Photo: Binksternet · Public domainNovato’s public schools outscore 72% of California districts
In Novato, 54% of tested students read at a proficient level, above the California average (47%). The grade covers the two public school districts serving Novato, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within California, not nationally.
From California state tests taken in spring 2022, when 95% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Novato’s schools, in brief
Above the state on tests
Reading proficiency is 54% and math 37% across both districts in spring 2022, against 47% and 33% statewide; 79% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
San Rafael City High spends $20,459 per student and Novato Unified $17,908, against $21,206 across California (FY2024). Neither counts toward the grade. Districts ↓
Choice beyond the district
Novato Charter, Good Shepherd Lutheran School (private), Our Lady of Loretto School (private) and North Bay Christian Academy (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Novato’s grade
B+: better than 72% of California school districts, #225 of 847 California towns. Test scores are above the California average; graduation is below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Novato, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Novato · depends on your address
Sinaloa Middle
Grades 6–8 · 693 students · 20:1 students per teacher
San Jose Middle
Grades 6–8 · 559 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Hamilton TK-8
Grades K–8 · 544 students · 21:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Novato · depends on your address
Sinaloa Middle
Grades 6–8 · 693 students · 20:1 students per teacher
San Jose Middle
Grades 6–8 · 559 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Hamilton TK-8
Grades K–8 · 544 students · 21:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Novato · depends on your address
Sinaloa Middle
Grades 6–8 · 693 students · 20:1 students per teacher
San Jose Middle
Grades 6–8 · 559 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Hamilton TK-8
Grades K–8 · 544 students · 21:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Novato · depends on your address
Novato High
Grades 9–12 · 1,287 students · 20:1 students per teacher
San Marin High
Grades 9–12 · 1,250 students · 22:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Novato · depends on your address
Novato High
Grades 9–12 · 1,287 students · 20:1 students per teacher
San Marin High
Grades 9–12 · 1,250 students · 22:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Novato · depends on your address
Novato High
Grades 9–12 · 1,287 students · 20:1 students per teacher
San Marin High
Grades 9–12 · 1,250 students · 22:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Novato · depends on your address
Novato High
Grades 9–12 · 1,287 students · 20:1 students per teacher
San Marin High
Grades 9–12 · 1,250 students · 22:1 students per teacher
Novato runs its own schools through grade 12 (Novato Unified School District). From grade 9, students attend the San Rafael City High School District, shared with San Rafael. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
Two districts serve Novato
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Novato vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the California towns that share Novato’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Novato | B+ | Novato Unified K–12 · San Rafael City High 9–12 |
Every school in Novato
17 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with California’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Novato Early Intervention).
Questions about Novato’s schools
Are Novato’s schools good?
By California’s own tests, yes: the public schools Novato children attend outscore 72% of California’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade, #225 of 847 California towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 72%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Novato in?
Two districts: Novato Unified School District runs grades K–12, and San Rafael City High School District runs grades 9–12, shared with San Rafael.
Where do Novato kids go to high school?
One of 2 high schools, depending on your address: Novato High and San Marin High.
What is Novato’s graduation rate?
79% of the class of 2023 in San Rafael City High School District graduated in four years, against 86% across California.
How much does Novato spend per student?
$20,459 in San Rafael City High School District and $17,908 in Novato Unified School District (FY2024), against $21,206 across California. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Novato?
Yes: Good Shepherd Lutheran School (religious, grades PK–8, 253 students), Our Lady of Loretto School (Catholic, grades K–8, 184 students) and North Bay Christian Academy (religious, grades 9–12, 25 students). Novato also has 1 charter school, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Novato families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Novato → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within California. Stars are from neighbors.