North Bay schools and districts: separate starting points for Marin, Sonoma, and Napa

The North Bay spans Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties. Individual districts handle enrollment; there is no single North Bay application. Start with the county, then use the actual address, grade, and school year. Neither the city name nor the nearest school determines assignment. County education directories help locate the right district, which confirms placement.

How to check each county

• Marin: the official district page provides address or parcel boundary lookup and lists elementary, high-school, and unified districts separately. Elementary and high-school districts may differ; save both results and consult the directory for the intended grade.
• Sonoma: enter District Lookup from the SCOE directory, then confirm school attendance boundaries with the district. District boundaries and individual school attendance areas are separate checks; a county map alone does not establish a campus assignment.
• Napa: the NCOE directory lists NVUSD, St. Helena, Calistoga, and other districts; NVUSD does not cover the entire county. If the address belongs to NVUSD, follow its registration page to School of Residence. When the interactive map carries an update notice, confirm the result with the district.

Confirm the school year before arranging enrollment and support

After identifying the district, clarify whether this is current-year enrollment or a next-year application, then obtain the correct document checklist, submission channel, and review contact. Old dates or system-maintenance notices do not establish that enrollment is unavailable. If Napa page sections refer to different years, confirm with the registration office before using an old window. Intradistrict and interdistrict transfers have separate processes; Sonoma guidance makes clear that acceptance is not automatic, so follow both sending and receiving decisions.

New families can ask about language assessment, interpretation, counselors, and family communication tools. For an existing learning-support plan, ask how records can be transferred securely. Arrange school visits through the official directory and office, and check pickup procedures, after-school eligibility and fees, and whether transportation serves the address. A neighbor’s arrangements are not a countywide standard.

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Community colleges have separate application and campus resources

At College of Marin, arrange a Kentfield or Indian Valley visit and choose the appropriate applicant type through Apply. SRJC admissions lists Santa Rosa and Petaluma service locations; check campus-tour bookings separately. Napa Valley College’s Admissions & Aid page links to new-student steps, the Welcome Center, and campus maps. Confirm college application, course registration, and fees by student type and program. K–12 district assignment does not apply, and course space or transfer admission is not guaranteed.

Hello, we plan to apply for [grade] in [school year/month] and have checked your official address locator. Should we use new-student enrollment, an intradistrict school change, or an interdistrict transfer? What documents are needed, and how do we confirm school placement and the start date? We would also like information about [language/learning/after-school care] support.