Admissions
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Why RMDS? The men and women on the Ring Mountain Day School faculty are united in their belief that children learn best in a small academic community where they actively participate and take risks. At RMDS, students learn to take their ideas seriously, as well as those that differ from their own. Participatory, student-centered learning teaches our students not just a given course's content, but the skills required to be their own and each other's teachers. The environment and culture at Ring Mountain encourage friendly interaction between age groups, and a collaboration that organically fosters individual students' confidence.
What kind of student is a good fit for Ring Mountain? We are looking for families and students who will thrive in an environment where they are truly engaged and their ideas are taken seriously. Students who will take full advantage of the amount of support and opportunity that is offered by our small class sizes will do well here.
What are your class sizes? Our class sizes are 12-14 students from Kindergarten through Grade 8.
Is there aftercare? Yes. Our aftercare program runs until 6:00. We also have weekly afterschool enrichment classes and a homework club.
Tell me about the facility and outdoor spaces. RMDS is located in Mill Valley, right at the foot of Marin County Open Space. We are centrally located between San Francisco and northern Marin. We have spacious classrooms, 2 courtyards, a large playground and field. There is a dedicated computer lab, library, art studio, and multi-purpose room.
Where do Ring Mountain graduates go? Our graduates go on to distinguished public, boarding and independent high schools. They are all accepted at their first or second choice high schools. We have alumni at San Francisco University High School, Urban, Branson, Marin Academy, The Bay School, The Marin School and Drew. Wherever they go, RMDS consistently receives feedback that our graduates are thoughtful, articulate, and compassionate.
Program
Why small classes? Classes with twelve students are an incredible opportunity. Teachers are empowered to explore concepts and teach skills that might normally be reserved for tutoring or an older age group, and they can be responsive to students' individual need and interests. Small classes allow our teachers to meet with students individually and in small groups daily.
Why multi-age classes and advisories? During the elementary years, children's levels of academic and social development vary. Our small, multi-age classes allow instruction at appropriate academic levels while supporting students' individual social and emotional development. In middle school, multi-age advisory groups enable students to get extra help from another student or the teacher, organize homework, and develop confidence. It is also a communal time with the presence of a consistent, supportive adult.
What are the benefits of child-centered, project-based curricula? Our classes go beyond the traditional and mechanistic transmitting of information from the teacher to the students. Instead, we are seeking to experientially teach students how to learn; from the outset, the students and their knowledge are at the center of the class dynamic. Learning is a cooperative enterprise in which the students and teacher work together as partners. A project-based curriculum encourages meaningful inquiry and critical and creative thinking. Projects incorporate all subject areas as well as the students' interests and knowledge. The result is a school full of engaged students who love to learn.
What are the benefits of the discussion method in Middle School? The development of the ability to persuasively articulate and attribute a perspective, to think critically and creatively, to have respect for another's point of view, and the encouragement of personal responsibility to their classes are the primary values in our middle school curricula. This experiential, collaborative setting and method inspires in RMDS students a lifelong desire and confidence to learn.
Do you have a learning specialist? We do not have a dedicated learning specialist on site. We consider our teachers the learning specialists. Small classes enable to them to meet with every student individually every day.
How is your curriculum developed? The foundation of our curriculum is in line with the California state standards and based on a scope and sequence written by the faculty. The skills and content that are covered stay the same from year to year, and we draw from multiple resources when planning lessons and projects. We also leave flexibility in the curriculum to allow for individuals and classes to follow their interests within the scope and sequence.
Community
Where do Ring Mountain families come from? Our families come primarily from Marin County and San Francisco. About 1/3 of our K-4 families come from San Francisco. We have a bus that runs between RMDS and the city, and will add a Marin route as needed.
Are there volunteer opportunities for parents? There are multiple ways for parents to be involved in the school community. Examples of volunteer opportunities are: fundraising, event planning, family shares, book fair, room parent, etc.
How does the school communicate with families during the school year? Most general school communication is sent out via e-mail and the parent intranet. Teachers communicate with families informally every day and are happy to schedule meeting as needed. Reports come out four times a year and conferences are held once in the fall and again in the spring.
Admissions Process
What can I expect on a tour? You can expect a full tour of the school when it is in session as well as an opportunity to ask specific questions.
What can I expect at an open house? During an Open House, all classrooms are open and teachers are available for extended conversations about our program.
How many spots do you have each year? The number of spaces varies from year to year, depending on sibling enrollment and occasional openings in First through Eighth grade.
Is there an age cutoff for Kindergarten? As families apply for Kindergarten, we are looking for children who are developmentally ready, which may not always correspond exactly with chronological age. Our goal is to create a balanced class; taking age, gender, personality, and other factors into consideration.
What happens during a student's visit day? Once an application is received, Kindergarten students visit in small groups for an hour and a half in the classroom with the teacher and admissions director. All other students visit their current grade classroom for the day. During the visits, teachers assess students both formally and informally.
What if I am starting the admissions process late? If you are starting the admissions process outside of the regular timeline, please call the Admissions Director at 415-381-8183 x 35.
