Parent Testimonials
Every child in California deserves to learn in classrooms like those of REAL School Marin. I have said that dozens of times when explaining REAL School to friends and relatives. The school and its rich curriculum is a life-long gift to the child and to the child's parents. I was a public school teacher in the the Bay Area for thirteen years, eleven of those years in a Marin County middle school. I spent my final two years as a mentor teacher. These three wonderful people, Marilyn, Mark and Margot, are without a doubt in the top rank of the teaching profession. They bring breadth and depth to their subject matter, thoughtfully introduce a variety of experiences beyond the classroom, and help facilitate each child's understanding of himself and others. The students of REAL School Marin will someday realize, if they don't already, how fortunate they have been. Our family will forever be grateful for Mark, Marilyn and Margot, and REAL School Marin.
-- Jim Lammers, 1999 Marin County Teacher of the Year
We are Matthew Walker's grandparents and we want to thank you for all you do. The result of the speech tournament is one more example of your dedication, fine basic principles and magical teaching. We observe Matthew rising to your terrific standards and exciting adventures and have watched him grow in so many ways. He is being transformed from a child easily frustrated to one of eagerness to take on new challenges, and [he has] a new appreciation of his own talents. We love your basic precept, "Group first, Me second". Thank you for making such a difference in his life and ours as well.
-- Jean and Doug Walker
My son has thrived at REAL School Marin, going from thinking of himself as a poor learner to seeing himself as one of the strongest students in the class, participating actively in class discussions, doing extra credit work and even winning an award in the San Domenico Speech Tournament... The school has nurtured his natural sense of social responsibility.
-- A. K., an 8th grade parent
Unlike a larger middle school, your son or daughter will not fall through the cracks at REAL School. The group dynamic that evolves with the other students and the teachers enables each person to grow as an individual.
-- L. B., an 8th grade parent
Not to sound too dramatic but this school transformed my son. He likes school! He appreciates learning -- he studies, he writes essays, he competes in speech tournaments (and wins) and he does his homework --- on his own. My son who was moving from grade to grade with little motivation and less enthusiasm is now an excellent student [who was accepted at both Branson and Marin Academy!]
-- G. F., an 8th grade parent
We gave you a disinterested, disengaged boy who hated school and wouldn't get out the door in the morning and you are giving us back a confident, inquisitive young man who is engaged and inspired to take intellectual and academic risks. He wants to do the best he can. That is tangible testimony to you and the school. One hopes that somewhere in one's child's education there is that mythological teacher, the one that becomes the basis of comparison for all others. You are it and not are you just one, but three. You have proven this twice, first with Eli and now Mac.
-- A. and S., 8th grade parents