Admissions

Application Process

We're so glad you're interested in attending Sonoma Academy. Below you will find a description of each step in our application process.

Attend Open House or a Visit Day

Open House
There's nothing like meeting teachers and students to give you a feeling for the Sonoma Academy experience. During our Open House you will have an opportunity to hear about our program from both a teacher and student point of view, interact with teachers and staff, as well as ask questions of current students. 

We encourage you and your family to join us for an Open House at Sonoma Academy. Register for an Open House.

Visit Day
We invite students to join us for a half day of school at Sonoma Academy by registering for a Visit Day. During this day, students will attend classes with a Sonoma Academy student host, have lunch, and join us for Community meeting. Parents are invited to attend Community Meeting and and an information session with SA parents and administrators on the day of their student visits. Register for a Visit Day.


Choose When to Apply

Decide whether you will apply for Early or Regular Decision. If you know that Sonoma Academy is your first choice school, you may benefit from the Early Decision application.

Submit Your Application

Fill out and submit your application through our online application. A completed application will include the following items:

  • Application (parent and student essays)
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation from the current math teacher, English teacher and counselor or principal (3)

The letters of recommendation are pre-formatted, digital forms that you will send to each teacher within your online application account. Not required, but you will also have the option to request and submit an additional letter of recommendation from a person of your choice. 

We do not require or accept standardized test scores as part of the application process. We do not believe it is equitable to require a standardized test scores as part of our application.

If you are ready to apply, then please request an application login.


If Needed, Apply for Tuition Assistance

If your family will apply for tuition assistance or one of our scholarships (Horton STEM or Davis Scholarship), you will need to complete a tuition assistance assessment at Clarity.

Please review the Tuition, Tuition Assistance, & Scholarships pages for more information about our need-based scholarships.

Complete an Admissions Interview

Once you have submitted your completed application, students and parents will be scheduled for an Admissions Interview (via Zoom or in person). Please plan on spending about half an hour with someone from our Admissions Team.

Admissions decisions are based on competitive qualifications, the mission of our school, and the number of vacancies available.

Application Deadlines

Early Decision: 
November 1, 2025
Candidates will be notified on January 16, 2026

Regular Decision: 
January 9, 2026
Candidates will be notified on March 9, 2026

Tuition Assistance Applications should be submitted to Clarity online by November 1 for Early Decision applications and January 9 for Regular Decision applications.

Candidates will be notified of their tuition assistance status at the same time that they receive their admission decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • How are admissions decisions made?

    We maintain a holistic approach when evaluating each applicant.

    Admission decisions and financial aid decisions are made separately; applicants are evaluated for admission without regard to a request for aid. Selection is based on the overall profile of the class and match between the student’s qualifications and the school’s values and philosophies.

    Once a student is accepted, the financial aid application is reviewed by the financial aid committee. We endeavor to make access to Sonoma Academy available to as many families as possible. Given that financial aid funds are limited, some students may be accepted but placed into a financial aid waitpool.

  • Can students who were home-schooled apply?

    Home-schooled students should submit the necessary application materials and test results, full descriptions of curriculum, and any organization that might have oversight for the student’s home-school program.

  • What if I want to apply after the application deadlines have passed?

    Applicants whose files are not complete by the early or regular decision due dates will have their files reviewed after decisions have been made for early and regular applicants. Late applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis as openings become available.
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.