Dear Families,

As we prepare for the upcoming 2026-27 school year, we want to share an important update about our Venetia Valley Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program.

As you may know, Venetia Valley’s TK students have been attending the San Rafael Early Learning Center at Short School (ELC), along with students from the Laurel Dell area and throughout the District. When the program first moved to the ELC, the original plan was for VV TK students to return to the Venetia Valley campus in the 2026-27 school year after construction and classroom renovations.
 
After careful analysis of programmatic, enrollment and facilities needs at Venetia Valley - and in close discussion with school leadership - we have made the decision that Venetia Valley’s TK classes will remain at the ELC for the foreseeable future.

This shift is based on several factors, including the continued growth of the Dual Language Program; expanded classroom needs for Venetia Valley’s middle school; and preserving the school’s three Special Day Classes (special education). Furthermore, we have seen what a positive, vibrant environment the ELC provides for our youngest learners, as well as the strong, supportive community they are building. These considerations make it clear that the best long-term solution for the VV TK program is to remain at the ELC.

The ELC opened two years ago and is specifically designed for early education. It offers many unique opportunities and benefits for students and families, and it is home to several programs, including:

• TK classes for Laurel Dell, Venetia Valley and students from other SRCS schools as needed
• Two Special Day Class (SDC) TK/K classes (special education)
• The District's Early Intervention Preschool Program 
• Two preschool classes with our longtime partner Community Action Marin 

Transportation will continue to be provided to and from the ELC. Once TK is completed, students will transition to Kindergarten at Venetia Valley.

We believe this decision ensures that all students are well supported now and in the future. We encourage prospective TK families to visit the ELC. The center’s principal, Alison Baum, is happy to meet with parents, provide tours and answer questions. She can be reached at abaum@srcs.org or 415-485-1719.  

New student registration opens Nov. 3. If you have questions about enrollment or transportation, please contact our SRCS Enrollment Office at 415-492-3226 or enrollment@srcs.org. 

Thank you for your partnership as we work together to provide the strongest start possible for your child’s educational journey.

Sincerely,

Carmen Diaz Ghysels
Superintendent 

Venetia Valley Program Locations 

• Transitional Kindergarten: The Early Learning Center at Short School, 35 Marin St, San Rafael
• Kindergarten - Eighth Grade: Venetia Valley School Campus, 177 N San Pedro Rd, San Rafael