The Dorris-Eaton School

Two experienced and far-sighted educators, Doris Dorris and Virginia Eaton, who believed in excellence in education, founded The Dorris-Eaton School more than 60 years ago. On the assumption that great education must begin early, that young minds are naturally receptive to new ideas, and that good habits can be easily embraced, a preschool opened in Mrs. Eaton’s garage. They created a school based on strong academic and educational principles, and they never looked back.

Their program was a huge success, and in a short time it required an expansion to a larger school site, one of the first buildings in California to be designed specifically for preschool students. As growth continued, Dorris and Eaton expanded the school to include pre-school students in the 8th grade, currently housed in two campuses.

The founding tenet of Mrs. Dorris and Mrs. Eaton, excellence in education, remains the guiding principle of the Dorris-Eaton School.

Private schools are the schools of choice, and the families that choose the Dorris-Eaton School seek and receive excellence in education. Their curriculum and faculty are of the highest quality. They are building strong and balanced foundations that serve their students throughout their lives.

Dorris- Eaton’s graduates attend the nation’s finest high schools and universities, and they’re going to make a difference. Most significantly, students at Dorris-Eaton thrive in an environment that fosters respect for self and others, courtesy, and pride in achievement—values that develop happy, healthy, and productive individuals.

Environment

The Dorris-Eaton School campuses are located within two communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Conveniently located, both campuses have quick access off Interstate 680 and are approximately five miles apart.

The 40,000 square foot elementary and junior high campus in San Ramon houses spacious classrooms, an 11,000 volume library, two multipurpose rooms, a technology lab, two science labs and designated Spanish, art, debate, theater and music rooms.

The atmosphere of the classroom, where politeness and consideration are the norm, is nurturing, comfortable and moderately structured. As students and faculty move through the corridors, lively interaction takes over. Play areas are constantly filled with the exuberance of children at their best.

The preschool occupies a five-acre, park-like campus in the Alamo area. Two preschool buildings house five bright and comfortable classrooms, a designated Spanish and Art Room, and a 1,000-volume library. The junior kindergarten class is housed in a cottage on the top of the property. Classrooms are alive with laughter and the excitement of learning as teachers guide the social, emotional and academic development of students.

Curriculum

The Dorris-Eaton School is recognized both locally and nationally for its academic excellence.

With a matchless style, Dorris-Eaton embraces what is best in traditional education and increases it with carefully selected innovations. In addition to the core subjects, students receive specialized instruction in Spanish, studio arts, music, computer applications and physical education. The curriculum is specifically designed to provide students with a solid foundation and to help them develop a satisfaction of personal achievement and a passion for learning. It’s our job to nurture potential without diminishing enthusiasm. They do this with a stimulating curriculum, a well-functioning faculty and a healthy environment.