Sonoma Mountain Elementary School

1900 Rainier Circle

School District

Old Adobe Union
Grade

K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:24
Type

charter

School Map for Old Adobe Union School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 31, 2024

Amazing school with a teachers admirative staff that cares about the children and families.
Submitted by parent on January 08, 2021

Choose a different school if you can for the long term. Our daughter experienced non stop bullying for one year. We addressed the issue many times and nothing changed. I believe the principal is biased to certain parents, this has caused major issues to be ignored. We have changed schools and also realized Sonoma Mountain is behind in education levels compared to our new school. Too much play and not enough teaching.
Submitted by parent on February 14, 2020

Not worth commenting or attending. Go elsewhere for your kids sake. Students are rapidly leaving due to poor leadership.
Submitted by parent on August 20, 2018

Both of my children attend Sonoma Mountain and this school is exceptional. The teachers, staff & principal show a tremendous amount of genuine care and nurturance for every child at the school. The principal knows every kid’s name and takes the time to connect individually with parents. The school supports the concept of community, working hard to create that important connection between parents, children & school. The teachers feel like an extended family and the exceptional teachers here, in which there are many, take care of your child like their own. SoMo is a truly special place.
Submitted by parent on June 19, 2017

My children will not be returning. The school lacks solid instruction. We want our children to enjoy school and have fun...but it can't all be a party every day. Learning should be happening and the learning should be engaging and fun....our oldest dreaded going to school which was understandable as it was constant worksheets and no social studies and science. Not to mention old school drill and timing students rather than teaching them-so many worksheets!Teachers also rely heavily on long periods of silent reading and IXL(supplemental computer programs) to substitute for the lack of teaching and learning taking place. Look closely when you are touring and request a tour in the morning so you can see academic times. The school lacks structure.
Submitted by parent on April 21, 2017

My daughter is in her second year at SoMo and in 1st grade. Her experience here has been great. The teachers, principal and office staff are very supportive, flexible and committed. Special activities during and after school are fun and engaging for the kids, which helps to build community (example - Art Week, extended guest teachers for African dance or Hula, class projects, music performances, SoMo Performing Arts, Talent Show, Harvest Festival, Bingo night, etc.). Curriculum is on target and test scores are strong (now 8 of 10). Way to go SoMo!
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2015

My daughter started this year as a transfer student. I could not be any happier about my decision to put her at Sonoma Mountain. I really can't say enough good things about this school. From the principal, to the teachers, to the front office staff and the families. I disagree with the previous post from February 5th about the school having too many extracurricular and "fun" activities. I think that Sonoma Mountain has found the perfect balance of blending the "fun" activities with the strong academic environment that is provided. Many of the parties that are thrown for the students are after they have exceeded one of their academic goals (i.e., their recent reading challenge). I think Sonoma Mountain is one of the best schools in town. In my eyes, they are doing everything just right!!!
Submitted by parent on February 06, 2015

I have worked with numerous schools, primarily in San Diego, and can state unequivocally that Sonoma Mountain is led by an exceptional principal and staffed by exceptional teachers and office personnel. There is a commitment at this school to both academic achievement and creating a learning environment that nurtures all aspects of what schools should encompass. Bravo!
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2015

All the staff is extremely friendly and caring which is the great thing about the school. The downside is that there is too much focus on extracurricular activities such as movies, shows, and other silly things and not enough focus on academics. This is reflected in the school's low test scores. With a rating of 6/10 on greatschools.org you would think they would step things up and put more emphasis on learning.
Submitted by parent on April 06, 2014

I have two children that attend this school. With two children who have learning disabilities, we receive a tremendous amount of support! :) Thanks to Sonoma Mountain, I have seen my children grow emotionally and academically! Our school has caring teachers, principle and office staff! I am so greatful for all their help and support! I am very proud of our school! I wouldn't want my children to go anywhere else-
Submitted by parent on February 21, 2014

Love this school! My daughter went to SoMo from kindergarten through sixth grade. Outstanding teachers & staff! You can be as involved as you want to be. I volunteered to help every single year my daughter went. Pleasant experience all the way around. My daughter had some exceptional teachers & still goes back to visit them. Highly recommend this school!
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2014

Judge for yourself. Our family has been happy there for 5 years. We've found the teachers, principal and staff anything but "lazy and chilly". They are caring people striving for the same goal as me...love, support and a quality education. Get involved! Our PTA works hard to support the kids. If you think the grass is greener elsewhere, then good luck to you!
Submitted by parent on November 22, 2013

