Our philosophy
For over 50 years, the early childhood program at St. Francis has been dedicated to nurturing children's social-emotional development and fostering strong social skills. We believe that each child is a unique individual, and our experienced staff is committed to recognizing and honoring their distinct personalities, abilities, and developmental paths.
Our play-based approach to learning encourages exploration, creativity, and joyful discovery. Through meaningful play, children build foundational academic and life skills in a way that feels natural and engaging. We strive to cultivate confident, curious learners who feel a sense of belonging at school, can advocate for themselves, and develop the empathy and resilience needed to be kind and capable friends.
Our history
Nestled beneath the tall oaks and pines, St. Francis Preschool has been a joyful part of the North Bay community since 1967. For generations, we’ve provided young children with a warm, nurturing place to play, grow, and begin their love of learning.
Our program thoughtfully blends time-honored traditions and up-to-date early childhood practices, all supported by a caring, highly trained staff. We believe in the power of play, curiosity, and connection, and we’re proud to offer families in Novato an early learning experience that’s both fun and enriching.
For over 50 years, St. Francis has been a trusted choice for families seeking a strong preschool community. Today, we are proud to welcome a growing number of second-generation students—the children of our alumni—into our vibrant and caring school.
