About
St. Francis Preschool offers play-based programs that focus on curiosity, exploration, experimentation, and play. The program includes Time for Twos, Preschool and TK, Early Care and After Care, and Summer Camp, and it is described as having some of the lowest student-to-teacher ratios in the area. The campus is described as an enchanting place where the grounds are filled with opportunities for exploration, imagination, and cooperation.
• Ages: 2–TK
St. Francis Preschool has been serving families in the Northern Bay Area since 1967 and has been a joyful part of the North Bay community for over 50 years. For over half a century, it has been a top choice for Novato and Marin parents looking for a preschool community and now welcomes second-generation families, including children of alumni. The program is described as thoughtfully blending time-honored traditions with up-to-date early childhood practices.
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 staff members have many years of experience teaching, and the program highlights a highly trained, caring 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.
The program’s mission states that it is dedicated to nurturing children’s social-emotional growth and developing their social competence. The mission describes a play-based curriculum that encourages creativity and problem-solving, child-centered activities tailored to engage young minds, and thoughtfully designed environments that promote cooperative play. The mission also states that the staff consistently models positive interactions and recognizes each child as a unique individual, with a focus on social-emotional development, social skills, a sense of belonging, self-advocacy, empathy, and resilience.
St. Francis Preschool notes that it offers a safe, secure, and supportive environment where children build friendships, gain confidence, and have fun every day. The program currently hosts 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 important forms, the parent handbook, the school calendar, and more. The preschool holds License #210102938.
Parent testimonials describe St. Francis Preschool as having an enchanting campus where children can learn through play, with grounds that offer exploration, imagination, and cooperation. One parent shares that their daughter is attending the same preschool they attended, and connects this to the stewardship and dedication of the St. Francis team. Another parent notes that their son loves the TK program and describes Mrs. Vorhies as deeply caring for and understanding each individual student, with a curriculum and personal attention that exceeded their expectations.
Last updated May 11, 2026.
• Ages: 2–TK
St. Francis Preschool has been serving families in the Northern Bay Area since 1967 and has been a joyful part of the North Bay community for over 50 years. For over half a century, it has been a top choice for Novato and Marin parents looking for a preschool community and now welcomes second-generation families, including children of alumni. The program is described as thoughtfully blending time-honored traditions with up-to-date early childhood practices.
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 staff members have many years of experience teaching, and the program highlights a highly trained, caring 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.
The program’s mission states that it is dedicated to nurturing children’s social-emotional growth and developing their social competence. The mission describes a play-based curriculum that encourages creativity and problem-solving, child-centered activities tailored to engage young minds, and thoughtfully designed environments that promote cooperative play. The mission also states that the staff consistently models positive interactions and recognizes each child as a unique individual, with a focus on social-emotional development, social skills, a sense of belonging, self-advocacy, empathy, and resilience.
St. Francis Preschool notes that it offers a safe, secure, and supportive environment where children build friendships, gain confidence, and have fun every day. The program currently hosts 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 important forms, the parent handbook, the school calendar, and more. The preschool holds License #210102938.
Parent testimonials describe St. Francis Preschool as having an enchanting campus where children can learn through play, with grounds that offer exploration, imagination, and cooperation. One parent shares that their daughter is attending the same preschool they attended, and connects this to the stewardship and dedication of the St. Francis team. Another parent notes that their son loves the TK program and describes Mrs. Vorhies as deeply caring for and understanding each individual student, with a curriculum and personal attention that exceeded their expectations.
Last updated May 11, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.