Worst school ever! Lazy teachers and chilly office staff. And, yes, the teachers do gossip. I won't be sending my next child here.
Submitted by parent on May 02, 2013

I have worked at several schools & have never been more impressed with a school. We have a dedicated staff of teachers who are compassionate, creative, & who put our kids first. These teachers have laid a solid foundation for academic & social success. Our previous Principal was amazing, she came in & really improved curriculum, consistency across grades, built a community feel, did not put up with any pushing around by teachers, or parents, & PUT OUR CHILDREN FIRST!!! Unfortunately, she had to retire early due to personal reasons. We are grateful our new principal shares the established vision for our school & has great plans to lead our new Arts & Music charter school. We have an OUTSTANDING PTA who works tirelessly to fund many of our programs & build our school community through many school events. We are lucky to have ALOT of extras that other schools do not due to the PTA. The parents partner with the school. We are an important part of its success. I am proud & feel privileged for the opportunity to do so. I am a very involved parent, not a part of any click, do not have wealth/status, but am not a passive parent, I look for ways to be involved & I am appreciated for it.
Submitted by other on April 02, 2013

Disappointing!!!! Cannot deal with conflict.. It's wonderful to have parents, grandparents etc., volunteer at the school, however, volunteers ( and teachers)who gossip about other children, and families is not ok.. This is a serious matter, and should be taken serious..School is a place for CHILDREN , to feel safe, not threatened, I am disappointed for the way situations have been handled( or not handled, as the case may be) at this institution.. I can only hope, that in the future there will be less gossiping, and more teaching
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2013

I am so shocked at those reviews about the bully issues, the parents running the school and that the school is not a safe place. First of all, at any school, you will find a bully - that does not mean the whole school is over-run by them and there is a problem. Second, the parents don't run the school, but without them, the school would not be able to run as smoothly as it does. I am speaking of those wonderful Moms, Dads and Grandparents who volunteer their time to work centers, help at events, work in the library, make copies and do whatever they can in order for the teachers to have more time teaching our children. With the class sizes much larger than ever before, this is so needed. My son had a very hard time adjusting to being at a new school, having a new teacher and no friends, but has come full circle and excels at SoMo because of the loving atmosphere, teachers and the Principal who will not allow any child to feel out of place or not wanted! I highly recommend that before you make your decision based on the bad reviews, you tour the school yourself, meet the teachers, children and other parents and make the decision based on fact. I wouldn't send my kids anywhere else.
Submitted by parent on February 03, 2013

I have 2 kids at SoMo and a third to enter in the fall. We all have LOVED our experience. The teachers, principle, and office staff are personable and loving, a second family that cares for my kids. The teachers have demonstrated sensitivity to different learning styles and challenges. They support both the academic needs and experience of the children, as well as care about their personal and emotional well being. Every teacher we have had has been willing to support additional academic challenge when that has been sought. My kids have had a wonderful social experience. I have never seen or heard of bullying and I spend LOTS of time on campus in the classrooms, in library, at recess, and in the lunchroom. School very open to parent involvement. And we have a very active PTA.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2013

I was reading over these most recent reviews and could NOT disagree more! I am a parent of two children at this school in upper and lower grades and have been here for many years. It is a wonderful school with teachers and staff that truly care about the well being and education of every student. The focus of this school is not to pound out test taking skills and weed out under performing students in order to hike up their STAR testing scores. The get an all around education where they get to be kids while still getting an excellent education. As far as the "bullying" claims go, I have NEVER seen or heard of anyone in this school being "bullied". Not saying it doesn't happen, what school in this world doesn't have it ? But, just because some parents have a personal issue with their own children/grandchildren getting rubbed the wrong way, doesn't mean you need to label the teachers and parents and administration as flawed. Please if you are looking to send your child to school in Petaluma, go and see for your self and take a tour. DO NOT BELIEVE everything you read. The children at Sonoma Mountain are happy, energetic, bright and caring.
Submitted by parent on January 05, 2013

A terrible school! Run by the parents with the most money! Principle is nice but not a determined enough to stand up for what's right. Very passive. A lot of bullying going on and parents and teachers as well gossip. Couldn't be a great school if ran better. Very sad. I would NOT recommend this school to anyone glad to be done with it!
Submitted by parent on March 12, 2012

I have two kids in school. It does have a bit of disciplinary problems. The school is not what it once was. Be prepared very gossipy and clicks with parents. Some teachers are burnt out and need to retire. Good academic programs and music for upper grades. It's nice that it is a small school to bad so many parents are so rude talking about one another. Parents are what brings the school down. Many play the "my child would not do that " part... Good luck