Welcome to the Five Campuses of
Old Firehouse School

Our program is based on a solid foundation of scientific theory, research and professional practice in the field of child development. Our directors are highly skilled professionals who understand child development and respect children as individuals. Their concern is wide and deep, for they care about “the whole child”: heart, mind, spirit and body.

2026-2027 Open Houses and Tours

East Bay

North Bay

We Have Openings at Mill Valley and Bayview Campuses for children ages 2-5,
and at San Rafael 5th Avenue Campus, bilingual programs for children ages 1-5.

Scholarship Fund for Families at OFS San Rafael 5th Avenue

OFS strives to provide high quality care to all children.  For families at our San Rafael 5th Ave. campus, we partner with Marinlinks to offer subsidized care to low-income families. Any tax-deductible donation you give will go towards scholarships for these families.  All children deserve the kind of loving environment we offer.

Our Latest Podcasts & Videos

At Old Firehouse School we believe that the “quality” of one’s childhood predicts much about the “quality” of one’s future. Therefore, our goal is to give each child in our care a childhood rich in the kinds of experiences and relationships which optimally prepare them for their life’s journey.

The Old Firehouse Schools are private preschools, founded in 1996 in Lafayette by Dr. Dorothy Stewart and her husband Bob Buhl. OFS Mill Valley opened in 2004; OFS Walnut Creek opened in 2006; and, OFS San Rafael Fifth Avenue opened in 2022. In September 2024, we opened yet another school—the wildlife/nature Bayview school in San Rafael. We expect to have over 250 families in all five schools in the next school year. 

Our program is based on a solid foundation of scientific theory, research and professional practice. Key features of Old Firehouse School are:

• Primary Caregiving and Continuity of Care

• The Project Approach

• Inspiration from Reggio Emilia, Italy

Our teaching staff are professionally prepared early childhood educators. Each one has chosen early childhood education as his/her long-term career.

Building relationships is the foundation of our work. We place strong emphasis on the bonds between children and teachers, teachers and parents, and children themselves. Our life together at OFS reflects a delicate and intricate web of social, emotional and intellectual skills that transforms the whole child into a well balanced member of society.