Saint Raphael Preschool is accepting enrollment applications!
Mission Statement
Saint Raphael Preschool, guided by Dominican values, partners with parents to support the holistic development of young children—spiritually, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. In a safe, nurturing, faith-based environment, the preschool fosters children’s awareness of God’s love and prepares them to become well-rounded, responsible citizens.
Philosophy
At Saint Raphael Preschool, we believe in nurturing the whole child in a safe, loving, and engaging environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and growth. Each child is valued as a unique individual, and learning is fostered through play-based, developmentally appropriate experiences. Our dedicated educators promote a strong sense of community rooted in mutual respect and trust, while helping children build confidence, moral character, problem-solving skills, academic readiness, and a lifelong love of learning.
Links
Check us out on our Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp pages!
Award winners for Best of Marin 2022
Gold Growing Strong Award
Saint Raphael Preschool was presented the prestigious honor from Marin Child Care Council of the GOLD: GROWING STRONG AWARD for its dedication to Child Health and Wellness and Quality Child Care! This award recognizes that the staff and teachers at Saint Raphael Preschool are dedicated to nutrition, physical activity, and empowering children and families to make life-long healthy choices!
Recognition
Marin Child Care Council nominated Kathy Damato as Teacher of the Year, as well as nominated Edith Yates for Director of the Year 2019!
Enrichment Programs
Weekly Music Class with Mr. O!
Mr. Orjuela (“Mr. O”) leads music with his guitar, inspiring children to sing, dance, and play. Through traditional and religious songs, he builds joy, community, social-emotional skills, and even early math concepts like rhythm and beat. Music time with Mr. O is a favorite for all the children!
Bi-weekly Karate Class with Coach Derek!
Coach Derek, a Marin County native with over 25 years of martial arts experience and a fourth-degree black belt, has been teaching in San Rafael since 2000. With his expertise and humor, he introduces children to basic martial arts while building their confidence, self-esteem, and motor skills. The kids love their weekly classes with him!
Kimochis: Social-Emotional Development Tool
Can you say Ki-mo-chis? This is how to say "feelings" in Japanese!
At Saint Raphael Preschool, children learn about their feelings every day using the Kimochis curriculum. They discover how to identify emotions, express them appropriately, and develop social-emotional, language, cognitive, and creative skills—all in a nurturing and supportive environment.
HEAL Program!
Saint Raphael Preschool participates in the HEAL (Healthy Eating, Active Living) Program, teaching children daily about nutrition, exercise, and healthy choices. Our dedication to child wellness earned us the Growing Strong Award, and we also offer free HEAL classes and workshops for families.
Saint Raphael Preschool’s Annual Summer Program!
Saint Raphael Preschool offers a 6-week Summer Program for potty-trained children ages 3–5. Each week features a new theme with hands-on S.T.E.M. activities that spark curiosity, creativity, and excitement. It’s a dynamic, playful, and educational experience that children love!
Please contact our Director to schedule a tour and to learn more about our Preschool.
Phone:
(415) 456-1702
Email: preschool@straphaelschool.com
(Se Habla Español)
We are located at 1100 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael, and are part of Saint Raphael Elementary School.
- When you come for your tour, please park in the Saint Raphael Elementary School parking lot on Fifth Avenue.
- You will ring the bell next to the orange/brown gate and tell the office you are here for a preschool tour. From there, you walk straight up the walkway and go through the silver chain-linked gate.
- You will see blue footprints painted on the asphalt going up the hill. Please follow those painted footprints up to the front doors of the preschool and ring the doorbell so a teacher can let you in.
- Feel free to call us at 415-456-1702 and someone will meet you at the parking lot and escort you to the preschool.