InspiRE & NurturE

Our Community School

At Lagunitas, a community school means we learn, grow, and care together. Students, families, educators, and local partners all play a part in creating a safe, inclusive space where every child is supported—academically, socially, and emotionally. We believe strong relationships and real-world learning build a stronger future for everyone.

spiral
  • spiral

    Our Community School

    At Lagunitas, a community school means we learn, grow, and care together. Students, families, educators, and local partners all play a part in creating a safe, inclusive space where every child is supported—academically, socially, and emotionally. We believe strong relationships and real-world learning build a stronger future for everyone.

  • Test

    Whole Child

    We believe every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported as a whole person. That means nurturing not just academics, but emotional growth, social connection, and a strong sense of self. Our approach helps students build confidence, resilience, and a love of learning that stays with them.

  • Test

    Whole School

    At Lagunitas, we see school as more than a place to learn—it’s a place to grow. Our campus and programs are designed to support students’ well-being, creativity, and curiosity. With nature all around and care at the center, we help young people build habits and relationships that last a lifetime.

  • camping

    Whole Community

    Learning doesn’t stop at the school gate—it’s woven through the lives of our students, families, and neighbors. By building strong relationships with families and local partners, we create a learning environment where everyone feels connected and invested in our students’ growth, both in and out of the classroom.

  • Test

    Whole Child

    We believe every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported as a whole person. That means nurturing not just academics, but emotional growth, social connection, and a strong sense of self. Our approach helps students build confidence, resilience, and a love of learning that stays with them.

  • Test

    Whole School

    At Lagunitas, we see school as more than a place to learn—it’s a place to grow. Our campus and programs are designed to support students’ well-being, creativity, and curiosity. With nature all around and care at the center, we help young people build habits and relationships that last a lifetime.

  • camping

    Whole Community

    Learning doesn’t stop at the school gate—it’s woven through the lives of our students, families, and neighbors. By building strong relationships with families and local partners, we create a learning environment where everyone feels connected and invested in our students’ growth, both in and out of the classroom.

Our History:

From 1872 through the present

1872: New district

The San Geronimo School District was formed in 1872 to serve area ranches. Before this, children had to travel to Nicasio Valley to attend school in the one room schoolhouse in that district. This was the precursor to the Lagunitas School District.

1875: Schoolhouse

While the district was formed in 1872, its schoolhouse wasn't completed till three years later, at a cost of $1,000 dollars. The 20x30 foot one-room schoolhouse was near the intersection of today's SGV Dr. and Nicasio Rd.

1908: LSD is formed

The San Geronimo district dissolved and its place was taken by the new Lagunitas School District in 1908, with a new one-room schoolhouse on West Cintura Road in Lagunitas. This is why the district still bears the name 'Lagunitas.'

1927: A new home

Woodacre resident Alfred Y. Williams designed and built the new Lagunitas School on ranch land donated by the Garzoli family of San Geronimo. That building is now the San Geronimo Valley Community Center, an important partner.

1970: Open begins

The Open classroom began with the hiring of teacher Sandra Dorward. The first multi-grade version of the program started in 1971, and 1972 saw a school board election that supported the continuation of the progressive program.

1983: Montessori

Lagunitas' Montessori program was founded in 1983 as the first public Montessori school in Marin County. Another traditional program, A&E, was once offered to families. Today, Lagunitas has Marin County's only public Montessori program.

1998: MS complex

Booming district enrollment of nearly 500 students overflowed existing classrooms and led to the construction of a brand new six-classroom Middle School facility. Work was completed by San Francisco's Lemanski & Rockwell architects.

2020: COVID-19

The Lagunitas School District adapted to the global COVID-19 pandemic by holding classes 100% online for the first time in the district's history for nearly a full calendar year beginning in March of 2020. The district moved to a hybrid learning model in early March 2021.