The Greenhalghs - Finding a Place to Grow in Confidence at Marin Horizon
Meet the Greenhalghs, a tight-knit family of four in Sausalito!
Dan and Thobile Greenhalgh are parents to Abelo, a seventh grader at Marin Horizon, and his older brother, Mvelo, 15, who attends Sacred Heart Cathedral High School in San Francisco. Dan and the boys share a love of golf and tennis, and in a fun coincidence, Mvelo was playing golf with Marin Horizon eighth grader Ziggy L. before the family had ever heard of the school. With extended family spread across Florida, Colorado, and Durban, South Africa, they cherish time together—often on road trips and weekends spent traveling for tournaments and training in places like Monterey.
How did they come to choose Marin Horizon?
The Greenlaghs explained that they wanted a school where kids are encouraged to grow in confidence—not to conform, but to be appreciated for their true personality and who they are. A place that starts where each child is and helps them blossom from there. Says Thobile, “Since Abelo started, he’s truly been flourishing. He’s become independent and self-advocating, and I honestly tear up talking about it. I’ve never been happier with a school. Every family’s experience is different, but for us, it’s been amazing. Abelo looks forward to school every morning—it’s been a game changer. He gets along with everyone, boys and girls alike, without any sense of separation.”
Thobile shares more about Abelo’s experience in the classroom, “I also will say it is very challenging academically, all those demanding things are there, you know, but it's not so heavy-handed. There’s no pressure. The faculty is amazing, and teachers are willing to meet the students wherever they are and guide them to where they want to go. I feel like there is no student left behind. They will take you where you are and walk with you. They are so available.”
Outings with Other Families Feel Like an Extension of the School Culture
Dan appreciates the community of families that he has befriended at Marin Horizon. “Families have been wonderful and accommodating. It feels like an extension of the culture and school experience.” He enjoys outings and meetups with Abelo and his school friends, and their parents, to the beach, parks, museums, and other activities. At this age, the kids are eager to do it all—and Dan appreciates that they’re engaged and off their screens.
In addition to finding strong community connections, Dan also shares that Marin Horizon has sparked Abelo’s passion for the arts and entertainment. Says Dan, “He's very encouraged to do art and music here, and it really suits him. He loves it!” Abelo has plans to join the seventh and eighth grade band and is currently eyeing the electric violin as his instrument of choice. We can’t wait for that!
We loved catching up with the Greenhalghs, and their story reflects what Marin Horizon is all about–kids growing into themselves and families finding connection!