Our Students
- Boys and girls between 11 and 15 years old
- Grades 6, 7 and 8, as well as 8/9 "gap" year students
- Student body is at most 15 students, determined by optimal group dynamics
Who Should Apply?
We consider bright, motivated applicants from families who value robust, holistic education. We provide an alternative for students who might not thrive or are not challenged in the crowded classrooms of the typical public or private school. We give students individual attention and teach emotional engagement in a more humane environment than that found in bigger schools. Students are chosen to construct a well-balanced, socially compatible, and intellectually diverse group. We maintain a rolling application deadline.
Who Will Thrive at RSM?
We at RSM have spent many years pondering and analyzing the "recipe for success" for adolescent students. We have been able to identify the attributes of families and students who make the most of their time at RSM and move on to sustained achievement and fulfillment in high school.
Students will thrive at RSM if:
- The family's values mirror the values of RSM. (Most importantly, that academic effort is a priority)
- The family encourages a strong belief in the value of honest, hard work
- The family shares RSM values about age-appropriate limits on swearing, access to R-rated movies or pornography, etc.
- At home, the parents model an investment in reading and in civic responsibility
- Parents invest time daily in the student
- Video games are placed off limits during the school week
- The student has a dedicated time and place to work at home
- The student comes to school with a good breakfast and at least 8 hours of sleep every day
- The family embraces and promotes the student's progress towards self-reliance
- Parents respect the school calendar and avoid taking the student out of class for trips
- There is full transparency between parents and school regarding the student's history in education, psychiatry, neuro-psych and medical issues
- There is full transparency regarding the family situation (divorce, trouble with the law, substance use, etc.)
- Parents support the tenet that the student owns his own work and his own behavior. (Our conferences are conducted whenever possible with the student chairing the discussion)
Which High Schools accept RSM Students?
Our students have been accepted by:
- The Branson School
- Marin Academy
- The San Francisco Bay School
- San Francisco International High School
- The Marin School
- Putney School
- Groton School
- Tamalpais High School
- Redwood High School
- Marin Catholic High School
- Stuart Hall High School
- Drew School
- San Rafael High School