This is EXACTLY why Jennifer Garner graces the cover of People magazine's The Beautiful Issue this month!

We spotted the mother-of-three after morning drop-off at school -- coffee in hand, wet hair, no makeup, jeans and a sweater -- and she looks AMAZING! And it's not just about her looks, of course ... it's the fact she was THERE, taking her kids to school even though she's a big Hollywood superstar, the fact she's doing it with wet hair, knowing the paparazzi will be there, the fact she's on time, she's present, she's smiling. We love everything about this woman!

Hear it in her own words as Jen tells People what she's learned, being in the industry and being a mom and being in her 40s. She's one smart cookie!