Academics

Learning Support

We recognize that all students learn differently.

We work with every student to determine strategies for the student's success and wellbeing. Those with diagnosed learning differences may need extra support and accommodation in order to have a fair opportunity for academic success. Our goal is for students to advocate for themselves, understand their learning strengths and challenges, and be prepared for their college experience.
Tutoring
We allow on-campus tutoring (all tutors must pass a fingerprint check before they can work on campus); however, we do not provide direct services in this regard. Additionally, we have an active Peer Tutoring program, in which students are qualified to become Peer Tutors and then can offer assistance to any student requesting Peer Tutoring support.

Student Success Team 
The Student Success Team meets twice a week to discuss academic and emotional concerns as they arise. The Team consists of the Assistant Head of School, Director of Student Experience and Belonging, Director of Teaching and Learning, Director of Counseling, Director of Academic Services, and Director of Student Support.

Our weekly Student Review Meeting, a session with all teachers and advisors, helps surface the names of any students about whom we have academic, social, or emotional concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • Does Sonoma Academy have a Learning Support specialist on staff?

    The Director of Student Support is available to all students and families throughout the year to provide support, advice, learning strategies, guidance and, when needed, referrals and recommendations. Additionally, the Director of Student Support provides services for students with diagnosed learning differences or others who desire assistance or increased challenge. The Director of Student Support is the point person for students who qualify and wish to submit an application to the College Board for accommodations on the PSAT/SAT/Subject and Advanced Placement tests or ACT accommodations.
  • How can students access Learning Support programs?

    Students may self-refer or be referred to the Director of Student Support by a teacher or parent. The Director of Student Support will conduct an initial screening and determine next steps. Next steps may include making use of our peer tutoring program, extra help from the teacher, working with an adult content area tutor, academic coach or other professional, referral to a study skills exploratory, going over learning strategies with parents and student, and in some cases, if deemed necessary, a recommendation for a learning evaluation. The Director of Student Support is happy to refer families to qualified evaluators. Students who have a professional learning evaluation and want accommodations at Sonoma Academy are required to share their formal report with the Director of Student Support.
  • Does Sonoma Academy provide accomodations for students with learning differences?

    The accommodations we provide are those that are reasonable for Sonoma Academy to offer and are based on the professional evaluation in conjunction with consultation with the student and his/her family. Typical accommodations at Sonoma Academy may include extended time on quizzes and tests, preferential seating, use of technology (computer, recording device, calculator, etc.) in class and, if appropriate, during exams, and/or provision for students to take exams outside the regular classroom. We are not equipped to provide accommodations or modify curriculum for significant learning differences.
  • Are students with learning differences given accommodations for standardized tests?

    Please note that a professional evaluation by a licensed educational therapist or psychologist is required if the student is to apply for accommodations in standardized testing such as College Board Tests (SAT, subject tests, and Advanced Placement tests) or the ACT. The Director of Student Support will submit this application on behalf of the student upon request.
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.