Marin Catholic High School

675 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard

Kentfield, CA 94904

33 Reviews

School District
Grade

9-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 02, 2023

Parent of multiple grads and a student of '23. Many very good, caring, capable teachers and coaches. Lots of nice kids and families. Solid education esp in. Honors and APs. No fights, etc. But lots of cliques. Esp w the girls. Some rich and snobby but not all. Good arts and music, too. Admin is very pharisaical is its treatment of students and staff, many who leave quietly each year, its approach to religion, and its branding of a bible term. "Duc In Altum". The Seniors were pushed and ordered around by Admin like they were bad kids. A dose of Humility is in order to have the school reach its potential. Signed, Practicing Catholic
Submitted by student on May 07, 2021

This school was the worst 4 years of my life. I struggle with many learning disabilities and MC did not help me through it at all. They didn't provide me with the necessary tools I needed to succeed. This school has absolutely no diversity. I had only 2 good teachers during my time here, the rest were horrible, and I mean horrible. There were only 3 good things about my time at MC; the rallies, sports, and the food. These past 4 years were horrible for my growth as a teenager and especially for my mental health. DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU ARE LGBTQ+ because they will NOT accept you. I am sorry for everyone who's parents are making them go here...I wish you the best of luck. Sorry. But honestly the food is amazing.
Submitted by other on June 05, 2019

I agree with most of the recent reviewers, Marin Catholic is a fine school but it's not better than the public schools in the area (if you're zoned for Redwood, Drake or Tam). Honestly, TL or SR might not be good schools but you'll stand out as a star student there if you're halfway decent at school and have better chances getting into the UC's and top schools. MC is about the level of your average Middle American public high school so there's no point in paying so much money to go there. Most graduates end up at the lower mid-level UC's and expensive (but average) private colleges.
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2018

I would caution parents to think twice about this school. Overall our experience is that the teachers are more "old school" and the papers do not come back in a timely manner to promote improvement. Also in our experience the theology classes are more focused on dogma than helping the students develop a give-back world view. If you are in Marin, you will probably do just as well for your child (if not better) in the public school system.
Submitted by parent on July 31, 2017

MC works if you live in Novato or San Rafael, there is NO need to go here if you live in the Tam unified school district! It's not worth the $ when Drake, Tam and Redwood are better academically. It also works if I'd come from a St. School in Novato is San Rafael. We were simply not impressed with the school. Teachers are decent and we did like the theology classes that our teen received, but the girl clique scene is brutal!
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2016

As a parent of two MC graduates, I can tell you my husband and I sacrificed to send our daughters there, and if we had to do it over again, we wouldn't change a thing! The academics are rigorous and challenging and taught by teachers who care about every single student. We are a Catholic family and the faith based education was important to us. However, many families were of other religions and some had no religious beliefs, but all came together to form a respectful and close knit community. Respect and reverence were always apparent during school masses, which I felt fortunate to attend. Our daughters were accepted to their first-choice colleges and were completely prepared when they took the leap. They continue to flourish, one as a college student and the other as a recent grad, and have fond memories and dear friends from their MC days. As I said, we wouldn't change a thing - thanks MC.
Submitted by parent on March 11, 2016

I'm confused by some reviews. We have not experienced any elite element. It seems the parents are hard working families wanting to give their kids a catholic education. Most of the parents I have met are firefighters, police, contractors, etc. A large majority of families come from Novato and even Petaluma. Great people looking for a solid catholic environment. I feel most of the "Southern Marin" crowd opt for Redwood, SI, or MA. We are very happy with the fact that the kids attend church and are required to take religious class. SoMaybe the academics are a bit behind some other schools, but it's not why we chose MC.Why the minus 2 stars? Because our daughter tested out of any honors or advanced math classes. We were Disappointed because she's always been an honors student. maybe they didn't have room this year, but I have faith next year will be different. Also,She has been exposed to drug use tooMany times. This is not really a fault of the school and I'm sure it's at every High School. I'm going to suggest they survey the students to find a solution. I'm confident I'll add the two stars by next year, but I wanted to be completely honest. To date we are happy.
Submitted by other on March 10, 2016

