San Domenico School

1500 Butterfield Road

San Anselmo, CA 94960

68 Reviews

School District
Grade

K-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 15, 2023

Our family is so grateful for San Domenico and feels fortunate to be part of the community. The SD community is kind, respectful, intelligent, diverse, and focused on doing what is right. Our daughters have thrived in the challenging, supportive, and beautiful surroundings. We deeply missed San Domenico when we moved out of state, however, this experience has made our family value all that is special and unique about SD even more. San Domenico feels like home with the one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage with remarkable students from all over the world. San Domenico is truly the best of all worlds, and our family would highly recommend becoming a part of this exceptional/purpose-driven school.
Submitted by parent on December 13, 2023

SD has been an incredible high school experience for my 11th grade son and 9th grade daughter. The academics and course offerings are rigorous, but the focus on students finding their purpose, the teachers’ passion and commitment to really knowing their students, the global and diverse community, and the genuine kindness and supportive nature of the students are what stand out. Being in class with/having friends from countries all over the world has helped my kids build understanding, empathy and compassion towards others from different backgrounds. Another special thing is the ability to participate in multiple sports/clubs. My son plays 3 sports at the varsity level which is an opportunity he probably wouldn’t have at a larger school where he would likely be expected to specialize in 1 sport to make a team. My daughter participates in dance ensemble which deepens her feeling of connection to the community and is a unique offering not available at most other local high schools.
Submitted by parent on December 05, 2023

My son started at SD in kindergarten, currently in 3rd grade. SD has been an exceptional school for him, socially as well as academically. SD focuses on the complete child, pushing them to be not only strong academically (age appropriately) but also encouraging/supporting them to be good humans, who care about their classmates/teachers. Curriculum is very strong and well planned. SD teaches the kids how to “think” and “feel” and encourages them to talk about what made them proud during the day and what they could have done better for next time. I appreciate that they strive to keep the kids young, which to me is important given how “fast” culture is these days. I want my son to truly enjoy his elementary school experience. I want him to be excited to go to school and learn, and every day that happens at SD .I also appreciate how the teachers pivot when my son needs additional support in the classroom. Beautiful campus. Teachers are truly incredible! We hope to be at SD through HS!
Submitted by parent on January 31, 2022

I have two sons at San Domenico, one in the Lower school and one in Middle school. San Domenico provides a strong academic curriculum, the curriculum supports every single child and your child will be engaged in their lessons. More challenging work is provided when required as well as offering additional support if needed. The Teachers are exceptional, their dedication is clearly evident. Most importantly, they love teaching. Not only do the Teachers care about your child's academic growth but they also truly care about how you child is emotionally. My son who is in Middle school told me that all his Teachers were kind, this warmed my heart. Additional social and emotional support is provided by two exceptional counselors, one for the Lower school and one for the Upper school. Your are welcomed into the San Domenico family, with open arms. I personally have found everyone to be friendly and kind. In the Middle school there are a wide variety of clubs offered during the school day, once again everyone is included and it is a great way for the children to come together outside of the classroom. In the Lower school, they will go on a hike or walk to the beautiful garden and if they wish they can feed the chickens. For me, I can see how genuinely happy both my sons are at San Domenico. Children learn more when they are happy. San Domenico is truly the best decision we made for both my sons.
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2022

The community, campus and the teachers are the best! We love how they approach learning for each child specifically vs. a cookie cutter approach for the masses. Our son feels seen and heard and most importantly supported in all the things he wants to explore esp math and science. He loves school so much now and couldn't imagine being anywhere else for school. It was the best decision and investment we've made so far in his education.
Submitted by parent on December 18, 2021

The idea of a purpose-driven education is what first drew us to San Domenico for our kids in 3rd and 9th grades. In third grade, this translates into a curriculum with social values introduced in an enlightening and respectful way, encouraging the kids to name and connect with their passions and the needs of the world at large. In high school, seeking purpose is part of the core curriculum including world religions and philosophy, global studies, their electives, sports, and special events like the week-long spring trips and community service initiatives. Our kids see the SD values modeled every day by faculty and staff in their consistently kind and respectful communication with the students, the inclusivity that is a community-wide expectation, and the positive encouragement to not only excel academically but also take social risks. Our 3rd grader who is often very shy loves going to school and hanging out on the bus with kids of different grades. Our high schooler is developing close relationships with peers, teachers, and his faculty mentor that encourages his comfort and growth. He felt comfortable enough to join a sports team which felt like a huge risk for him but has been a lot of fun and new friends.We've been delighted with the academic standards. Our 3rd grader has learning differences which have been gracefully accommodated by the teaching team and supported by a counselor and onsite mid-day small-group tutoring from a learning specialist. All four attended her fall parent conference to make sure that we were able to problem-solve any concerns together. Our high schooler has been challenged by the step-up in high school curriculum but he was given the scaffolding to succeed. It's been a delight (and a surprise!) to see him take responsibility for his education in a much greater way - managing his assignments, deadlines, teacher communications, and school activities.The level of care and consideration that goes into every initiative, communication, and program is exceptional. SD students benefit from the school's maturity (committed faculty & staff, well thought-through curriculum, an extraordinary site and meal program) and its continual quest for improvement and innovation.We couldn't be happier with San Domenico for our kids and are grateful for the community that has welcomed our whole family. It is an extraordinary place... it has made me wish I could go back to high school!
Submitted by parent on December 12, 2021

