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.

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, and Health & Wellness, allow students to broaden and deepen their educational experiences.

Phasing Out APs

Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, we will no longer offer AP courses. Over the past several years, we have gradually phased out AP course offerings in favor of our own Advanced Studies (AS) courses, as our faculty has voiced concerns about the limitations of the AP program.

We see this as an opportunity to infuse some of our most advanced course offerings with innovative curricula that truly deepen student learning. To read more about our rationale, pedagogical approach to advanced study, and how this does or does not impact a student's transcript, please read this letter to our community.
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

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
Additional Requirements
  • Exploratory courses:  2 per semester (including 9th and 10th grade, Health & Wellness and PE and 11th and 12th grade College Counseling)
  • Physical Education/Sports: 2 semester-long PE Exploratory courses  (taken in 9th and 10th grade)
  • Health & Wellness:  2 semester-long courses (taken in 9th and 10th grade); participation in workshops each year
  • Intersession: Participation each year
Minimum Total Credits: 26

Daily Schedule




Class Blocks
Each day, classes begin at 8:30 am. Students have four academic class periods, with a fifth block for co-curriculars:  Health & Wellness/PEExploratory, or College Counseling. Class blocks are 65 minutes long. 

Wednesday Afternoons
Wednesdays are generally early release days, with classes ending at 2:15 pm. Some Wednesday afternoons are utilized for special programming, workshops, etc.
 
Community Meeting and Advisory
Community Meeting is before lunch on Wednesdays and leads into Advisory, a small group meeting that functions like a home-away-from-home during the school day. A mixed-grade-level group of about 11-12 students + one staffulty advisor, Advisory helps students develop a sense of self and balance in their lives.

Academic Concentrations

An Academic Concentration is an optional program that allows students to create an interdisciplinary focus of study in STEM, Global Citizenship, or Environmental Justice and Climate Change, weaving together a series of classes, projects, and Intersession programs.

Learn more
2500 Farmers Lane 
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 
(707) 545-1770 
inbox@sonomaacademy.org
 

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, our 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.

Sonoma Academy admits students of any race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.