I suppose if you want a smaller Christian environment it could work, but academically it just doesn't compete with the local public high schools.National SAT score 1700, ACT 27Marin catholic average 1800/ACT 28Redwood High School 1920/ACT 29Tamalpais high School 1860/ACT 29Novato High School 1840/Act 29It's beat by every public school so it hard to justify the tuition.I guess if you want to pay the big money schools like Branson and Marin academy bring in scores over 2000.
Submitted by other on February 17, 2016

Academics: Unfortunately, the school doesn't live up to the high ideals in the pamphlet. Woefully lacking in mathematics, especially... Only 2 students in my entire senior class were able to take calculus before graduation. For reference, I was one of only 3 students in my freshman engineering class who was not able to raise my hand when asked who had already taken calculus. If your kid is an underachiever, this school will likely push them to do better, and keep them from falling through the cracks in a public school; however, if your kid is a high-performing student, you should look around for a school that can offer them more, academically. It's clear that the academic counselors really didn't understand the requirements for more technical fields. Look closely at how many kids have gone on to schools like Stanford, MIT, and Harvard.Social Life: Don't be fooled into thinking that sending your kid to a private school will keep them away from drugs and trouble. There's plenty of that to go around. Whether it's worse than at the public schools, I can't say; but I would be genuinely shocked if it were better. MC is a very tight-knit community, which is great. The downside to this, however, is that there are certain 'families' that have endeared themselves to the staff over the years, and their kids tend to be able to get away with almost anything. Diversity: Almost non-existent. And not only racially. Almost everyone at MC is an upper-middle class white kid with a somewhat privileged background. Nothing wrong with being an upper-middle class white kid, but it can really distort your worldview if those are the only people you ever meet and interact with. Speaking from experience, it will do your kid a lot of good to learn how to get along with kids who don't share a similar background and worldview. I didn't realize how important this was until I got out into the world. Not entirely the fault of the school; diversity is hard to come by in Marin.Athletics: Obviously the shining jewel in the MC crown. The athletic programs are top-notch, and a great way to get involved. Even if you're not a fantastic athlete, you can almost always get on a team.Facilities: Adequate. Nothing special.Value: Depends what you're after. For me, I don't think the money was well spent, especially given the better education some kids got in public school.
Submitted by parent on June 29, 2015

We have a junior and a new incoming freshman at Marin Catholic. My daughter has had an amazing experience so far academically and socially. The school prides itself in developing well rounded students preparing them for the next stages of their lives. This is a faith based education with a strong focus on service. The school challenges students academically in a thoughtful and programmatic manner. Students coming previously from a faith based learning environment will love MC and everything it has to offer. The current leadership is taking the school to new heights academically and is extremely competitive now from a college placement perspective.
Submitted by parent on February 02, 2015

We are parents of a 9th grade girl and she is thriving at MC. Our daughter spent 9 years at a top notch, secular K-8 private school prior to enrolling at MC. She is an excellent student and athlete. As a scholar athlete, she was interested in attending a high school with a strong athletic culture for young woman, a robust honors and AP program and a larger school community. Our experience thus far has very positive. Our daughter has excellent teachers and the the school administration is very supportive and organized. We are not a religious family. However, my husband and I were raised with religion, and we are finding that the theological dimension of MC's curriculum provides an opportunity for our daughter to explore faith and spirituality and decide for herself what role - if any - faith may have in her life. The emphasis on service at MC is highly commendable. The students develop a deeper understanding of what it means to have a moral compass and the importance of making service to others a practice throughout their lives.
Submitted by parent on June 24, 2014

Have one child going into jr year and another starting as freshman. Excellent academics and overall environment. There is significant financial aid available for those who find the tuition a barrier.
Submitted by parent on May 08, 2014

My family loves this school. It is hard to describe the environment that makes this place so special. It must come from the kids themselves. They are so happy. My kids look at the stereotypical "Mean Girls" type of environment displayed onscreen and shake their heads because this is something they do not experience at Marin Catholic. My husband and I love the school because 1) our kids are happy, 2) it is preparing our kids for college, and 3) it is reinforcing the values we try to instill in our kids at home. Our family is not Catholic, yet we appreciate the religious aspect of the school. It is a Catholic School no doubt and they make no apologies for it. Having spent most of our Sundays on a field or a court rather than church, exposure to faith is something we welcome for our kids. I am sure this school is not for everyone - no school is right for everyone. But our family could not be happier here.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2014

