Old Firehouse School Mill Valley-Preschool

Putting my kids in Old Firehouse School Mill Valley is my biggest parenting regret. The teachers and school director were inexperienced and the classroom lacked basic structure, consistency, and clear rules. We were essentially forced to hire an expensive behavior therapist for one of our children or risk being asked to leave. That specialist spent 50+ hours observing in the classroom and repeatedly described the environment as chaotic and disorganized, with rules enforced differently depending on the child. On top of that, my children were the only non-white kids in the school and we experienced what felt like clear discrimination—weekly newsletters regularly featured photos of students, yet we would sometimes go a month without seeing our kids included, and group photos were posted that seemed to include every child except ours. We eventually left because the experience was genuinely traumatizing for our family. We were also unimpressed with the curriculum and overall developmental support. The “presentations” were uninspiring (for example, kids reciting classroom rules) and there was little emphasis on building independence compared to what we later heard from families at other preschools (getting dressed, supportive potty training, etc.). At OFS, accidents were treated like a problem to punish rather than a normal part of learning, and there was no meaningful guidance for first-time parents about what is developmentally appropriate. Teachers seemed to pick favorites, and unconscious bias impacted the equity of the classroom. Despite being a small program where individualized attention should be possible, my daughter’s early strengths in reading and math and my son’s early writing were not nurtured—instead, we heard far more about what was “wrong” with our kids than any curiosity about their interests or talents. Staffing and planning also felt inadequate: when my daughter stopped napping, the school couldn’t accommodate her and asked us to shorten her day to mornings only. I cannot recommend this school.

My husband and I toured two preschools on the same day, back when our older daughter was about two years old. The first school we toured was really nice—exactly what I expected to see, with macaroni necklaces flying through the air and children running wild. It did look like fun! Then we toured Old Firehouse School. In a big but cozy room, four or five children were problem-solving how to construct their castle-fort out of pillows from a couch and discussing which child would play the part of the dragon in their make-believe drama. It was entirely self-guided. It was so joyful but far less chaotic than the first school. On our Old Firehouse tour, I observed children engaging with each other with purposeful kindness and genuine curiosity. My husband and I didn't hesitate to enroll our first child. That was six years ago, and our younger daughter is about to "graduate" from Old Firehouse, which is bittersweet. It's been the best beginning we could imagine. I am consistently impressed by the thoughtfulness of the Old Firehouse curriculum and the respect and independence teachers nurture in their students. On a given day, when I drop off my daughter, I'm likely to enter a welcoming space where several "stations" promise fun, inquiry, creativity. There may be a long-term building project in one area, a water play zone elsewhere, maybe a self-portrait activity in the middle. Kids discuss with their teacher how they want to start their day. My daughter responds to this so well, considering her options and speaking with clarity about what interests her. Little humans at Old Firehouse learn early that they have agency and that what they think matters. I've seen both our girls absolutely thrive in the Old Firehouse environment, and my third grader is praised by her teachers as a lover of learning and an empathetic friend. I do believe those qualities are her nature, but Old Firehouse noticed and "watered" them; and my girl just keeps blooming, same as her little sister.

This school is a true hidden gem. The tuition is reasonable yet the quality far surpassed all my expectations. The teachers are stupendous and really strike that perfect balance between being a safe and loving environment and also a solid educational institution. Special shout out to Teachers Garrett and Olivia - really inspiring work, folks. Bravo on all fronts!

Had my 3 yo going to this school and it was a lovely experience for all of us. The care, attention and love she had for her Teacher Olivia was remarkable. Good pricing too and empathetic staff