Welcome to the Five Campuses of
Old Firehouse School

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. There are 5 campuses: OFS Mill Valley opened in 2004, OFS Walnut Creek opened in 2006, OFS San Rafael Fifth Avenue opened in 2022, and in September 2024, we opened yet another school—the wildlife/nature Bayview school in San Rafael.

All of our schools are designed specifically for children up to 5 years old, with an environment and setting that supports the growth of children at this age. We believe that children need nurturing, positive relationships with the same caregivers in order to develop a strong sense of self. Our schools are full day, year-round programs that minimize the number of transitions and caregivers in a child's life.

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.

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