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For many people, introducing yourself to someone new is pretty simple. In the words of Claire Carden, senior at The Marin School high school in San Rafael, “You’ve been introducing yourself your whole life. You’re a total pro.” But as she reminds us, with each generation, the ways we show respect to one another are always changing. In late November, with the support of TMS’s LGBQT+ Club, two TMS seniors presented to staff and faculty about the importance of honoring pronouns. More than just an informative lecture on modern semiotics and grammar conventions, we were reminded how paying attention to an individual’s pronouns is a big step in creating an open and accepting environment. At The Marin School, we pride ourselves on providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all . Though our community was an early adopter of sharing “preferred pronouns” in introductions, part of staying on top of best practices involves gladly accepting the honor and opportunity to be “schooled” by our students. They gently reminded us that saying “preferred” could imply there is some other option, or that being transgender is somehow a choice. They reminded us that even cis people should share their pronouns because people’s gender should be self determined, not assumed by others. Their presentation — which we encourage you to watch here — also included a helpful overview of gender and sexuality spectrum — namely that gender and sexuality are not the same thing — they are more nuanced. There is your gender identity, and there is the sex you were assigned at birth (biological characteristics of a person). When it comes to our sexuality, someone might be emotionally attracted to certain biological characteristics and physically attracted to others. Want to really be an ally, but notice you tend to slip into old speech patterns? Practicing can help. If someone corrects you, say thank you. The best way to show you care is to correct yourself and move on. To quote our students, “ Respecting someone’s pronouns doesn’t cost you anything, but it might mean everything to them. It’s ok to make mistakes — it is our willingness to learn, and not the mistakes we make that are important. “ Some other important tips for being an ally: DO use gender-inclusive language — watch the video presentation for examples of gender neutral pronouns for groups like “folks.” Never assume someone’s pronouns based on their physical appearance — if you need clarification, doing so privately and thoughtfully is a good way to go. There is never a good time to ask if someone is trans, that story is theirs to share with you at THEIR discretion. Remember — it is not the job of a trans person to educate you — don’t ask them to speak on behalf of the entire trans community. It can feel tokenizing, and exhausting to answer questions about gender identity. Every voice in the trans community represents a completely different experience. For more information on how YOU can be an ally: check out The Marin School’s curated resources , or contact Fel Agrelius at the Spahr Center , a non-profit community agency devoted to serving, supporting and empowering Marin’s LGBTQ+ community. Originally published on December 8, 2020

The Marin School (TMS) is an independent, college-prep high school in San Rafael. Small by design, TMS students thrive in a challenging, collaborative environment where dedicated faculty set high expectations and encourage each student to realize their full potential, The Marin School values every kind of learner, including those who are neurodivergent. We offer a UC-approved, thought-provoking curriculum, with a creative approach to everything we do. Our small, supportive environment inspires our students to take risks and explore new ideas. Welcoming, inclusive community At TMS each student is seen and celebrated for who they are, as they are. This warm, welcoming culture lays a foundation where self-confidence, personal growth, creativity, and learning can thrive. Here are some parent testimonials. Find balance, and get the support and connection you need to thrive Go beyond the mountains of busywork and endless, repetitive homework. Our classes focus on engagement and depth of understanding. Our social-emotional curriculum emphasizes mindfulness, with the goal of reducing anxiety and inspiring intellectual curiosity. We are small by design, not by default — and being small has significant benefits. The largest benefit? Our teachers truly understand their students – who they are, how they think, and what motivates them to excel. College prep curriculum with a creative approach Imagine a science class where instead of a quiz, your teacher designs an escape room, and you and your classmates must solve puzzles to open a lockbox containing the key! At TMS, creativity is encouraged and embraced at all levels of the learning process, in the classrooms, and across disciplines. The Marin School teachers are empowered to teach, and students are free to learn in surprising, unorthodox, and thoroughly effective ways. Unique STEM offerings include virology, zoology, and our FabLab maker space. Digital, visual, and performing arts electives provide opportunities for artists at all levels of experience to refine and grow their skills. Our sports teams compete in a small-school sports league with an emphasis on health and wellness — all teams are co-ed and no tryouts are required. A daily shuttle service makes stops along a central corridor throughout San Francisco and Marin County. Want to learn more about how The Marin School can make a big impact for your student? See us in action — join us today for a campus tour. https://marinmagazine.com/community/education/finding-the-right-high-school-for-your-neurodivergent-teen/

Dear TMS family,
After all the complex communications surrounding the start of the school year—from class schedules to registration to mask requirements and vaccinations—I thought I’d take a minute to share some plain old good news .
The Marin School has been accredited by WASC (the Western Association of Schools and Colleges) for many years. Without that accreditation, we couldn’t operate and graduate students to 4-year universities. TMS is also a member of CAIS (California Association of Independent Schools), which provides its own training and accreditation to private institutions across the state.
In preparation for our latest accreditation cycle, TMS was invited to seek combined WASC/CAIS accreditation—which sets a much higher standard for independent school practices and performance. After more than a year of reflection, research, and writing, the school submitted (then, with the pandemic, updated and re-submitted) a Self-Study report and hosted a visiting team of educators and assessors this April.
Well, the results are in, and TMS has earned a 7-year WASC/CAIS accreditation —the longest period of time allotted before a school must reapply for renewal. We also dropped our CAIS “provisional” status along the way. (As a point of reference, only two provisional schools seeking CAIS accreditation this year were elevated to full member status.) This is a major achievement , made possible only by the hard work and excellence of our entire faculty, staff, board, and administration.
On behalf of the TMS board of trustees, I hope you’ll join us in extending a huge thank you to Ben for his leadership, and to our previous Head of School, Barbara J. Brown, who spent much of her last year at TMS focused on our accreditation effort. But mostly, thanks to the continuing commitment of our faculty and staff, whose work every day has built TMS into an institution worthy of this recognition.
Sincerely, Amy Jonak Chair of the Board of Trustees The Marin School