My daughter started 9th grade in the fall of 2020. We are impressed with how the school finds multiple ways to engage the students through the difficult limitations of the pandemic. Students’ wellbeing and their learning is really in the center of all decisions and designs of the school. My child is socially shy, academically driven and love art and music. She is challenged in her schooling which was not the case in her previous school. She gets the social emotional support she needs to learn about herself and her subjects. The teachers, administrative staff, school counselors and friends (from different grades) are so open and available/inclusive, that she feels safe to reach out to communicate with others and advocate for herself. The well rounded resources of the school allows her to expand and grow new interests, in sports and music. She has access to amazing musical instruments and friends who are great musicians. And she has become friends with many international students and getting to know foreign cultures first hand. As a parent, I appreciate the seamless communications from school that really brings the community together for the children. I really feel that the school is our partner in creating a safe, fun and engaging place for my child to thrive and grow in.
Submitted by parent on December 09, 2021

We came to SD in the Fall of 2020, at the height of the pandemic. We were totally blown away with their competence and commitment to providing a positive educational experience for our 5th grade daughter. They expertly managed the unknown and put safety measures in place to allow kids to come to school. During that year, not only was our daughter safe as there were no class outbreaks, but she also received a great education. The class sizes were small, as promised, and the teachers were thoughtful, skilled, patient, and created an environment where our gifted daughter was challenged, engaged, and respected. Coming to SD has proven a significant improvement over our public school experience. Where our daughter was once bored, disengaged, and socially struggling, she is now thriving with a group of friends, excitement about what she is learning, and is overall very happy going to school for the first time in years. The teachers are really impressive - they are really the best of the best. SD provides great professional development to their staff/faculty so the educational environment is rich in the things that count: modern pedagogical expertise, love of the learner, patience and dedication. We could not be happier.
Submitted by parent on November 20, 2021

This is our first year at San Domenico, and our daughter is in fourth grade. I have been incredibly impressed at the level of excellence this school has shown us in the short time we have been enrolled. From the top notch, gorgeous campus, to the high level of academics, we have been nothing short of blown away.Our daughter has made a seamless transition to her new school, thanks in part to all the highly skilled teachers and staff. We felt that she needed a school that would allow her to be her best self, while encouraging critical thinking and social emotional development in her everyday curriculum. When I am on campus, I see children that are happy and excited, ready to learn and be challenged in a supportive manner.The athletics and after school programming is also very robust, and has quite a lot to offer - there is truly something for everyone. We are so thankful to be part of this lovely school!
Submitted by parent on November 06, 2021

Our reasons for selecting San Domenico were many, and we were lucky enough to have a choice living Marin (given there are some great public schools here and we were admitted to other highly competitive private schools). If you tour the school, the impressive campus and K-12 resources are overwhelming (An entire Music Conservatory? A 500-acre campus? A state-of-the-art Aquatic Complex?) but what stood out above all else were the emphases on community and giving kids a purpose in their work. We have been so happy to discover it is possible to provide kids with the highly academic program we wanted, but minus the competition and bullying that is sadly present around the Bay Area these days. If you want your kids to fall in love with learning and also consider the broader community, San Domenico is your school.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2021

San Domenico is an amazing place for all types of students! Everything from the curriculum to activities to school policies is very thorough and thoughtful. The campus is beautiful and well maintained, the community is lovely and supportive, the teachers are on top of everything and my three kids are happy and thriving. We are very grateful to be a part of this community.
Submitted by parent on December 02, 2020

