Willow Creek Academy

We could not be happier to have our 2d grader attend Willow Creek Academy. The school really fosters a culture of caring for each other, learning through projects and cooperation and promotes cultural understanding and acceptance.
The teachers there are focused on helping kids learn and grow and develop themselves as individuals who think for themselves and care about the world and the people around them. A beautiful setting, gardens for the kids, raising chickens, morning mindfulness sessions-​all of these are features of a thriving educational community that promotes parent involvement.
We feel very lucky to be able to be a part of the Willow Creek community.

There are so many reasons why our family feels remarkably lucky to be at Willow Creek.
It’s the mix of income levels, racial and cultural backgrounds and languages that drew us to choose Willow Creek over any other school in Marin when moved from the East Bay.
It’s the beautiful campus with the view of the Bay, the old-​timey baseball field and the 4 gardens, even with chickens!
It’s the authentic academic learning that comes from having teachers who are passionate, empowered, fun-​spirited people that are committed to their profession and innovative in their approaches.
It’s the personally responsive and warmly accessible administration, who actively encourage parents to be present in the classroom, active on campus, and to lead, build and think creatively about how to make our school strong.
It’s seeing kids playing ukelele, xylophone and percussion in our dynamic music program and admiring the murals, sculptures and paintings from our vibrant art classes.
It’s the amazing field trips that allow my kids to enjoy many of the fantastic natural, historic and cultural resources of the Bay Area.
Since Willow Creek is a K-​8 school, it’s seeing my oldest son seamlessly transition to middle school, surrounded by adults and kids who have known him since he was small.
It’s our school’s passion for experiential, project-​based learning.
It’s the circle of Kindergarten moms I hang out with after-​school who come from the boats on the docks of Sausalito, the historically African-​American community of Marin City, or from over 7 different countries around the globe.
It’s our school’s passion for using the restorative justice model as our philosophy of discipline, teaching kids how to resolve conflict and repair the harm from mistakes.
And did I mention the freshly cooked school lunches, with all organic and locally grown food? It’s SO many things!
Our family feels incredibly blessed and we look forward to the years ahead.

This is my daughters second year at Willow Creek and we all love it, especially her, and my younger daughter who isn’t even old enough to go there yet can’t wait to start. She loves going to school every day, has made some terrific friends and so have I. The community spirit at the school is just phenomenal and the teachers are fantastic. It’s project based learning which means it’s essentially a program that is tailored to your child’s ability. And to top things off, this year the school introduced a new lunch program and the kids are fed nutritious meals that are cooked at the school, fresh everyday, by the most wonderful chef. Thanks to all the teachers and staff that make Willow Creek Academy a wonderful and warm place to learn and grow!

We love Willow Creek Academy. My 5^th grader has been here all 6 yrs, coming from Sausalito Nursery School. It was such relief to have a local public school option for her, then over the years become an unforeseen opportunity. A small part of the community built Willow Creek, now Willow Creek is building a larger community. The success of the school is actually changing the lifestyle-​scape of the city. And the food is great!

WCA is Sausalito’s best kept secret… so, shhh… don’t tell anyone! :-)
My son’s 3^rd grade teacher, Ms. Siskin, lives and breathes teaching. She’s completely nuts for her kids… wanting the very best for each and every one. She acknowledges that each student is different and may need a different approach. And she has the gift to see the very best in all the children. My daughter’s first grade teacher, Ms. Duran, is equally amazing. Parents call her the «kid whisperer». Even though the 1^st graders are only 6 years old, Ms. Duran respectfully teaches them and talks to them like she would an adult. No baby talk here. Gotta say, I love it. This is how I would teach if I had the patience.
On any given day, at any time, you will probably see a class or two on the field with Coach Griffin or Coach Dave — rain or shine — learning team building skills through physical education.
And if you are standing next to the office watching the kids do the PE class, chances are you will smell the yummy all organic, non-​GMO lunch that Chef G and his team is making.
Gawd, writing this makes me want to go back to elementary school. :-) aaah, the life!
I guess I should also say that there are specialists at WCA… art, music, math, literacy, world culture. And the students are more diverse than anything in Marin… From the docks to the hills, there is an incredible range of economic and cultural diversity.
Everything is incredibly thoughtful at Willow Creek. It’s such a blessing to have this public school option in my own backyard.
Lots of pics and stories on their facebook page.

Our son is in 1^st grade there and we love the school! Teacher, campus, community and after school program are amazing!