Our History
In the spring of 1997, a group of teachers combined their
intellectual and spiritual energies to propose the creation
of an innovation in education: a private, independent school
in the Catholic tradition, where high standards, academic achievement,
and faith journeying would bring forth a “Renaissance”
in education. Each teacher represented years of experience as
quality educators possessing the will and determination to shepherd
a new idea. The teachers, now known as the charter faculty,
sought the opinion of a group of interested parents and community
members to see if there would be a sufficient basis for starting
such a venture; the response from those consulted was very positive
and encouraging. Together, the teachers, parents, and community
members voiced a philosophy for the new school that would embody
these goals:
- forming a school community
- disseminating spiritual values
- sharing our talents as educators
Very quickly, the new school was incorporated and a Board of Trustees began serving and accomplishing the multitude of tasks necessary to begin a new school. In searching for a name to bestow on the brand new school, the founding members of the school community sought to reach back to the Catholic roots of education in the Sonoma Valley. In 1888, sisters from the Presentation Convent in San Francisco founded a school on Napa Street in Sonoma, called St. Joseph’s Academy. Thus, the name of “The Presentation School” was chosen, honoring both the past and a new beginning in education.
The Presentation School is now a kindergarten through eighth grade school, with extended day care, located at 20872 Broadway in Sonoma. On the first day of instruction, September 8, 1997, The Presentation School opened with an enrollment of 100 students in grades k-8; the current enrollment is 160 students. Grades k-5 are limited to 20 students; grades 6-8 are limited to 25 students. Each student enjoys a full spectrum of academic, spiritual, and physical education, with extensive personal attention from their teachers. The teaching staff numbers 15 full and part-time teachers, with a student to teacher ratio of 11:1. Parents, representing 115 families, are fully involved with the education of their children, serving on the Board of Trustees, volunteering for a multiplicity of school needs, participating in events, and bringing the message of their belief in The Presentation School to the community at large.
Presentation School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Our students are the living embodiment of our reason for existence. They are engaged and focused in their pursuit of knowledge. In the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the community, they represent our school proudly. Further, they reach out to the local and world wide community with projects designed to help others. To learn more about our community outreach program, click here.
Our location and combination of students, parents, teachers, and community members all serve as the foundation and backdrop for the graduate who will go forth from our school: one who is productive, responsible, educated, and self-directed.