NEW! Join us for our Fall Events at OFS Bayview! The first one is Positive Parenting on November 7, 2024 at 7pm (adults only). Register now for this and other events on our Educational Events page.
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.
Tour Registration for 2024
Register with the link below for a virtual tour of the campus you prefer. You must attend the virtual tour before you participate in the scheduled in-person Campus Walk Through.
East Bay:
Lafayette & Walnut Creek
North Bay:
Mill Valley, Fifth Avenue (San Rafael), Bayview Wildlife & Nature School (San Rafael)
We Have Openings!
Mill Valley and Bayview Campuses
for children ages 2-5, and
San Rafael 5th Avenue Campus
bilingual programs for children ages 1-4
Register for a tour today!
Ask about San Rafael Fifth Avenue Tour Registration:
ofsfifthavenue@gmail.com
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 are opening 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.
