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Terra Marin School

70 Lomita Dr Mill Valley, CA 94941

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 117 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $38,300
  • Acceptance rate: 40%
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 13
  • Source: ✓Verified school update
Terra Marin School Photo #1 - The front of Terra Marin School.
Terra Marin School Photo #2 - A glimpse of our educational outdoor program.
Terra Marin School Photo #3 - Terra Marin's yearly drama program.
Terra Marin School Photo #4 - Students learn from their environment outdoors with observational, real-life activities.
Terra Marin School Photo #5 - Our featured Mandarin program, which introduces students to Chinese culture, food, language, and much more.
Terra Marin School Photo #6 - Classes are meant to inspire discussion, open conversation, and higher level thinking at all levels.
Terra Marin School Photo #7 - Outdoor learning is explored nearby at beaches, mountains, and plains.
Terra Marin School Photo #8 - Our academic program is taught by a wonderfully diverse staff and program.
School location map

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Top Ranked CA School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 117 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $38,300
  • Acceptance rate: 40%
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 13
  • Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Terra Marin School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

Category
Attribute

School Facts

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-8
Students By Grade
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
2018
School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students
117 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
49%
State avg.: 52%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
92%
Average Class Size
11 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline
Jan. 13
Yearly Tuition Cost
% on Financial Aid
53%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$25,000
Acceptance Rate
40%
National avg.: 82%
Admissions Director
Johanna Cervantes

School Notes

  • Terra Marin is a progressive K-8th program in Mill Valley led by an exemplary team of educators who guide their students through a diverse, highly academic, holistic and effective model focused primarily on the healthy social, emotional, mental, academic and physical growth of its students.
  • Having received waiver approval from the Marin County Department of Health , San Francisco Department of Health,and the state, Terra Marin has brought back all students preschool-8th grade for safe on campus learning as well as outdoor classes.
  • Since January, 2021, thier faculty and staff are COVID Vaccinated. Under their strict re-opening safety plan, students are once again able to enjoy the high caliber academic and social emotional curriculum of this diverse and dynamic program.
  • All programs were developed though a neuroscience lens, looking at the whole child and teaching each student at his/her level.
  • Terra Marin is a place where each child feels known and celebrated for his/her own unique strengths, feels safe to be him/herself, and is comfortable and confident to challenge themselves in all types of environments.
  • Terra Marin School (TMS) was founded by Wendy Xa, also the founder of several other popular Mandarin immersion preschools including most recently Terra Mandarin Preschool in Marin. She opened the doors of TMS to new students in September 2018. Her journey to begin TMS began the day she gave birth, 13 years ago. After an extensive search for the right fit for her daughter (and not finding one), Wendy decided she would start her own school in San Francisco. Despite the school's success, she decided to open another school that would focus on more then just Mandarin Immersion..it would celebrate each child's individuality and gifts as informed by the layers of multiple intelligences, offer a connective and warm environment for all, and integrate Earth Education into every school day. Today, TMS is highly focused on encouraging the art of inquiry, where students are challenged not stressed and always embraced for their differences and unique potential.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Terra Marin School cost?
Terra Marin School's tuition is approximately $38,300 for private students.
What schools are Terra Marin School often compared to?
Terra Marin School is often viewed alongside schools like Marin Horizon School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Terra Marin School?
The acceptance rate of Terra Marin School is 40%, which is lower than the national average of 80%. Terra Marin School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in California with low acceptance rates.
What is Terra Marin School's ranking?
Terra Marin School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Lowest average acceptance rates and Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees.
When is the application deadline for Terra Marin School?
The application deadline for Terra Marin School is Jan. 13.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (2 reviews)
5  
My 3 daughters have attended Terra Marin for 5 years. They feel a deep sense of belonging in the community. Their confidence has soared through developing a strong connection to nature. They are being challenged academically. They are assessed and taught at their levels. The richness and depth of the curriculum are not something I have experienced anywhere else. The teachers and staff are exceptional. Our whole family feels so blessed to be part of this remarkable school.
- Posted by
5  
I am so grateful to the wonderful teachers and administration at Terra Marin School for creating a safe and positive learning environment for my son. The balance of high-quality academics and outdoor education has resulted in a kiddo who is excited to go to school, is focused, and shares what he is learning every day. In addition to core academics, the Mandarin, music, outdoor ed, and drama classes have far exceeded our expectations, and these quality classes are hard to find at any other Marin school. Small class sizes mean more 1:1 time with teachers and deeper learning. My son feels at home at TMS, and our family feels part of the welcoming community. I can't say enough good things about this school!
- Posted by

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Marin County, CA is $27,917 for elementary schools and $34,712 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Marin County, CA is 79% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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