About
St. Francis Preschool offers play-based programs where children learn through curiosity, exploration, experimentation, and play. The program includes options called Time for Twos, Preschool and TK, Early Care and After Care, and Summer Camp. Its early education experience is described as nurturing and holistic, supporting children socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively.
• Ages: 2–5 years old
St. Francis Preschool was established in 1967 and has been serving families in the Northern Bay Area and the North Bay community for over 50 years. It has been described as a trusted choice for Novato and Marin parents seeking a preschool community and as a joyful part of the North Bay community for generations. Each year, the school welcomes a growing number of second-generation students, the children of alumni.
The program is dedicated to nurturing children’s social-emotional growth and developing their social competence. Its stated goal is to foster confident, curious learners by encouraging children to express themselves appropriately, practice kindness and respect, and build friendships. The curriculum is play-based and encourages creativity and problem-solving, with environments that promote cooperative play and child-centered activities tailored to engage young minds. Staff members consistently model positive interactions, and the program emphasizes that each child is a unique individual with distinct personalities, abilities, and developmental paths. Through meaningful play, children build foundational academic and life skills, and the program aims for children to feel a sense of belonging, advocate for themselves, and develop empathy and resilience.
All teachers at St. Francis Preschool meet or exceed state requirements for Early Childhood Education, and several hold Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and/or teaching credentials. Many teachers have many years of experience teaching, and the program is supported by a caring, highly trained staff. The leadership team includes Director Jesse Parish; Acting Director, Enrollment & Community Engagement Melanie Young; Lead Teacher TK Shoshannah Vorhies; Lead Teacher Classroom D Cookie Carville; Lead Teacher Classroom C Rosa Mendez; Lead Teacher Classroom B Beth Mason; Lead Teacher Aftercare and Front Office Secretary Cathy Rapoport; Teacher Classroom C Corlett Osbourne; Teacher Classroom B Caroline Smith; Teacher Zoë Vorhies; and Teacher Classroom D Christine Reyes.
St. Francis Preschool holds License #210102938 and reports having some of the lowest student-to-teacher ratios in the area. Programs are offered for children from age 2 through TK. The school is currently hosting tours for the 2026–2027 school year, with in-person small group and individual tours available. A password-protected Parent Portal is available for currently enrolled families to access forms, the parent handbook, the school calendar, and other information. The school notes a legacy of welcoming second-generation students, the children of alumni.
One parent described St. Francis as having an enchanting campus where children can learn through play, with grounds filled with opportunities for exploration, imagination, and cooperation. Another parent shared that their daughter is attending the same preschool they attended, calling it a special experience that reflects the stewardship and dedication of the St. Francis team. A TK parent stated that their son loves the TK program and described Mrs. Vorhies as deeply caring for and understanding each individual student, with a curriculum and level of personal attention that exceeded their expectations.
Last updated March 28, 2026.
• Ages: 2–5 years old
St. Francis Preschool was established in 1967 and has been serving families in the Northern Bay Area and the North Bay community for over 50 years. It has been described as a trusted choice for Novato and Marin parents seeking a preschool community and as a joyful part of the North Bay community for generations. Each year, the school welcomes a growing number of second-generation students, the children of alumni.
The program is dedicated to nurturing children’s social-emotional growth and developing their social competence. Its stated goal is to foster confident, curious learners by encouraging children to express themselves appropriately, practice kindness and respect, and build friendships. The curriculum is play-based and encourages creativity and problem-solving, with environments that promote cooperative play and child-centered activities tailored to engage young minds. Staff members consistently model positive interactions, and the program emphasizes that each child is a unique individual with distinct personalities, abilities, and developmental paths. Through meaningful play, children build foundational academic and life skills, and the program aims for children to feel a sense of belonging, advocate for themselves, and develop empathy and resilience.
All teachers at St. Francis Preschool meet or exceed state requirements for Early Childhood Education, and several hold Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and/or teaching credentials. Many teachers have many years of experience teaching, and the program is supported by a caring, highly trained staff. The leadership team includes Director Jesse Parish; Acting Director, Enrollment & Community Engagement Melanie Young; Lead Teacher TK Shoshannah Vorhies; Lead Teacher Classroom D Cookie Carville; Lead Teacher Classroom C Rosa Mendez; Lead Teacher Classroom B Beth Mason; Lead Teacher Aftercare and Front Office Secretary Cathy Rapoport; Teacher Classroom C Corlett Osbourne; Teacher Classroom B Caroline Smith; Teacher Zoë Vorhies; and Teacher Classroom D Christine Reyes.
St. Francis Preschool holds License #210102938 and reports having some of the lowest student-to-teacher ratios in the area. Programs are offered for children from age 2 through TK. The school is currently hosting tours for the 2026–2027 school year, with in-person small group and individual tours available. A password-protected Parent Portal is available for currently enrolled families to access forms, the parent handbook, the school calendar, and other information. The school notes a legacy of welcoming second-generation students, the children of alumni.
One parent described St. Francis as having an enchanting campus where children can learn through play, with grounds filled with opportunities for exploration, imagination, and cooperation. Another parent shared that their daughter is attending the same preschool they attended, calling it a special experience that reflects the stewardship and dedication of the St. Francis team. A TK parent stated that their son loves the TK program and described Mrs. Vorhies as deeply caring for and understanding each individual student, with a curriculum and level of personal attention that exceeded their expectations.
Last updated March 28, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.