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San Rafael Early Learning Center at Short School

A circular logo for an early learning center features a butterfly and text.Welcome to the San Rafael Early Learning Center at Short School!

San Rafael City Schools is pleased to have the San Rafael Early Learning Center at Short School as its newest sites to service 2-4 year old children! 

It is home to several programs, including:

  • Five Transitional Kindergarten classes, which includes two Spanish Dual Language TK classes. Students typically go on to attend kindergarten at Laurel Dell Elementary and Venetia Valley School, though TK students from any attendance are are welcome to request the center. 
  • Two Special Day Class (SDC) TK/K classes 
  • An after-school program for the TK and K classes
  • Early Intervention Preschool Program: A Special Day Class (SDC) preschool classroom, ensuring that students have access to general education opportunities in their transition into TK and Kindergarten. Individual services such as speech, occupational therapy and physical therapy also take place at the center.

We are also thrilled to have our long-standing partner Community Action Marin (CAM) operating preschool classes at the center. 

The Early Learning Center has been transformed into a place to accommodate young learners and to provide them with social-emotional and high-quality learning and preparedness for kindergarten. It is supporting our growing TK program while also providing incredible opportunities for inclusion with our Early Intervention program and special education classes. It is a place of joy and learning, and we are proud to have CAM join us as we serve our greater community together.

Welcome to the San Rafael Early Learning Center at Short School!

San Rafael City Schools is pleased to have the San Rafael Early Learning Center at Short School as its newest sites! 

It is home to several programs, including:

  • Five Transitional Kindergarten classes (includes two Spanish Dual Language TK classes)
  • Two Special Day Class (SDC) TK/K classes (special education)
  • An after-school program
  • Early Intervention Program: Two Special Day Class (SDC) preschool classes as well as individual services such as speech, occupational therapy and physical therapy

We are also thrilled to have our long-standing partner Community Action Marin (CAM) operating preschool classes at the center. 

The campus was transformed to accommodate young learners and be a model for early education. It is supporting our growing TK program while also providing incredible opportunities for inclusion with our Early Intervention program and special education classes. It is a place of joy and learning, and we are proud to have CAM join us as we serve our greater community together.

Our Mission

The Early Learning Center nurtures young learners through joyful, play-based experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. We believe every child deserves equitable access to high-quality early education rooted in belonging, cultural responsiveness, and the celebration of each child’s unique strengths. In collaboration with families and our broader community, we cultivate inclusive environments where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to explore, build relationships, and grow as confident, compassionate learners and citizens.