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Preschools/CA/San Rafael/Old Firehouse School
Preschool / Day Care Center

Old Firehouse School

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Ages
Ages 2–5
Teacher ratio
1:12 (CA min)

1510 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901

Visit website ↗(415) 419-5479Directions ↗Licensed for 26
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Licensing & safety record

Citations on file
2
Complaint visits
0
Last visit
9/18/2024
Total visits
6

Citations are part of routine licensing oversight and range from minor (Type B) to serious (Type A). A citation alone doesn't mean a program is unsafe — read the full reports for context.

Source: California Dept. of Social Services, Community Care Licensing (updated 2025-09-29). View official inspection reports →

About this preschool

Old Firehouse School is a private preschool with five California campuses (Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Mill Valley, San Rafael Fifth Avenue, and San Rafael Bayview) founded in 1996, designed for children up to 5 years old. The school offers full day, year-round programs based on child development research with an emphasis on nurturing relationships and whole-child care.

Philosophy
The school believes that the quality of one's childhood predicts much about the quality of one's future. The program is based on scientific theory, research, and professional practice in child development, with directors who care about 'the whole child': heart, mind, spirit and body. Children need nurturing, positive relationships with the same caregivers to develop a strong sense of self.
Ages served
Children up to 5 years old; San Rafael 5th Avenue offers bilingual programs for children ages 1-5; Mill Valley and Bayview have openings for ages 2-5
Hours
Full day, year-round programs

Programs

  • •Bilingual programs at San Rafael 5th Avenue
  • •Nature and wildlife focus at San Rafael Bayview

Highlights

  • ✓Five campus locations in California
  • ✓Top Winner of Parents Press Reader's Choice 2017 for Best Large Preschool
  • ✓Founded in 1996 with over 25 years of experience
  • ✓Scholarship fund available for low-income families at San Rafael 5th Avenue

Not stated on their website: Tuition, Teacher-to-child ratio, Meals and snacks, Specific outdoor facilities, Curriculum details. Ask the preschool directly.

Summarized by AI from the preschool's own website (Jun 24, 2026). Not written or verified by PreschoolWise — confirm details directly with the program.

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What age does preschool start?Typical ages, readiness signs, and state cutoffs.Is my child ready for preschool?The readiness signs to look for.Preschool vs. daycareHow they differ and which fits your child.Preschool vs. pre-KWhat comes when, from ages 3 to 5.

Listing facts from public CA child-care licensing records. Reviews are the opinions of individual contributors, moderated before publishing; they are not endorsements by PreschoolWise. Always visit and verify a program directly before enrolling.