Academics
Academics
Redefining Education for a New Era
Based on an understanding of the adolescent brain and with the knowledge that learning occurs best in the context of an inclusive and connected community, our curriculum is grounded in a rigorous college preparatory framework. We are multidisciplinary and innovative, giving students the ability to ask the hard questions, and the tools to answer them. We are technologically sophisticated, but we recognize the limitations of technology. We teach critical thinking, cultural competency, and empathy because this is the foundation of true learning. We love play and humor and art, because we know that they make us human. We also know that a deep grasp of concepts is what helps us to navigate an ever-changing world. We are deeply humanistic, treating every student with profound respect and care. We provide students with the intellectual, social, and ethical foundations necessary to thrive in our changing times, no matter their individual path.
Times are changing, and our students are ready to meet, embrace, and create this change.
All of our courses are college preparatory and our graduation requirements meet or exceed those needed to get into the very best colleges and universities in the country. Our students must complete a rigorous liberal arts curriculum that includes both required and elective courses in humanities, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), world languages, and the arts. Other elements of our program, including Exploratory Courses, Intersession, physical education, Health & Wellness, and Connections, allow students to broaden and deepen their educational experiences.
All of our courses are college preparatory and our graduation requirements meet or exceed those needed to get into the very best colleges and universities in the country. Our students must complete a rigorous liberal arts curriculum that includes both required and elective courses in humanities, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), world languages, and the arts. Other elements of our program, including Exploratory Courses, Intersession, physical education, Health & Wellness, and Connections, allow students to broaden and deepen their educational experiences.
Graduation Requirements
- English: 4 credits
- History: 3 credits including World History and US History
- Mathematics: 3 credits including Geometry and Algebra II
- Science: 3 credits including 2 lab credits
- World Languages: Completion of level 3
- Arts: 2 credits, at least one of which must be a Foundation Arts course
- Exploratory courses: 2 each quarter
- Physical Education/Sports: 1 PE Exploratory per quarter, or participation in a team sport
- Health & Wellness and Connections: Participation each year
- Intersession: Participation each year
Signature Programs
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Exploratory
Exploratory
Short courses without grades that allow students to try new things, discover interests, and have fun in a stress-free environment. -
Intersession
Intersession
An immersive, alternative learning experience between semesters with opportunities for exploration, risk-taking, travel, and more. -
Passport Program
Passport Program
Because adolescence is the perfect time to learn to communicate across cultures, all students receive one free international Intersession. -
Outings
Outings
This program provides opportunities to learn and take risks through a series of outdoor excursions throughout the school year. -
Connections
Connections
A time for our students to explore the web of connections that exist between themselves and others, the environment, our community, and their futures.
To see the breadth and depth of our course offerings, and to read specific descriptions of each course, please select the department below. You will be taken to a detail page that shows the current courses offered in that discipline.
Academic Courses
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Amazing Faculty
85% have advanced degrees, average class size is 16, and teachers carry a student load of 45-60 per day -
Breadth & Depth
With over 85 courses to choose from, students have the option to pursue both breadth and depth in our curriculum from an array of many interesting core academic and elective courses -
Advanced Courses
Students seeking to challenge themselves may pursue a variety of our most rigorous courses with a selection of 30+ Honors, Advanced Studies (AS) & AP's to choose from -
Small Classes
With an average class size of 16, our students are known, seen, and supported -
Student to Teacher Ratio
A 12.5 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio ensures that our teachers really get to know your student
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Sonoma Academy Is...
The only private, independent, college preparatory high school in Sonoma County. On our beautiful campus nestled at the base of Taylor Mountain in Southeastern Santa Rosa, Sonoma Academy students are able to explore their interests and passions in a rigorous and inspiring environment that develops a lifelong love of learning and prepares them for college and beyond.
