Sonoma County Schools & Education
Sonoma County, California
School Score
48/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
83.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
83.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.5%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,942
National avg $13,239
State avg $8,762
School Score
48/100
Higher = better
State avg 55/100
State School Rank
#44
of 58 counties (1 = best)
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Education Overview
About Schools in Sonoma County, California
A Vast Network of Local Schools
Sonoma County maintains a robust educational infrastructure with 180 public schools serving 63,218 students across 61 different districts. The landscape includes 109 elementary schools and 30 high schools, providing a wide range of options for local families. This large number of districts creates a deeply localized approach to education throughout the North Bay.
Balancing Investment and Graduation Outcomes
The county spends $8,942 per pupil, which slightly exceeds the California state average of $8,762 but remains below the national benchmark of $13,000. While the school score of 54.3 sits near the state median, the 83.5% graduation rate trails both the state and national averages of approximately 87%. These metrics suggest a system that is fairly funded by state standards but faces challenges in completion rates.
A Strong Presence of Charter Options
Santa Rosa High is the county's largest district, managing 12 schools and 10,049 students, while Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified follows with 5,970 students. Charter schools represent a significant portion of the local landscape, making up 28.9% of all schools with 52 active campuses. This high density of charters offers parents substantial alternatives to traditional district-run schools.
From Urban Centers to Rural Campus Life
Education here happens in diverse settings, ranging from 73 city-based schools to 27 campuses in rural areas. While the average school size is a manageable 368 students, large campuses like Casa Grande High serve up to 1,710 students. Families can choose between intimate town-based schools and large, resource-rich suburban high schools.
Find a Home Near Quality Schools
School quality is a primary driver for home values and family stability in Sonoma County. As you research the local real estate market, consider how proximity to top-performing districts like Windsor Unified or Petaluma Joint Union High impacts your lifestyle. Explore available homes today to secure a spot in a neighborhood that meets your educational needs.
School Overview
Total Schools
180
in Sonoma County
Total Enrollment
63,218
students
School Districts
61
districts
Charter Schools
52
29% of total
School Type Breakdown
61 School Districts in Sonoma County
Santa Rosa High
Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified
Petaluma Joint Union High
Santa Rosa Elementary
Windsor Unified
Sonoma Valley Unified
Rincon Valley Union Elementary
Petaluma City Elementary
Old Adobe Union
Bellevue Union
180 Public Schools in Sonoma County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casa Grande High | Petaluma Joint Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,710 |
| Santa Rosa High | Santa Rosa High | 9–12 | High | 1,682 |
| Rancho Cotate High | Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,611 |
| Windsor High | Windsor Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,603 |
| Maria Carrillo High | Santa Rosa High | 9–12 | High | 1,591 |
| Montgomery High | Santa Rosa High | 9–12 | High | 1,572 |
| Analy High | West Sonoma County Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,466 |
| Piner High | Santa Rosa High | 9–12 | High | 1,361 |
| Roseland Charter | Roseland Charter District | KG–12 | Charter | 1,293 |
| Petaluma High | Petaluma Joint Union High | 9–12 | High | 1,220 |
| Cali Calmecac Language Academy | Windsor Unified | KG–8 | Charter | 1,168 |
| Sonoma Valley High | Sonoma Valley Unified | 9–12 | High | 1,127 |
| Elsie Allen High | Santa Rosa High | 9–12 | High | 1,055 |
| Cesar Chavez Language Academy | Santa Rosa Elementary | KG–8 | Charter | 853 |
| Lawrence E. Jones Middle | Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 791 |
| Rincon Valley Middle | Santa Rosa High | 7–8 | Middle | 786 |
| Kenilworth Junior High | Petaluma Joint Union High | 7–8 | Middle | 779 |
| Oak Grove Elementary/Willowside Middle | Oak Grove Union Elementary | 1–8 | Charter | 742 |
| Windsor Middle | Windsor Unified | 6–8 | Middle | 725 |
| Herbert Slater Middle | Santa Rosa High | 7–8 | Middle | 716 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,942
State avg $8,762
Find Homes Near Top Schools
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Sonoma County, California — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Sonoma County, California?
Sonoma County maintains a robust educational infrastructure with 180 public schools serving 63,218 students across 61 different districts. The landscape includes 109 elementary schools and 30 high schools, providing a wide range of options for local families. This large number of districts creates a deeply localized approach to education throughout the North Bay.
How do schools in Sonoma County perform academically?
The county spends $8,942 per pupil, which slightly exceeds the California state average of $8,762 but remains below the national benchmark of $13,000. While the school score of 54.3 sits near the state median, the 83.5% graduation rate trails both the state and national averages of approximately 87%. These metrics suggest a system that is fairly funded by state standards but faces challenges in completion rates.
What are the major school districts in Sonoma County, California?
Santa Rosa High is the county's largest district, managing 12 schools and 10,049 students, while Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified follows with 5,970 students. Charter schools represent a significant portion of the local landscape, making up 28.9% of all schools with 52 active campuses. This high density of charters offers parents substantial alternatives to traditional district-run schools.
What is the school experience like in Sonoma County?
Education here happens in diverse settings, ranging from 73 city-based schools to 27 campuses in rural areas. While the average school size is a manageable 368 students, large campuses like Casa Grande High serve up to 1,710 students. Families can choose between intimate town-based schools and large, resource-rich suburban high schools.
How can I find homes near good schools in Sonoma County, California?
School quality is a primary driver for home values and family stability in Sonoma County. As you research the local real estate market, consider how proximity to top-performing districts like Windsor Unified or Petaluma Joint Union High impacts your lifestyle. Explore available homes today to secure a spot in a neighborhood that meets your educational needs.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.