History
In the spring of 1997, a group of Sonoma educators, representing decades of experience, endeavored to bring a “renaissance in education” to the Sonoma Valley. Their vision integrated high standards in academic achievement, with a balanced view of a young person’s learning and personal growth.
This “dream school” would support children not only in their academic growth, but also in their appreciation of art, language and athletics, and most importantly, their exploration of moral character and commitment to the community.
Our founding teachers possessed the determination to nurture this emerging vision, bringing it to a group of supportive parents and community members. The response was extremely favorable. A rare seed was planted. And what was once a dream has become a fruitful reality for more than 20 years.
The first ten years of the school’s life were spent in the Sonoma Community Center, where each day, a group of intrepid parents, teachers and students would set up and take down the tables and chairs that made up their classrooms. Following a successful capital campaign, the school moved to its modern and spacious campus on south Broadway in 2006.
In searching for a name to bestow on the 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. Thus, the name of "The Presentation School" was chosen, honoring both the past and a new beginning in education.
Presentation School is a member of California Association of Independent Schools and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). We are members of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and the Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area (ISSFBA). Presentation is SEVIS Certified to accept international F-1 Visa students.
Traditions
Although Presentation School may only be a young school in our twenties, we have developed many strong traditions that celebrate both our heritage and educational philosophy while celebrating the uniqueness of the developing child.
Values Assemblies
Once a month, the school community gathers to celebrate student-led values assemblies. These assemblies highlight an important moral value related to upstanding universal character and citizenship. Classes take turns throughout the year championing a month where students highlight how the monthly value is reflected in communities around the world. These assemblies are student-led and guided. Parents and friends are encouraged and welcome to celebrate all values assemblies with us.
SHOWCASES
Sharing learning and developing confidence in public speaking is a core value at Presentation School. Students are able to begin developing these vital skills through classroom activities, and continue to refine them through our monthly showcases. Families and friends are invited to attend the monthly showcase, where students share their learning with the school community. Showcases range from singing, dramatic performances, instrumental demonstrations, poetry, and speeches, to sharing art and special projects completed in class.
BUDDIES
Our buddies program is a cherished tradition for Presentation students. Each year, upper school students look forward to being “big buddies” to their lower school friends. Each upper school class is partnered with a lower school class, and together they build a year-long friendship that includes shared school events and learning support. Whether designing Valentine cards, reading in pairs, or conducting science experiments together, our graduates frequently reflect that the buddy experiences were highlights of their years at Presentation School.
Performing Arts
The Presentation School has an annual Spring Play. Grades 5 through 8 are invited to audition to join the cast or sign up for crew to be part of the team as stage crew, and lighting / sound, hair & make-up all managed by our middle school theater arts students.
ART FAIR / Spring sing
Late Spring each year, our students' talents are put on display for families and community members. Annually, we have an Art Fair / Spring Sing to showcase the creativity and talent our students have developed in the visual and performing arts. Our school’s activity center is transformed with a year’s worth of learning and creating, in all media, and at all grade levels, and is complimented by a Spring Sing concert.
SERVICE PROJECTS
Love. Learn. Lead. Putting our words into action, community service is a year-long focus for all grades.
Learn more about how we give back to our community here.
EXTENDED FIELD EXPERIENCES
Student learning is solidified through hands-on learning experiences. Beginning in fourth grade, each class has at least one extended field trip that involves being away from school (and home) overnight.
Learn more about our experiential learning here.
FIELD DAY
There is no better way to bring a school together than shared play, and play is an essential component of a Presentation School education. Lead by our eighth grade students, the annual Field Day includes integrated class clusters. Whether it is sack races, face painting, or sponge and balloon relays, there is laughter and friendship at every stop. This annual tradition ends with an 8th grade v. Teachers volleyball, dodgeball, or kickball game.
STEAM WEEK
Presentation School understands that we are preparing kids to live and lead professional lives in a world that is constantly changing. We believe that students are best served by preparing them to be flexible, integrative thinkers, and clear and thoughtful communicators. A balanced education seeks novel ways to understand the cross sections of Science,Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM). Each Spring the middle school spends a week fully immersed in a STEAM challenge, with multi-grade teams. Past Challenges have ranged from mini-golf course design, to structural engineering solutions during an earthquake, to the physical phenomenon of flight. Lower school students participate as learners and judges.