The Sonoma Valley Unified School District serves over 4,600 students in grades K-12. Our facilities include four neighborhood elementary schools consisting of grades K-5, one K-5 dual immersion magnet school, two middle schools, one K-8 Montessori-based charter school, one K-8 Waldorf charter school, one community school with grades 7-10, one high school, one continuation high school and one adult school.
Sonoma Valley Schools Slideshow
Dunbar Elementary:
Dunbar is a beautiful elementary school in a picturesque setting, serving Kindergarten Through Fifth Grade with a strong emphasis in Art and Science. Dunbar is located in Glen Ellen, nestled in the foothills of Sonoma Mountain. The rural campus is sprinkled with oak trees and is surrounded by beautiful vineyards.
We are a school rich in history and tradition. Dunbar was established in 1857 on Dunbar Road just south of its present location. During the 1920's residents endeavored to pass a bond to build a new school. After several attempts, the bond passed and a new school was built on our present site. It opened in 1930 with Miss Alice Griffith as principal. Through the years the school has been modernized and improved by community and district efforts.
Today Dunbar has a student body of around 260. The small student body allows for a stronger community. The teachers know every student. Our school exists for our students and it is our vision to bring the entire learning community together to work toward excellence with care, communication, and collaboration.
El Verano Elementary: 
With a student body of 420, El Verano provides the best possible educational foundation for all students. Literacy is a top priority, as nothing is more important than learning to read. With this in mind, the school provides an academically challenging program in a warm, caring atmosphere where children are expected to give their personal best.
El Verano, a culturally diverse school, reaps the rewards of having an actively participating neighborhood community. The school prides itself on the individual attention given to each student and family. Children are encouraged to express their individuality and practice school-wide lifeskills while meeting the academic challenges set forth by their teachers.
Sassarini Elementary School works hard to surpass the academic guidelines established by the California Department of Education by providing a challenging and engaging curriculum for our students.
Prestwood Elementary: 
Nestled along Highway 12 in the beautiful Sonoma Valley, Flowery is a dual immersion elementary school spanning grades K-5. Dual immersion is the most successful way to teach a second language. In the Sonoma Valley Unified School District, this proven educational model integrates native English speaking students with native Spanish speaking students beginning in kindergarten. Together, they learn a second language simultaneously with academic content.
In kindergarten and 1st grades, 90% of instructional time is in Spanish with an emphasis on Spanish literacy. As students progress through the grades, English language instruction increases. By 4th grade, instructional time is nearly evenly divided between Spanish and English.
Dual immersion produces bilingual, biliterate students by immersing them in a second language when their young minds have the greatest aptitude for language development.
Sonoma Charter School: 
Enrollment at Sonoma Charter School is by lottery. Since 1994, Sonoma Charter School has offered families in Sonoma Valley one more option for their children’s education. SCS is a free, K-8, Montessori-based public school open to students from throughout the Sonoma Valley Unified School District.
Our mission statement commits to “Academic Excellence Through Engaged Learning”. The small school size of 231 students and the K-8 model of multi-age classrooms create the feel of family and community. Our academic program includes a curriculum that is student-centered and addresses students’ individual interests, developmental levels and learning styles. Students in kindergarten through third grade are taught through the use of Montessori methods and materials. In fourth through eighth grades, the Montessori philosophy continues with hands-on, exploratory experiences to solidify learning. Student progress is measured by authentic, performance-based assessments as well as state standardized testing where our school has exceeded the state standards each year.
Through a diverse selection of course offerings including the visual and performing arts, drama and music, each of our students is given a medium to express and showcase his/her talents. The school’s motto of Truth, Growth, and Respect serves as a guideline both for our code of conduct and for personal character development.
Woodland Star Charter School: 
Enrollment at Woodland Star is by lottery. Woodland Star is a K-8 charter school founded in 2000 by parents and teachers. Embracing the Waldorf instructional method, Woodland Star addresses the whole child, framing rigorous academics in an artistic, creative and multi-sensory curriculum. We follow a developmental model that respects the nature of children and how they best learn. A play-based, half-day Kindergarten allows young children to enjoy the wonder of childhood through imaginative play. We teach children to think, to care and to create. The Woodland Star grades curriculum covers an exceptional range.
Core subjects are taught in three- to four-week-long Main Lesson blocks, immersing the students in language arts, math, science, geography and history. Concepts are interwoven throughout the curriculum and are taught through oral presentations, writing, reading, recitation, drama, painting, drawing and movement.
This multi-dimensional approach engages students in a powerful and concentrated experience and promotes active listening, memory, imagination and vocabulary. Enrichment subjects, often taught by specialty teachers, include Spanish, singing, flute, violin, painting, drawing, modeling, knitting, sewing, farming and gardening, woodworking and movement. The Woodland Star faculty members are California credentialed, with extensive training in Waldorf education. Woodland Star parents are encouraged to play an active role in the school as committed and involved partners in their children’s education.
Altimira Middle School:
Altimira Middle School is committed to equipping our students with the tools they need for academic, personal and social achievement. We enable every student to reach their highest potential by establishing a curriculum that meets or exceeds government standards for education; providing extracurricular programs that develop children’s mental, physical and social skills; and partnering with parents and the community to create an environment geared to the success of students.
Beyond academics, we look to develop students’ critical thinking skills, ethics, and sense of social responsibility as caring citizens of a diverse world. Altimira students are encouraged to actively participate in leadership and co-curricular activities, including student government, yearbook, band, athletics and performing arts.
At Altimira, we foster communication and collaboration between parents, students and staff to develop well-rounded, motivated students who have a solid academic foundation upon which to create their own life success.
Adele Harrison Middle School: 
At Adele Harrison Middle School our values center on the potential of every child. We have created a developmentally appropriate program that is challenging, inspires a love of learning and augments the many academic and interpersonal strengths our student body brings to class each day. Our staff is committed to the academic growth of every student and encourages students to experience the deep sense of achievement that comes from honest effort and hard work. In our classrooms, students participate in learning activities that are engaging, challenging, and relevant. Adele students thrive in our safe and mutually respectful learning environment
Students at Adele are offered a diverse range of programs, activities, and services that are designed to enhance the student experience. Engaged student participation in co-curricular is rewarded with friends, passion, personal growth, and academic achievement. Student involvement in co-curricular activities grows confidence, communication skills and compassion. The range of choices includes but is not limited to: Intramurals, Student Government, Athletics, Clubs, Community Service, Leadership, School Spirit Days and Academic Challenge.
Sonoma Valley High School:
Sonoma Valley High School offers an academically rigorous curriculum and a wide array of electives allowing students to grow, learn and thrive. Real-life preparation is the advantage of a Sonoma Valley High School education. Our faculty, staff and community are dedicated to supporting students’ academic and personal success.
In a vibrant and compelling learning environment, our students learn to respect and appreciate the unique talents of others and to work together collaboratively for the greater good. Sonoma Valley High School’s student body proudly reflects the real world of today and the emergent world of tomorrow.
Sonoma Valley High Schools graduation requirements coincide with the entry requirements of all UC schools.The high school has a full time College and Career center that helps and guides students into readiness for a post-high school life.
