History

Saint Mark's School first opened for classes in September 1980, founded by Board President William F. "Buzz" Nern and Headmaster Raymond F. Bizjack. The founders' guiding philosophy was to provide high-quality education in an atmosphere of love and care in which each member of the community was responsible for the wellbeing of the others.

Saint Mark's was accredited in 1984 by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and was given full membership in the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) under its second Headmaster, John A. Pistel.

Damon Kerby became Saint Mark’s Headmaster in 1987. The school moved to its current site at 39 Trellis Drive in 1991. In 1997, acknowledging the importance of character in education, Saint Mark’s adopted its Seven Pillars of Character. In 1999, Saint Mark's entered into a 30-year lease at the current site with the Dixie School District. In 2002, construction of the new Arts and Science Building and gymnasium was completed. These newest facilities are great additions to the school’s 10-acre campus.

In 2003, Saint Mark’s adopted its Guiding Principles for a Diverse, Inclusive and Socially Responsible Community, noting the school’s deep commitment to its work on diversity, justice and global citizenship.

The year also marked the beginning of Saint Mark’s Upper School partnership with Canal Alliance, a reciprocal language and tutoring program.

Recognized for its robust curricular programs in technology, computer-based education and media literacy, the school was named a Leading Edge Technology School by NAIS in 2005.

Saint Mark’s School is a non-profit corporation governed by a Board of Trustees. The independent, nonsectarian K-8 school is located in the residential area of Terra Linda in San Rafael, California.