That's So SA
That's So SA
Connected Community
Human beings learn best within the safety and support of authentic relationships, which is why we pay attention to the whole person.
This creates a warm, accepting school culture of connection that empowers our students to ask questions and try new things. Balancing social emotional development with academic rigor while also giving teens many opportunities to to stretch themselves supports their development of self-awareness and self-knowledge.
Giving students a full, well-rounded view of themselves through experimentation and exploration beyond the classroom—through social and class-building activities, and a robust co-curricular program—is the best way to develop confidence and competency.
This creates a warm, accepting school culture of connection that empowers our students to ask questions and try new things. Balancing social emotional development with academic rigor while also giving teens many opportunities to to stretch themselves supports their development of self-awareness and self-knowledge.
Giving students a full, well-rounded view of themselves through experimentation and exploration beyond the classroom—through social and class-building activities, and a robust co-curricular program—is the best way to develop confidence and competency.
Community Meeting
Each week, our entire school community joins together for the student-run Community Meeting. It’s the temporal center of our week, and it often feels like the emotional heart, as well. The air almost palpably hums with the power of 400 people in the thrall of a shared experience, feeling similar feelings, reflecting in different ways, creating a powerful bond.Although each Community Meeting has its own flavor and spirit, there are certain things we can count on each time we gather. We often begin with a Moment of Reflection —a brief speech or presentation offered up by anyone in the community who feels moved to share their thoughts. We have had Moments of Reflection addressing topics ranging from personal experiences to current events to popular culture. These can be funny, poignant, opinionated...giving a window into the speaker's perspective.
Moments of Talent are another Community Meeting tradition. Students have shared original songs or performances being prepared for an upcoming show, scenes or monologues, unique skills like yo-yo and cup stacking...it is always fun to see the skills and creative gifts that our students want to share with their community.
These are then followed by two to three Senior Speeches: a culminating speech (required to graduate) given by every senior. The suggested theme is broad and our students interpret it in any manner they wish. Speeches have taken the form of lists, an original song, a multi-media powerpoint presentation, and much more.
After these speeches, we are often have presentations from student organizations or community members, sharing of class projects, and announcements. Every week is different and, except for the required senior speeches, participation is purely voluntary.
Moments of Talent are another Community Meeting tradition. Students have shared original songs or performances being prepared for an upcoming show, scenes or monologues, unique skills like yo-yo and cup stacking...it is always fun to see the skills and creative gifts that our students want to share with their community.
These are then followed by two to three Senior Speeches: a culminating speech (required to graduate) given by every senior. The suggested theme is broad and our students interpret it in any manner they wish. Speeches have taken the form of lists, an original song, a multi-media powerpoint presentation, and much more.
After these speeches, we are often have presentations from student organizations or community members, sharing of class projects, and announcements. Every week is different and, except for the required senior speeches, participation is purely voluntary.
At nearly every Community Meeting, we laugh, we cry, we listen, we give standing ovations, and we learn together. Most importantly, we share generously with one another: our thoughts and wisdom, our talent, our laughter and our smiles, our tears. We are all part of the whole.
At-A-Glance
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Student Engagement
74% of our students take six or more advanced courses, 60% participate in the performing arts, 55% play a sport, and nearly 45% hold some form of leadership position. -
Having Fun
With dances, back-the-pack spirit games, movie nights, and other fun Student Leadership Council activities each year, students have ample opportunities to socialize and have fun together -
Leadership
We have over 30 different types of leadership opportunities for every kind of student and about 45% of our students are involved -
Performing Arts
60% of our students participate in theater, music, or dance -
Part of the Team
55% of our students play at least one sport -
Policy Debate Team
#1 Policy Debate Team in the Golden Gate Speech Association 4 years in a row! -
Robotics Team
Our Robotics Team made it to the World Championships and has received multiple national awards
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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.
