. These investments support a solid 87.4% graduation rate, nearly identical to the state benchmark.
What are the major school districts in Marin County, California?
Novato Unified is the largest district in the county, managing 15 schools and 7,157 students. San Rafael City Elementary follows with 4,271 students, while Mill Valley Elementary serves 2,364. These districts are known for their strong community support and resource-rich environments.
What is the school experience like in Marin County?
The vast majority of Marin schools are located in suburban settings, with 49 campuses serving these residential neighborhoods. The average school size is 427 students, providing a balanced feel between large facilities and personal attention. Redwood High is the largest campus, hosting 1,862 students in a high-performing environment.
How can I find homes near good schools in Marin County, California?
For many homebuyers, Marin County's reputation for high school scores is a primary draw to the area. Districts like Novato Unified and Mill Valley offer established reputations that often correlate with local real estate value. Explore the suburban neighborhoods to find a home that puts your family near these prestigious public institutions.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.