Mill Valley School District

Introducing “Inside the District” –  Making school decisions make sense—for busy families.

In our first episode, we introduced Inside the District, a new podcast created to help busy families stay connected and informed about the decisions shaping our schools. We’re committed to breaking down complex topics into clear, meaningful conversations, without jargon or fluff.

This week we are sharing two episodes - one on our middle school modernization and one on school assignment and class placement practices.

Episode Two: In this episode, we focused on the Middle School Modernization Project, a major effort to reimagine and improve the learning environment for our middle school students. While originally envisioned as a rebuild of our almost 60-year old middle school, the project has turned out to be far more complex than anticipated, with multiple factors significantly impacting the project’s scope and timeline. In this episode, we unpack what’s happening, why it’s more complicated than expected, and what the district is doing to move forward responsibly.

We will address some of the challenges, the continued goals, and the options available ahead of us. Whether you have a child in middle school now or in the coming years, this episode offers an important look at how we're investing in the future, despite the hurdles.

Episode Three: We’ll explore a topic that affects every family in the district: how students are placed in schools and in classes.

From enrollment priorities and the role of a family’s home address, to how class groups are formed each year, we’ll walk through the policies, the process, and the people involved—so families can better understand how these important decisions are made.

Episode Four:

Welcome to episode four of Inside the District, the Mill Valley School District podcast, where we open the doors to our schools and shine a light on the people and partnerships that make our community so special.

In today’s episode, we’re celebrating three of the cornerstone organizations that enrich the educational journey of every Mill Valley student: the Kiddo! Education Foundation, the Mill Valley Parent Teacher Association Council, and It Takes a Village Special Education Parent Teacher Advisory.

Kiddo! fuels the arts, music, and  innovation, ensuring that our children have access to music, art, dance, drama, poetry, STEM and other essential programs that bring learning to life. The Mill Valley PTA Council connects families across our six schools, empowering parents to take an active role in shaping positive school cultures, supporting teachers, and creating a bridge between home and school. And It Takes a Village uplifts our special education community by giving voice to parents, fostering inclusion, and building understanding and advocacy for students with diverse learning needs.

Together, these organizations form a powerful partnership with our schools—helping to create an environment where every child can grow, thrive, and be happy and proud to be part of the Mill Valley School District.

Let’s dive in and explore the impact of these extraordinary partners in education.

Episode Five:

Here by popular request!  
Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Kaufman joins MVMS coding teacher Sarah Petrini, STEAM TOSA Katie Fisher, and six middle schoolers to share how coding is rolling out—and why it matters. Hear what’s happening now (every 4th–5th grader gets computational thinking; all 6th graders take a Wheel trimester; 7th/8th can elect coding; plus lunch Coding Club and Robotics), why students love it (hands-on, creative, collaborative), and how it builds real math/science skills, perseverance, and teamwork for a world shaped by technology and AI. We also preview where it’s going (more integration and advanced pathways) and how parents can plug in through this winter/spring’s Portrait of a Graduate work. Listen for the kids’ voices—and practical ways to support curiosity at home.

Stay informed. Be empowered. Help shape the future of our schools, one episode at a time.

Open Enrollment

Whether you’re longtime learners or new to the district, we’re glad you’re here. Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is now open!