In 1956 an adventurous group of parents and educators from Marin County and San Francisco joined together to found MCDS. They believed that children should love coming to school, that learning is a lifelong process and that each child’s unique gifts should be nurtured. They believed that boys and girls have much to learn from each other. They valued equally the development of mind, body and spirit. It was no accident that they decided to start a “country day school,” closely linked to nature, which would allow room for study and laughter, noise and quiet, thought and action.

With scarce financial resources available the founders chose to invest heavily in people, seeking teachers whose passion for their craft, life experiences and deep commitment to children would help kids grow up healthy. They believed that members of a diverse school community could contribute immeasurably to the well-being of one another and established a scholarship fund in the very first year. They understood the importance of the family/school partnership, and encouraged all families to participate as fully in the life of the school as individual circumstances permitted. This participatory tradition and the very special spirit which it engenders are alive and well today.

Outstanding teaching is a hallmark of the school. MCDS teachers are intelligent, warm and passionate women and men who regularly examine their practice to incorporate new research and 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 academic and personal development. They look for the “teachable moment.” The school seeks to provide a safe environment in which children can strive and soar, as well as learn and grow from mistakes. Teachers work collaboratively in developing a highly interactive and engaging program that encourages students to question, to reason, to make connections and to reflect. Through a broad and balanced curriculum, MCDS provides children with strong foundational skills as well as such 21 st century competencies as ecoliteracy, a sense of global citizenship, cross-disciplinary problem solving, multicultural literacy and strong communication skills (including the sophisticated and ethical use of technology).

As the founders envisioned, Marin Country Day School is dedicated to helping children become excellent learners and good people. The school hopes that its graduates will understand and embrace the unusual opportunity and capacity they have to work toward a better world.