Sonoma Valley High School's pool has a lot of benefits:…read more Lots of practice lanes, clean, clear pool, updated locker room/showers, plentiful private lot with entry at several points off the deck and a clear-reading scoreboard. One detractor: The pool's set up allows very little viewing/sitting area on deck. This is the venue that parents should sign up to time so you can see the swimmers up close. Note: Take a snap of where you park (letter and number). The parking lot is deep and huge and surrounds the entire high school with several entry points to the deck. I ended up limping around in an enormous circle on a twisted ankle, frustrated and tired. Don't be like me!

former SVHS alumni. specifically from class of 2006. It might be 20 years late, but I could…read moredefinitely tell you that when I was a student at Sonoma Valley high school the school itself was far from perfect. For one thing it felt vastly overcrowded. I think on average the student population was about 1200 give or take. But it doesn't change the fact that this meant a lot of the classes could be very very filled with students to the point of absurdity. Another issue is the fact that unfortunately many other school seems to have a very kind of hands off opinion of operation or whatever you wanna call it when it comes to dealing with bullying. As a young man, I was bullied pretty extensively for being the tall skinny kid with glasses. And every time I would try to get the faculty involved. and then when I would finally hit my breaking point and would basically take things into my own hands all of a sudden I'm the bad guy. Now, unfortunately, this is nothing new in the world of the American school system, but it doesn't change the fact that still absolutely aggravating. Next, we have the fact that the school at least at the time was not the best when it came to accommodating students with learning difficulties. there were a number of "special education courses" these were and far between. And when they would finally make any kind of meaningful changes nine times out of 10 it was already far too late. Now there were some positives. Several teachers that at the time in attendance there were very very supportive. I don't remember names off the top of my head, but many of them were very good in terms of being kind to certain students and all that stuff. I will say this, though as bad as this is going to sound I think the school needed a requirement for all students to at the very least, no conversational English. Unfortunately, by the time I was a student I guess you could say ratio of ethnicities and stuff for was skewed beyond measure. I cannot tell you how many times I had classes where aside from the teacher and maybe one or two of the of the students were all of Mexican or at the very least descent and stuff like that. Now I'm not trying to be racist in any way I'm just saying that it would've been nicer if there were a little bit more in terms of a better I guess you could say equilibrium. All in all at the time when I was a student there if the option of going to a different high school, I definitely would've taken it. But unfortunately, this was literally the only high school in the area and therefore it was the only choice for me or my family. But I can definitely say that had I've been given the option. I would've gone to a completely different school. Now again these are recollections from over 20 years point so things could be very different by now. But even so who knows. So if you have children that are either about to attend or are attending hopefully things have gotten better.

This is the worst school I have enrolled my daughter in the staff there are messy and don't know…read morehow to mind they business and don't get me started on the teachers they don't know how to talk to people they are disrespectful an always yelling at the students an I will be taking this to corporate.

I've been going to this church since I was born the priests have always been great,I recently…read morebecame a godmother and I was so excited for this spiritual blessing. The day I baptized my godson our priest was father issac, I was so upset I almost cried after because it was not what I expected it was a joke.... father issac made us feel like we were wasting his time, he made me feel dumb, he was not welcoming or caring. He didn't even greet us or turn on the church lights on a Saturday morning. He seemed hungover... and he was about 20 minutes late... im never going to this church again because of him it's sad because he made my baptism experience so basic I didn't even feel like it was real to him. I'll pray for him..

Had our wedding in StFS about a month ago and it was tremendous. Father Mike was adorable and warm…read moreand lovely and we can't wait to go back and see him. The ceremony of about 100 people only had about a dozen Catholics, but the whole night I kept getting compliments on how wonderful the priest was. He made everyone feel welcome and made us laugh a bunch. I was so nervous about all the pomp at a Catholic wedding and he totally made me feel relaxed and at ease. We loved him so much we asked him to come to both the rehearsal dinner at The Lodge and the reception at Cline and he came to both. Everyone wanted to get a few minutes with him it was so cute. Thank you Father Mike for making our wedding so special.

My son attended Sonoma Valley Academy and graduated in 2002. He was struggling with dyslexia, but…read moregoing to this school changed his life. At 25 he bought is own home has a steady job with COSTCO. I know this school had a great deal with changing his attitude and making him the person he is today. Thank You Sonoma Valley Academy.

