Business Details
Sonoma Academy: Empowering Students for College & Life
Sonoma Academy is the only private, independent, college preparatory high school in Sonoma County, dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of learning and preparing students for college and beyond. Our 34-acre campus, nestled at the base of Taylor Mountain in Santa Rosa, provides a rigorous academic environment enriched by immersive programs like Intersession and the Passport Program, which offer cultural exploration and hands-on learning experiences. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1 and an average class size of 16, we ensure personalized attention, with 85% of faculty holding advanced degrees and 50% of families receiving tuition assistance. Our diverse community includes 335 students from over 30 cities, representing 17 languages spoken at home, and 100% of graduates are college-bound. We emphasize character development through programs like Community Meeting, Tea and Toast, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.Our co-curricular offerings include 60% participation in performing arts, 55% in athletics, and leadership opportunities for 45% of students. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities such as the Thinkway Toy Lab, Digital Media Studio, and Performing Arts Center, supporting innovation in STEM, arts, and humanities. With a focus on sustainability, we operate as a Net Zero Energy campus through solar panels and water conservation systems. Our graduates consistently earn acceptance to top-tier colleges, with 92% admitted to one of their top five choices, and have received over $5.2 million in tuition assistance annually. We cultivate a supportive community where every student is known, seen, and celebrated for their unique potential.
Services
College Counseling
Advanced Studies Courses
Performing Arts Programs
Athletics Programs
Tuition Assistance
Intersession Travel Programs
STEM Education
Language Courses
Leadership Opportunities
Sustainability Initiatives
Highlights and features
- We offer a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio ensuring personalized attention.
- Our faculty includes 85% with advanced degrees and extensive experience.
- We provide $5.2 million annually in tuition assistance to 50% of families.
- Our graduates achieve 92% acceptance to top five college choices.
- We combine academic rigor with immersive programs like Intersession and Passport.
What people say
Caring mentors
Lifelong friendships
College preparation
Creative programs
Inclusive environment
Services
College Counseling
Our comprehensive college counseling program includes 50 hours of in-class instruction and up to 20 hours of one-on-one sessions. Students receive personalized guidance on applications, essays, and interviews. With 80-90 college representatives visiting annually, we ensure students find their ideal university match.
Advanced Studies Courses
Our Advanced Studies (AS) program exceeds AP standards with rigorous courses across disciplines. Students challenge themselves with in-depth projects and critical thinking exercises, preparing for college-level work while maintaining a 74% advanced course enrollment rate.
Performing Arts Programs
The arts curriculum includes theater, music, dance, and visual arts with 60% student participation. Facilities like the Fitzsimmons Music Box Theater and Performing Arts Center support creative expression and technical skill development through productions like 'Mean Girls: High School Edition.'
Tuition Assistance
Sonoma Academy awards $5.2 million annually in tuition assistance, including Davis Scholarships and Horton STEM Scholarships. Our need-based aid ensures accessibility, with 50% of families receiving support and an average award of $27,000 per year.
Intersession Travel Programs
The Passport Program offers free international Intersession travel for cultural immersion. Students explore global perspectives through service projects and educational experiences, complementing our commitment to cross-cultural communication and leadership development.
People
Percy L. Abram
Head of School
Dr. Percy Abram leads Sonoma Academy with a vision for innovative education and community building. He emphasizes adolescent development and creating environments where students thrive academically and personally.
Caroline Adams
Director of Counseling
Caroline Adams oversees college counseling, guiding students through the admissions process with personalized support. Her team ensures 100% college placement and helps students secure merit scholarships averaging $19,356 annually.
Cassidy Brown
STEM Teacher
Cassidy Brown teaches STEM courses and serves as Grade Level Dean. She fosters innovation in the classroom and emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and risk-taking in education.
Lupe Barragan
Assistant to the Head of School
Lupe Barragan supports school operations and student engagement. She highlights the positive school culture where students frequently share enthusiasm for their classes and teachers.
Ramsey Musallam
Science Teacher
Ramsey Musallam teaches chemistry and physics, integrating creativity and curiosity into STEM education. His approach reflects the school's commitment to engaging, student-centered learning experiences.
Questions
What grades does Sonoma Academy serve?
Sonoma Academy serves grades 9 through 12 in a college preparatory setting.
Does Sonoma Academy offer financial aid?
Yes, 50% of families receive approximately $5.2 million in tuition assistance annually.
What extracurricular activities are available?
We offer performing arts, athletics, robotics, leadership programs, and over 30 clubs.
Is Sonoma Academy accredited?
We are a recognized college preparatory school with rigorous academic standards and college acceptance success.
What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
Our student-to-teacher ratio is 12:1 with an average class size of 16 students.
How diverse is the student body?
30% of students self-identify as students of color, representing 17 languages spoken at home.
