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

We encourage you and your family (children of all ages are welcome) to experience a mini-version of a school day at Sonoma Academy. You may register online for an Open House by completing the Visit Us form and selecting the Open House date you would like to attend. Upcoming Open House dates may be viewed on our Visit Us page.

Visit Classes

Attending a Visit Day is a required component of the application. Visits are scheduled on select Wednesdays in the fall from 7:50 am to 1:30 pm and are on a first-come, first-served basis. You may register online by completing the Visit Us form and selecting the Visit Day you would like to attend. Upcoming Visit Days may be viewed on our Visit Us page.

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 (3)
  • SSAT Test results
  • SSAT Character Skills Test results
If you are ready to apply, but have not yet received a username and password to login to our online application system, please fill out this form. Once you do so, you will receive an email with login information and directions as to what to do next.

If you have received a username and password, please login to start or continue your application.

If Needed, Apply for Financial Aid

If your family will apply for financial aid or one of our scholarships (Horton STEM or Davis Scholarship), you will need to complete a financial aid assessment through TADS. 

Please review the Tuition, Financial Aid & Scholarships page for more information about our need-based scholarships.

Admissions Interview: By Invitation Only

Once you have submitted your completed application, your family may be selected for an Admissions Interview. Admissions decisions are based on competitive qualifications, the mission of our school, and the number of vacancies available. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted within 2-4 weeks of your completed application submission. Please plan on spending about an hour with someone from our Admissions Team.

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • How are admissions decisions made?

    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.

Application Deadlines

Early Decision: 
November 1, 2019
Candidates will be notified on January 10, 2020

Regular Decision: 
January 10, 2020
Candidates will be notified on March 6, 2020

Financial Aid Applications should be submitted by November 1 for Early Decision applications and January 10 for Regular Decision applications. Candidates will be notified of their financial aid status at the same time that they receive their admission decision.

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.