Teachers were always good. Just a really liberal school. Lots of the kids end up going to alternative schools afterwards. Or those outdoor learning schools. read more

Toured many preschools and found St. Francis to be the right fit for our child. While the school is not faith based we liked that the campus was at a church and tucked away. Immediately upon touring St. Francis we felt it was something special. It felt cozy and whimsical yet they offered structure and an established reputation. The staff are competent, caring, and enthusiastic about their work. We love our teachers so far and our kiddo is constantly doing things at school like art, cooking, and general play that support her current social and emotional skillsets. Definitely a great place to start your kiddos educational journey. We feel very lucky to be a part of the St. Francis community. read more

St. Francis is a very special preschool. It is play-based and lovingly teaches kids competence and problem-solving through outdoor play, art, and cooperation. The teachers are of the highest caliber: highly educated and well-qualified and are so invested in each child's development and unique personality. It has always been one of Novato's most reputable and beloved preschools. Our 2 children attend/attended and were set up for kindergarten success with the best memories of St. Francis engrained in them. There is a 2-year-olds program with parent attendance and then different options with add-on hours for the older preschoolers. St. Francis sees families coming from all over Marin to attend. We couldn't recommend St. Francis more. read more

I started at St. Francis with my oldest in their parent-child Time for 2's program. We had just moved to town with our 2 year old and newborn and it was the first place I was able to find friends in the same stage of life as us. Now both my children have completed their time at St. Francis and we will miss it immensely. We opted to keep our TK-eligible son at St. Francis for his TK year and was a fantastic decision. His teacher was incredible and the class size is half that of the elementary schools. Both of my children gained so much self-confidence and were beyond ready for elementary school both socially and academically. read more

St Francis Preschool - Elementary Schools Near Me - Novato, California

My kids have been at St. Francis for 4 years now...I have another child that will be doing the Time For Two program next year. I can't say enough amazing things about the teachers & school programs! I have been extremely happy and would highly recommend this preschool. read more

St. Francis has been such a great place for our kids. The teachers are wonderful and develop strong relationships with their students. The program is play based and has really supported their social and emotional growth. St Francis fosters a sense of community, we love the teachers and also the friendships we have made there. It is truly a special place and we couldn't recommend it more. read more

We have had a great experience at St Francis Preschool. We would encourage anyone looking for a play based preschool in Novato to tour the school. We have found the two's, three's, and pre-k / four's programs to all be appropriate age programs for our kids, with both structured and unstructured time. We have observed happy kids when volunteering or at pick up / drop off. Our kids have shared many happy moments at school including; music class, circle time, being helpers in the classroom, having a Archaeologist, Dentist and the Marin Mammal Center come for a visit, making food, art, and craft projects, gardening, and playing with new friends on the playground. There is a parent volunteer everyday in addition to ample staff with both teachers and assistant teachers in every classroom and outside on the playground. The staff is fantastic because they love what they are doing and they love the school. The structure and organization of the school speaks for itself and is a direct result of the staffing. The discipline is positive and consistent. There are expectations here and the kids and staff are all on the same page. This allows for a safe environment for everyone. We have heard good things about the munch bunch program and enrichment classes but have personally not enrolled our kids in them, so we can't give a review on anything but the preschool programs. Summer session was also a great experience and we would encourage those with younger children or children that are coming from another preschool or childcare environment to sign up for summer session. It makes the transition to preschool in the fall much easier. Overall, no complaints. Everyone is looking for something different for their children so we would encourage a school tour to see if St Francis is the right fit for your child and family. read more

St. Francis is wonderfully programmed and offers such an amazing start to a child's start in their learning process. The teachers are all passionate about every child that comes through the gate. The structure, process and environment that they provide for the kids is amazing and helps build the children self confidence,and gives parents a piece of mind. Both of my kids have become more well rounded, balanced and more independent. The kids love getting up and going to school and ask every day if today is a school day. The enrichment classes also offer great activities and builds such confidence in the kids. My husband also attended the school when he was a child and today we are connecting with other alumni and their families. Great school and great teachers... We love St. Francis and completely recommend it to anyone. read more

St. Francis Preschool is amazing. The care and attention they give to each student is a 10. My daughter currently attends St. Francis and I would not think of sending her anywhere else. There are rules and regulations to follow and I find this is a fantastic way to get your child ready to attend Kindergarten and also be a better person. The teachers are amazing and all have been teaching for years and years and their experience makes this school one of the best Preschools in the Novato Area. My daughter was 2 when she attended Summer School at St. Francis and she is now 4 and the growth that she has achieved in those 2 years is amazing. Her confidence, skills and overall attitude is wonderful and I attribute that to her Preschool. The care and advice that I have received from St. Francis has been wonderful too! I highly recommend St. Francis Preschool. read more

This school is dialed in. They've been doing what they do for over 40 years and they do it well. The teachers here have worked together for decades and the entire operation seems to run like a well-oiled machine. There are parents dropping off their children here who went here for preschool themselves, which means a lot to me. The rules may seem rigid but they all exist for a reason and that is to prepare your child for elementary school. They are firm, caring and consistent, but not "uptight" as one review states. My daughter is always so excited to go to school and she learns a ton each day that she's there. An A+ quality preschool right here in Novato - we're lucky to be there. read more

Everybody raves about this school being the best Novato has to offer. Not my experience. This school was not fun at all; very up tight.

My husband and I are so thankful to have both of our kids at St. Francis. We have had the most wonderful experience with this amazing preschool. I would highly recommend this school to anyone. I cannot possibly speak more highly of the staff - they are all welcoming, loving, understanding and caring. We have seen our oldest child grow so much in his time at this school. We also really appreciate that the staff is always open to discuss any questions or concerns of any parent. If you are looking for a preschool, you should definitely take a tour of St. Francis. read more