A Vision for Sonoma Academy 2023-2030
...“what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
~Mary Oliver~
We believe high school is the place to start that plan.
We chose this place
...with a sense of purpose for how the environment would inspire our students and empower them to make meaningful connections beyond the classroom, both to the natural and agricultural world and to our surrounding communities.
Our students are encouraged and inspired to fully engage in this diverse region, and our program is designed to build real-world connections in this vast “classroom” beyond our campus.
We teach to learn
We go beyond the traditional college preparatory model.
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.
We discover purpose
To discover your true self, To develop a passion for learning that extends beyond grades, To connect with peers across interests, grade-levels, different backgrounds and experiences,
To express gratitude and appreciation to and for one another, To honor different perspectives, and To respect the world around you—
These are the values of an SA education.
We embrace joy
We create a joyful and welcoming learning environment and a fun school culture that supports academic excellence, risk-taking, social-emotional development, and the space for teenagers to be themselves.
Strategic Initiatives
college prep Taking care of us Creating community Planning ahead Making a difference
Beyond
We go beyond college prep
To advance our overall program, ensure academic excellence, and develop pathways of learning that go beyond the traditional college preparatory model, we will:
Reimagine our course offerings to deepen learning in values-based areas of study, align our programs to emphasize student engagement with real world problems
Redefine our advisory program with a focus on creating a more meaningful role for the advisor as well as a more comprehensive and supportive space for students
Redefine the vision and values for teaching and learning, develop a process of reflection and growth that supports what it means to be a professional educator here Expand professional development opportunities, integrate more internal discussions and workshops focused on teaching and learning
We take care of us
To recognize the importance of student and staffulty wellbeing, we will:
Establish a comprehensive program for students that supports character development, identity, diversity, health and wellness, global engagement, college and life readiness, outdoor education, and leadership
Ensure the long-term sustainability and wellbeing of our staffulty through a comprehensive review of all aspects of a career at SA, which includes compensation, cost of living, benefits, and support for a healthy and balanced life
Reimagine our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and recommend strategies to create a more accessible, inclusive, and equitable school environment
We create community
To deepen our commitment to intentional creation of a connected learning community and a place of joy for our students and staffulty, we will:
Reimagine the school’s mission, vision, and core values to ensure their alignment and presence in the daily life of the school
Update our Campus Master Plan to define campus improvement projects, with an emphasis on designing a joyful, inspiring environment for students and staffulty
Build intentional community and culture through comprehensive and accessible onboarding and create opportunities for constituents to co-create school traditions and culture
We plan ahead
To build financial health by supporting long-term institutional sustainability, we will:
Explore an endowment campaign with the goal of expanding tuition assistance and ensuring broad access to SA over the next decade
Determine the best means to expand access to an SA education for those beyond the daily commute to our school
Identify alternative sources of revenue through mission-aligned use of campus facilities, which includes the use of the Performing Arts Center, summer programs, and other forms of civic engagement
We make a difference
To amplify our impact through partnerships with nonprofits and organizations that share our values and vision for the future, we will:
Expand our commitment to renewable energy and sustainability and lead a nation-wide consortium of netzero, or netzero-aspiring, schools and organizations
Develop a comprehensive community outreach program that encourages partnerships with local organizations to advance education, advocacy, civic engagement, service learning, and leadership development
Establish summer offerings to advance our mission, expose area students to our educational programs, and increase access to Sonoma Academy
Because they will make the future
We deliver a dynamic and transformative educational experience that prepares our students to live purposeful lives and to be the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow.
