Tell me more! How do I apply?
Is MarinSEL right for you? As you search for the school that will be the right match, we invite you to learn more about our progressive learning community at Terra Linda High School in San Rafael, California. Environmentally-focused, equity-forward, and project-based, MarinSEL is an innovative program model that empowers students to engage with the community, increase ownership of their learning, and actively apply skills of collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity to drive sustainability solutions.
At MarinSEL, we strive to provide students with an exemplary college preparatory experience combining rigorous project-based learning in the context of solving real-world problems related to the environment. MarinSEL students will develop what have been identified as critical competencies for the 21st century including critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration for future success in college, careers, and life.
MarinSEL offers both a small school community (where everyone knows each other and people are valued for their contributions) and participation in Terra Linda High School (offering a wealth of electives, Advanced Placement classes, and extracurricular activities). Importantly, MarinSEL embraces a partnership with parents, which is vital to the success of each student and the overall MarinSEL experience.
Who Should Apply to MarinSEL?
MarinSEL students are expected to maintain a rigorous academic schedule and a minimum 3.0 GPA as part of their four-year commitment to MarinSEL. The MarinSEL admissions process seeks to identify talented, committed students based on a range of factors including academic record, leadership, collaboration skills and commitment to the program. Environmental stewardship and environmental justice are integrated into the core curriculum. Ideal candidates are interested in exploring their relationship with the natural world and demonstrate a desire to contribute to the lives of others.
Please Note: Only students residing within San Rafael City Schools District may apply at this time, as per the District of Choice law limitations. Please contact your district office if you have further questions regarding the District of Choice law.
Application Timeline
| Date | Event Description |
| Before Applying | Explore our website and read our most recent newsletter and/or familiarize yourself with MarinSEL’s academic projects. |
| October 18th, 2022 | Terra Linda High School’s 8th Grade Parent Night. Terra Linda High School is inviting 8th grade students and their families to campus to provide them with an in-person informational presentation about the upcoming school years at Terra Linda High School for all prospective students. |
| October 18th, 2022 | MarinSEL In-Person Open House. Following TLHS’s 8th Grade Parent Night, parents and students are invited to learn more about MarinSEL Tuesday, October 18th, 2022 at 6:45pm. Please visit the ‘Events’ tab to register for this event. Applications for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle will open on October 18th at 5pm. |
| By January 21, 2023 |
Submit your MarinSEL Application (including student application/questionnaire, teacher assessment request, and your preferred date for Exploration Day) by January 21st, 2023. |
| February 4, 2023
or February 5, 2023 |
Attend one Exploration Day. Exploration day preference is indicated on the application and will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. |
| February 2023 (approx.) | Enroll In Terra Linda High School. Counselors will visit Venetia Valley, Davidson and Miller Creek Middle School during the month of February to schedule students individually. Incoming 9th-grade students from other middle schools should register through the SRCS District. |
| March 2023 |
Offers of admission will be made in March. |
Shadow Days
Prospective students can learn more about the program and visit classrooms during MarinSEL Open House following TLHS’s 8th Grade Parent Night on Tuesday, October 18th. Student Tours for Terra Linda High School will be published on the MarinSEL website in the upcoming weeks. Shadow Days that are specific to MarinSEL are only offered to middle schools within the San Rafael City Schools District.
Open House
During the Open House, parents and students learn about the program, and meet teachers and students in the MarinSEL program. This is a great opportunity to ask questions regarding the school and this fall’s application process. The online application opens at 5:00PM on October 18th, 2022.
Families are encouraged to attend, in-person, 8th Grade Parent Night at Terra Linda High School October 18th, 2022 preceding the MarinSEL Open House. More details can be found on Terra Linda High School website.
Exploration Day
Exploration Day is an important part and mandatory part of the MarinSEL application process, typically held in early February. Applicants will have a chance to explore and demonstrate their interest in the MarinSEL program through a variety of group activities, as well as a writing assignment and an oral interview. After submitting the formal MarinSEL application, we will confirm your date for Exploration Day. We will make every effort to choose the date based on your stated preference in your MarinSEL application.
Enroll in Terra Linda High School
If you are a local resident, follow the normal registration procedures for enrollment to Terra Linda High School in case your student is not accepted to MarinSEL or decides not to attend. Counselors will visit Venetia Valley, Davidson and Miller Creek Middle School during the month of February to schedule students individually. Incoming 9th grade students from other middle schools should register through the SRCS District. If you are outside of the San Rafael district, please contact MarinSEL for information about how to proceed.
Admissions Decisions
Acceptance to MarinSEL is determined by the MarinSEL Admissions Committee. The committee carefully reviews all submitted application materials, as well as the student’s written and participation efforts during Exploration Day. The Admissions Committee looks for an expressed commitment to the four-year program by the student and parent(s), and a strong interest in rigorous, team-based project learning focusing on our environment.
MarinSEL Alumni
Check out our Alumni Futures page to learn more about which colleges MarinSEL graduates attend.