Looking at San Domenico, I was amazed, but the school has far exceeded my expectations. I have been so impressed not only by the quality of the academics, but of the overall experience that San Domenico offers. It is one of rigor, but with compassion. There is great emphasis on purpose and intention in all the endeavors that the students undertake, and a commitment to community. Once you are a part of San Domenico, you are part of a wonderful community of students, teachers, staff and parents that all come together, creating a supportive and joyful environment for learning academics and learning about life. And, the campus is absolutely beautiful, a gem of quiet nature on 500 acres of woodlands.Currently, in the time of COVID-19, I have been blown away by the measures put in place by the administration to open the campus to all K-12 students, consistently maintaining the safety of everyone as paramount. Our son is thrilled to be back on campus, and the teachers and staff seem to have an endless supply of gusto. Everyone is working so hard to maintain a positive experience for all of the students, even when quickly pivoting to distance learning has been necessary. The challenges of this Fall 2020 provide a timely testament to the true dedication and authenticity of San Domenico’s teachers and staff.
Submitted by parent on October 14, 2019

Son is now a junior at San Domenico, involved in Virtuoso Program music program. He has loved his experience there academically and socially since he enrolled as a 9th grader. Pluses include small classes, caring teachers who are willing to make time for the students, and diverse for a private school in Marin, due to number of international boarding students. Although the Virtuoso Program is demanding requiring students' time Mon-Thurs until 6 pm but block class schedule, free periods, and being disciplined about daily calendar have allowed son to meet academic and music program commitments. Another plus of small school has been easier access to college preparation counseling.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2019

This is an amazing school with a unique focus on strong academics, diversity and deeply rooted values.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2019

I absolutely could not be happier with my overall experience with San Domenico! Our son wanted to attend a boarding school because co-parenting for 12 of his 14 years of life had its challenges. At SD, he's found a second family and truly found himself. He felt so comfortable at SD they he was able to "come out" and inform us that he's gay. Our family felt he might be gay as early as 4 years old. SD is a school that supports all of its students to be who they are without limits. Our son has started his sophomore year off confident, strong, loved and I know it's because he feels accepted and cared for. SD is a blessing to our son and our family as a whole.
Submitted by parent on June 03, 2019

We have been very happy with San Domenico. Our daughter has formed relationships with her peers, older students and teachers. She enjoys going to school and learning each day.
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2019

We have had an amazing experience at San Domenico, our kids have thrived and grown exactly how we had hoped they would, and more. The school finds a balance between guiding the kids towards academic and personal excellence while also allowing them to truly have fun and be kids at the same time. San Domenico truly walks its talk.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2019

San Domenico is a learning COMMUNITY. It is not just the school where we send our kids. The teachers, administrators, leadership, bus drivers, coaches and staff, older SD students, other families, even, have become our partners in parenting. The academic rigor is for real, and we are grateful for the standards of excellence. But it is their approach to teaching the whole-child that sets SD apart. It is really remarkable to experience in action. Between the social-emotional education, and the study of ethics and philosophy, the commitment to the arts and inclusion, the global perspective, the focus on service…. the kids are connected to the academic subjects in a meaningful way. Our little kindergartener seems to have purpose and agency fueling her curiosity even at this nascent stage, just one year into her academic career. We transferred to SD for K and 4th grades. After years at our local public K-5 school, we sought out a learning environment that might serve both of our children. One child is a very traditional learner, and another is not. Our older child’s needs were not being met and her growing disengagement with school alarmed us. The experience of coming to San Domenico, joining the SD family, completely transformed our older child’s relationship to learning!
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2019

Our kids transferred to San Domenico in sixth grade after spending K-5 at our local public school. We have been impressed all around by the inclusive learning environment and dedication to growing great minds as well as great people.The school is thoughtful, innovative, and never lazy. What I love most about San Domenico, is that it doesn’t rest on its laurels and has consistently evolved its curriculum and programs. It’s this fantastic mix of traditional and progressive. When our daughter moved up to the high school, our expectations were exceeded. She loves each of her teachers, has met kids from all of the world, and in this small campus, her world has expanded exponentially. The kids really feel like they can be themselves with out judgement.As for the enrichment and extra-curriculars, we give rave reviews to the dance and theater program at San Domenico. It’s special -- a pre-professional program. It’s also really exciting to see where the school is heading and how its investing in its future—the aquatic center and hiring of Mark Anderson is incredible and I cannot wait to see the program he builds!Overall, we love the community of San Domenico and this special gem of a school.
Submitted by parent on March 05, 2019

I wish I had gone to school here! As a kid, I attended a private school in SF. I've rarely seen such dedication to helping kids find purpose and happiness in their work and not worrying about getting everything perfect (but yes, academics standards are quite high). The school has undergone several major changes in recent years (switching from an all-girls Catholic school to an Independent co-ed) and it's caused some parents to write negative reviews unfortunately ... transitions are hard. We called several people we knew who were parents at the school and they didn't have a negative thing to say. I'd encourage anyone to at least tour the school and see for yourself what an amazing place this is. Plus indexed tuition means a sliding scale--you pay what you can afford.