Learning at MA

MA's challenging and innovative academic program is based on experiential education designed for students to think deeply about issues. We empower students by putting them at the center of their education, requiring them to lean into exploring complex ideas and diverse perspectives and to make their own discoveries as they play an active role in their quest for meaning and purpose.

We are pioneers of competency-based, transdisciplinary education: a transformational and equitable way to learn and the direction that education is headed. Marin Academy is not only a school on the cutting edge of what’s best in education: it is a highly engaging and joyful place to learn. Our graduates stand out as passionate students who genuinely enjoy the process of learning and sharing what they know to make an impact beyond themselves.

Course Catalog

girls looking at sea shells using microscope

Check out the classes they are taking *right now* in our Course Catalog!

The MA Competencies

teacher working with students in class

At MA, content knowledge is a vehicle by which students learn the key skills (we call them Competencies) that research tells us that students will need in their lives in college and beyond. The Competencies at MA are not simply values that sit on the classroom wall, unused—they are comprised of measurable and teachable skills used to scaffold learning and evaluate students’ successful practice of learning. Learn more.

Transdisciplinary Leadership Program (TLP)

students standing, smiling, and holding up signs

We expect students to use their knowledge. Transdisciplinary learning has three components: students address a relevant and complex issue that goes beyond disciplines, they make connections with people outside of MA to benefit from their expertise, perspective, or contextual understanding, and they create and share their work with an authentic audience beyond their classroom. Learning at MA is a real world experience for all students. Students who want to dive in even further can join our Transdisciplinary Leadership Program.

 

Marin Academy Research Collaborative (MARC)

students in bee keeping gear looking at honeycomb

The Marin Academy Research Collaborative (MARC) program is specifically designed to engage a diverse group of students in cutting-edge science and engineering research that is characteristic of college-level courses. In this two year program, students generate a novel research question, conduct a rigorous literature review, collaborate with content-area experts, develop hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and learn how to publicly present, as well as publish their work. Check out the 2024 Wildcat Colloquium.

Academic Events

person talking into microphone with others looking on

Marin Academy hosts several academic events. Two annual fan favorites include:

  • Conference on Democracy invites local, national, and global luminaries to share their professional and personal experiences and perspectives on political, social, economic, and environmental issues that our communities face.
  • Even if you’re not a "math person” we highly recommend our popular annual Math Night event where you can learn about using math in the real world from our MA students!

Check out these videos to learn more!

Climate Justice at Marin Academy
Math Night 2024
Marin Academy Research Collective (MARC)

Required

 
logo

Contact MA Admissions

Namerequired
First Name
Last Name
Marin Academy Admissions Office
1600 Mission Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
admissions@ma.org
 
If your needs are more immediate, please contact the Admissions Office by phone at 415-453-2808.