Loma Verde Elementary

Loma Verde Elementary sits in the quieter, more suburban southern end of Novato, where Marin County starts to feel a little more laid-back and family-friendly than the pricier towns closer to the Golden Gate. The school lands solidly in the middle of the pack statewide, with slight strengths in science that might appeal to families with kids who like hands-on learning. It's a good fit for parents looking for a neighborhood school feel in a part of Marin that offers more breathing room — both literally and in terms of housing costs — without straying too far from everything the county has to offer.