Who We Are

Miller Creek School District offers an outstanding education designed to equip students for an ever-changing world. Through rigorous academics, rich arts programs, and a emphasis on civic responsibility, we inspire our students to achieve their highest potential and make a positive impact in their communities.

Serving the northern San Rafael neighborhoods of Terra Linda, Marinwood, Lucas Valley, and a portion of Contempo Marin, the Miller Creek School District has a long and proud history. Originally established in 1864 as the Dixie School District, it is one of the oldest school districts in Marin County.

Today, the district includes three elementary schools—Lucas Valley, Vallecito, and Mary E. Silveira—serving students in transitional kindergarten through fifth grade. Miller Creek Middle School serves students in grades six through eight. District enrollment is approximately 1,700 students.

Miller Creek School District feeds into the San Rafael City High School District, with most graduates attending Terra Linda High School. 

Dixie schoolhouse History

The Old Dixie Schoolhouse was built in 1864 and was formally established as the Dixie School District. At that time it was one of the earliest districts to be established in Marin County. Mrs. Josephine Leary Burke was the last teacher at the school, which continued in operation until 1954. Mrs. Burke had been Superintendent, principal, and sole teacher for 14 years and had 26 pupils at that time.

1954 marked the beginning of dramatic growth for the District. With the rapid development of subdivisions and the sharp increase in population, a school building program became imperative. Ten schools were opened between 1955 and 1969; two were junior high schools and the others were for grades K through 6. Enrollment figures climbed steadily to a peak of 4,896 students in 1968/69.

A decline in enrollment started in 1969 and the District reached a low of 1,014 students in 1985/86. This decline necessitated closing and merging schools. As a result, Vallecito and Dixie schools were the only K through 5 schools while Miller Creek Middle School served students in grades 6 through 8.

Enrollment increased steadily after that, and reached 1,905 students during the 1999/2000 school year. With this increase Mary E. Silveira school was opened as a K through 5 school in 1990. Each school has added classrooms to accommodate the increased space needs, and Dixie School expanded its facilities by adding a multi-use room in 1997.

In 1993, Old Dixie Schoolhouse was declared a State Historical Site.

The Larry Lyon Memorial Flagpole sits in the front of the Old Dixie Schoolhouse a way to honor the life and work of Dr. Lyon, who passed away in 1999, who served as the superintendent for many years. 

Take a minute to tour the new website dedicated to the Dixie SchoolHouse www.dixieschoolhouse.org