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
OFS Lafayette
Register for Virtual Tour below.
OFS Walnut Creek
Register for Virtual Tour below.
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.
OFS Mill Valley
Register for Virtual Tour below.
OFS San Rafael 5th Avenue
Register for Tour below.
OFS San Rafael Bayview
Register for Tour below.
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.
To Donate:
1. Click “Donate” button on the left to take you to MarinLInks page.
2. Click “Donate Now” on the MarinLinks page and choose the amount to donate, then click “Continue”
3. In the “Additional Information” window, choose Old Firehouse Schools from the drop-down and continue with the prompts.
Thank You!
Our Latest Podcasts & Videos
“Fireside Chats on the Young Mind” Podcast
January 28, 2026
We’re in the News!
Watch this KRON4+ news clip showing how our OFS Walnut Creek preschoolers learn to protect the planet for Earth Day.
(KRON4+) OFS Walnut Creek Preschoolers celebrate Earth day
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.