Sonoma Valley Academy (SVA) is giving my son an opportunity to actually like school. He is on the…read moreadvanced/gifted side of his studies and each and every student has an individualized study plan. He is never held back based on other students. And in turn, any students who struggle academically are given extra time and help to compete their work. It's independent study in a classroom setting with 3 teachers daily. The teacher to student ratio is like no other school. Each student rotates to one of the teachers depending on their studies and gets one on one instruction and assistance for learning. And if you work ahead of your goals, you gain additional credits. The students get more P.E. and Music/Art than in public schools, therefore it's a very well-rounded education. They do field trips and outside studies as well. Students also get credit for outside work, whether it's an instructed hobby/learning or an actual job. It is possible for students to graduate early if they apply themselves to work ahead. I'm so thankful that we found this school for our son. It's an environment where the teachers are smart, caring and involved. They care what your student ate for breakfast, how much sleep they get and what their outside activities are currently. The communication from the administrator Mary is unlike any other school we have ever been involved with. There is immediate response to questions asked or instant notification regarding students when needed. I feel so confident recommending this school to anyone looking outside the traditional path. It may just be the perfect fit for your student. Give them a call and go shadow for a day.

We LOVE The Presentation School! Our kids have been going to Presentation since they were in…read moreKindergarten and our family continues to have such a great experience there. Our kids are currently in 5th and 7th grades and have grown into confident, kind, and intelligent leaders. The school has been able to offer them an intimate learning environment with small classes and the most amazing and talented teachers. Kids are not only challenged academically but they also are able to go on unique, fun, and educational field trips. The school also has wonderful specialist classes like music, art, Spanish, PE and SEL (social emotional learning). The art shows, musical productions, and monthly showcases show how much the kids are thriving. They also have an incredible counselor and learning specialists who can help children with any additional needs. One of the best parts of Presentation is all of the public speaking opportunities kids get to really boost their confidence in front of an audience. Kids quickly become comfortable presenting in front of peers and adults which is so important for any future endeavors. After meeting with various kids (and speaking with their parents) who have graduated from Presentation, we know that kids are very well prepared for high school and feel grateful to have found this school. We have had nothing but an incredible experience there and would highly recommend this school to anyone with kids in grades TK-8.

We transferred from another great school near our home that had so many +'s, but lacked what we…read moreneeded for our child to excel- leveling, SEL and Spanish. So we left a solid community and a 5 minute commute to embark on something new for our family, and not in our town. It has been totally worth it. EVERY DAY I pick up our first grader he tells me he had a great day and then gives me details about how the students and teachers made it possible. This is coming from a kid who dreaded preschool, even as we were in a wonderful program. What makes TPS special is the partnership between families, community, and educators - each committed to preparing students to become active, responsible and respectful citizens and leaders in a diverse society. Their campus values diversity, providing rich experiences for all learners, and nurtures self-esteem, character development, and lifelong learning. Focusing on the whole child, the talented and dedicated staff provides a caring, engaging and challenging educational experience for every student, every day.

Mrs. Paul is awesome. She is the best teacher ever. She is funny and sarcastic which makes me want…read moreto go to school.

This is an amazing school in our community here in Sonoma Valley…read more The Sonoma Charter School was founded by a group of parents to offer a Montessori style based school. The school has students K through 8th grade. My daughter went to The Sonoma Charter School for 4 years, as we were on the waiting list until 3rd grade. I have continued to support the Sonoma Charter School as I believe in alternatives to the main stream system. This school offers art, music, spanish, after and before school childcare and most importantly a community. I still feel part of the Sonoma Charter School Community and my daughter is a Junior at Sonoma Valley High School this year. www.sonomacharterschool.org 707-935-4232 They have a big fundraiser coming up October 4, 2008! Thanks, Sheana

Sonoma Charter School has been a wonderful alternative for our children. They are thriving in this…read moreenvironment, which has caring teachers and staff. Our children are very happy here and have made many new friends.

Our son has been attending Crescent Montessori for almost a year, and we could not be more thrilled…read morewith the growth we've seen in him. From learning and reading to solving puzzles, communicating effectively, and even picking up Spanish, his development has been nothing short of extraordinary. What sets Crescent Montessori apart is its Montessori approach to teaching life skills--patience, respect, and independence are just as prioritized as academics. Persy and the entire team of teachers are incredible. They foster a nurturing, engaging, and supportive environment that truly allows children to excel. His love for learning has blossomed here, and it's evident how much care and thought go into every lesson and activity. We are constantly amazed by the progress he's made, both academically and socially, and we owe so much of it to this wonderful school. If you're looking for a place where your child will grow not just as a student but as a confident and well-rounded individual, Crescent Montessori is the answer. We highly recommend this amazing school to any family seeking the best for their kids. Thank you, Persy and the Crescent Montessori team, for all you do for Son (and our next son) and all the children you care for. You are shaping bright futures, one child at a time!

My daughter has been a student for 2 years and we feel fortunate that she could attend Crescent…read moreMontessori where she looks forward to going every day. A place where she is building the foundation to love for learning at her own pace and following her interest. The teachers are very caring and attentive. I highly recommend the school.