We have always felt that the greatest gifts you can give a child are love, time, and an incredible education. Sonoma Academy has, year after year, graduated thoughtful, engaged young adults, well equipped to be lifelong learners.
We think the secret sauce of SA is the emphasis on community. Of course there are teams and clubs to join, but there are so many other rich opportunities in which to explore, stretch and grow: Exploratory, Intersession, Senior Speeches, lunch in the GAC, Retreats, and Advisory, to name a few. These opportunities for students to express themselves, to be vulnerable, to reflect on and learn from mistakes are what completes a well rounded education.
We also appreciate the SA culture that gives space and time for creativity—not just the fabulous Visual Art, Theater, Music programs, but also the silly fun of events like “Anything but a Backpack” Day!
Last week, we noticed that Sean (‘21), who has taken a few months of break between school and college, is reading four different books. They are filled with yellow sticky notes inserted in important pages. Those yellow sticky notes are “so SA,” something Sean learned during his various Humanities classes. The books are: The Good Soldier Švejk by Jaroslav Hašek, The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes, The I Ching or Book of Changes Richard Wilhelm Translation, Richard Wilhelm Translation, and The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus.
Seeing all of these books scattered around the living room made me stop and give thanks for all that SA has given to us. How fortunate we are to benefit from the legacy of giving that came before us! To the founders who gave so much of their time and money to bring SA to life, and to all the past parents, teachers, staff, and board members: a huge thank you for all that you have done so that our children can benefit from your giving.
Giving to SA with both our time and money is our way to contribute to this amazing community of parents and staff who share our view that an incredible education is the ultimate gift that lasts a lifetime.