My son graduated from Marin Catholic almost two years ago. It was his choice to go there and he did very well. For the most part his teachers were excellent, and cared about him and how he did. There was always support if he was having trouble with a subject. He learned to be a leader here and got into a top university. As a parent, I liked the fact that we as parents, the student and the school had a contract for responsible behavior of the student while attending the school. Also I liked the fact that the campus is closed so there is no coming and going during the day without parent permission. The kids are safe and as much as possible is done to control drugs and alcohol on campus. We are not wealthy, just a regular family and there was never any problem either with my son or my involvement with the school. It's a great choice for a top education.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2014

I have had three children graduate from Marin Catholic and it is the best school for my children! My youngest is now a sophomore at Davis and ahead of the game due to his high school experiences! He learned teamwork is essential, he found leadership skills he didn't know he had and he has the gift of self-confidence his teachers helped instill in him. He also learned to make good choices for himself! My children are stronger and wiser and their lives were enriched by being a part of the Marin Catholic family and getting a solid foundation for their further education!
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2014

Selecting a high school for your child is a very personal decision. Influenced by my previous career as a school administrator, I considered the quality of the educational program, the diverse curriculum, college preparation courses, and a strong moral emphasis that reflects my family's beliefs. Marin Catholic excels in all of these areas. My daughter graduated from MC 4 years ago and is now graduating from college. She credits MC with preparing her for college and the future job market. MC enforces a no tolerance drug and alcohol program.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2014

I have had two children attend MC. One has graduated from MC and is presently attending The University of Michigan. The other, a presently enrolled student at MC. Does my college student feel that he was well prepared for the rigorous academics at Michigan...yes! Does he feel that the values set at MC and the supportive community environment have helped him to be willing to explore who he is and help to make life exciting and become a responsible, engaged individual..... ready for the challenge for undergraduate life..Yes! I have enjoyed watching both my children learn to become leaders in their own way. MC has helped pave that path for them.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2014

We've had two boys graduate from MC and now have a daughter starting this fall. MC is the obvious choice for academics, college prep and to build on her catholic faith. However, what became apparent with our boys - and in the long run so critically important for them, is that MC teaches on a foundation of personal responsibility, accountability and good citizenship. Ask yourself this question: How many kids leave high school and maintain lifetime commitments to the institution, the staff and those they attended school with? A lifetime bond seems to be the norm for MC students and their parents; it is with our family! The students' not only walk away with a superior education and the tools they need to be good citizens, but they retain a commitment and a love for the school and those that helped them along the way. If you can give your kids this opportunity, then by all means do it!
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2014

Our son is a 2013 graduate of Marin Catholic. He had an amazing experience, as did our whole family. The power of this wonderful community has been life changing, for all of us. It's a community that we still feel connected to. The teachers and administration went above and beyond to not only connect with our child but, with us as well. I believe it does "take a village" to raise kids with outstanding character, values and morals. And, this is one "village" we are grateful to be apart of. I think it's naive to think that there is any high school that doesn't have drugs/alcohol use, issues and/or distractions. What I can say is that at Marin Catholic they are dealt with and dealt with swiftly. The staff raises the bar and has certain academic and social expectations of the kids. And, the kids raise up to meet that bar. Sending our child to Marin Catholic is one that we would make again - over and over. It helped shape him into an amazing young man during a very formative time in his life. We are proud of him and all of the kids he graduated with. They are an amazing group of beautiful and motivated young adults.
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2014

I am a current parent and have 2 children that have graduated from Marin Catholic. All of my children have thrived at this school. It is the ninth year for my family and I in this wonderful community. The administration, teachers and staff have always shown tremendous concern for my children. The communication between the school and our family has been superb. It has been said that Marin Catholic is great if your child is an "athlete". Please don't be misled! This school offers something for everyone! The Arts and Music programs balance the superb academic offerings - not to mention the numerous clubs that are available to join. "Faith, Knowledge & Service" is the backbone of this school. The community aspect doesn't end when one graduates - the alumni community is equally strong and quite enviable. My son will graduate in two years and I know it will be bittersweet. I also know my husband and I will look back with fond memories and no regrets in our decision to send our children to this school. The tuition was truly an investment towards their future. We will continue to support Marin Catholic that has been our "home away from home" for so many years!