Teaching & Learning

Academics

Going Beyond College Prep

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, but goes beyond college prep. We embrace academic excellence and foster critical thinking, explore problem-solving, build empathy and resilience, and integrate a deep sense of purpose to prepare our students for the future. 

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 one-mod electives, Intersession, physical education, and Health & Wellness education, allow students to broaden and deepen their educational experiences. 
 
To see the breadth and depth of our course offerings, review graduation requirements, and to read specific descriptions of each course, please flip through our 2025-26 Course Catalog (at right). 

Teachers Make the Difference

Our teachers will inspire you to explore your academic interests and passions. They create meaningful learning that takes concepts out of the book and into the world, modeling a love of learning and enthusiastic engagement with their subjects. They are mentors, guides, and role models that inspire deep learning, encourage challenge and rigor, and guide students on intellectual adventures that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

2025-26 Course Catalog




Advanced Studies Courses

Students seeking to challenge themselves may pursue a variety of our most rigorous courses with Advanced Studies (AS) courses to choose from. Our Advanced Studies (AS) program meets and exceeds the standards of rigor, depth, and challenge that many parents associate with the Advanced Placement (AP) program.

AS courses are offered in all disciplines, allowing our students to deeply challenge themselves and to demonstrate commitment and academic rigor. Complete course offerings and descriptions are available in our Course Catalog.

Explore Our Departments

  • STEM STEM
    Our STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Department brings our students to the forefront of scientific thinking.  

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  • Humanities Humanities
    Our Humanities courses teach students to think critically and creatively, to collaborate, to lead, to disagree, and to build consensus, using an interdisciplinary approach.  

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  • World Languages World Languages
    We believe that the best way to understand another culture is from the inside out: if students learn a language well enough, the will develop a profound internal understanding of self and other.  

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  • Visual and Performing Arts Visual and Performing Arts
    The Arts Department helps students bring their thoughts and feelings to life through music, performance, and visual and physical expression.  

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  • Amazing Faculty

    85% have advanced degrees, average class size is 16, and teachers carry a student load of 45-60 per day

  • Breadth & Depth

    With over 85 courses to choose from, students have the option to pursue both breadth and depth in our curriculum from an array of many interesting core academic and elective courses

  • Advanced Courses

    Students seeking to challenge themselves may pursue a variety of our most rigorous courses with Advanced Studies (AS) courses to choose from. Our Advanced Studies (AS) program meets and exceeds the standards of rigor, depth, and challenge that many parents associate with the Advanced Placement (AP) program. AS courses are offered in all disciplines, allowing our students to deeply challenge themselves and to demonstrate commitment and academic rigor. Complete course offerings and descriptions are available in our 2024-2025 Course Catalog.

  • Small Classes

    With an average class size of 16, our students are known, seen, and supported

  • Student-to-Teacher Ratio

    A 12-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio ensures that our teachers really get to know your student
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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.