Old Firehouse School

Old Firehouse School offers preschool, infant toddler, toddler, two-year-old, three- and four-year-old, and school-age programs. The preschool program has half-day and full-day options, with a 1:9 classroom ratio and priority for families needing full-day care. The two-year-old program has a 1:6 ratio, and the school year is full-day and year-round; the preschool program also includes 2, 3, 4, or 5 days a week at OFS Mill Valley.

At a glance

• Ages: 0–5 years old
• General schedule: Year-round full-day programs; preschool offers both half-day and full-day options; children may attend 2, 3, 4, or 5 days a week at OFS Mill Valley.

About the provider

The Old Firehouse Schools were founded in 1996 in Lafayette by Dr. Dorothy Stewart and her husband Bob Buhl. OFS Mill Valley opened in 2004, OFS Walnut Creek opened in 2006, OFS San Rafael Fifth Avenue opened in 2022, and the Bayview school in San Rafael opened in September 2024. The school was selected as a Top Winner of Parents Press Reader's Choice for 2017 for Contra Costa County for Best Large Preschool and was also listed as Top 10 Parents’ Press Best of 2020, Top 10 in 2021, Top 5 in 2023, and Top 10 in 2024.

• Preschool Program — preschool children · At Old Firehouse School, the preschool program offers half-day and full-day options. Priority is given to families needing full-day care. Preschool classrooms have a ratio of 1:9.
• Infant toddler program — infant toddler · Teachers focus on establishing stable and intrinsically rewarding relationships with each baby.
• Toddler program — toddlers · Trust, autonomy and verbal skills are the core values.
• Two year old program — two year olds · Trust, autonomy and verbal skills are the core values. Two-year-olds are supported in exploring their world. Ratio is 1:6.
• Three’s and fours program — three and four year olds · Initiative, language and thinking skills are emphasized, with activities designed to encourage rich imaginations.
• School-age program — school-age · Focuses on emotional, physical, and academic skills, with some children receiving special tutoring in academics and sports, or friendship making skills.

The school is a private preschool. It is full day and year-round. Preschool classrooms have a 1:9 ratio. The two year old program has a 1:6 ratio. Applications for OFS Mill Valley are given to families who attend a parent-only Open House or a tour. Priority is given to families needing full-day care.

Last updated October 17, 2026.