Sonoma Academy draws from five surrounding counties, attracting students and families seeking a rigorous college-preparatory education with a 21st century perspective. Along with high-level subject material, students learn critical skills like collaboration, critical thinking, problem solving and use of digital technology and media. Sonoma Academy is based on a set of educational beliefs, which you can read on our website. The core belief is that learning happens in relationship and there is a compounding effect of our inspiring teachers, engaging materials, and motivated learners. We call the result SA’s Life Changing Learning Community.
We also believe high school is too important a time is a child’s life to leave up to chance. Given what we know about the teenage brain, about the importance of teacher/mentors, and the competitiveness of college admissions today, high school is one of the critical formative times in a person’s life. That’s why we provide a comprehensive, consistent guidance program called the SA Navigation System. Through this multifaceted program, professionals provide students with education, guidance, and practice addressing all the key issues of adolescence: mind and body health, place in the world, relationships, and college choice – the central question: Who am I?
Having students be creative, cross-culturally aware, engaged in their communities, and able to become leaders in a changing world are goals of the school’s mission that are manifest today throughout SA’s program and culture. Half of SA students participate in the school’s award-winning travel/service program and students can pursue a concentration in environmental leadership or global citizenship.