Kentfield: Warmer in Summer with Better Schools

23 Oct Kentfield: Warmer in Summer with Better Schools

The CDP (Census Designated Place) of Kentfield has a population of fewer than 7,000, yet offers fine educational facilities for kindergarten through 12^th grade. It does this very well with two public schools and one private school.

The highly-regarded Kentfield School District at 750 College Ave., Telephone: 415-458-5130 comprises two schools with a total enrollment of approximately 1,000 students. They are the Anthony G. Bacich Elementary School and the Adaline E. Kent Middle School.  The District Superintendent is Mary Jo Pettegrew.

“The District has a strong academic program. Other programs include rich visual and performing arts, physical education, Spanish language, computer program and character education. Student achievement as measured by the 2005 STAR assessment places the District in the top 10% in Reading, Math, Language Arts and Spelling.”

“The average student teacher ratio in grades K-3 is under 20:1, and 23:1 at grades 4-8. The District enjoys the generous support of its active PTA, School Site Council, and the Kentfield Schools Foundation, a non-profit organization with a $1,000,000 annual goal.”

The Bacich Elementary School serves Kindergarten through 4^th grade with an enrollment of approximately 500 students. It is located at 25 McAllister Ave., Telephone: 415-925-2220. According to its Web site, Bacich is known for “its strong instructional program and core academics as well as visual and performing arts, health and physical education, and computer education.”

“Highly qualified teachers work together to develop curriculum and improve professional skills. Teachers are selected at each grade level to be a part of a site-based instructional decision making team. Student responsibilities are emphasized through a strong character education program.”

The Kent Middle School serves grade levels 5 through 8, with an enrollment of approximately 500 students. It is located at 800 College Ave., Telephone: 415- 458-5970. Like Bacich, Kent Middle School is known for its strong instructional program and rich offerings in the visual and performing arts, computers. It is also particularly strong in foreign languages.

The other school in Kentfield is Marin Catholic High School, at 675 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Tel: 415-464-3800. It serves students from 8^th to 12^th grades and is a college preparatory school.

The school’s Web site announces with pride that 99% of its graduating class in 2009 are attending college (including junior colleges) with 92% matriculating at four-year colleges and universities.

Some of Marin Catholic High School’s accomplishments include:

• Over 250 academic and leadership certificates, awards and medals were earned by 2009 graduates.
• Appointments to the US Naval Academy, West Point and the US Coast Guard. 
• Community service totaling more than 30,000 hours, with 21% of its graduates contributing double the number of required hours.

There is a rich student life at Marin Catholic High School beyond the academic and community services achievements. Students travel to foreign countries, serve on Student Government, or participate in one of over 18 different clubs that both keep students busy in meaningful activities, and also equip them for their future endeavors.

While Kentfield is a small community, clearly its residents have high standards for its students, whose accomplishments at its three educational facilities are quite extraordinary.