March gave us a chance to slow down and focus on something that matters at every level: helping students see themselves as readers.
Through Read Across America, our kindergarten class made a simple commitment to read every day. Nothing complicated, just consistency.
They read with partners at their level.
They explored different types of books.
They started to notice what they liked.
And over time, you could see the shift.
Students who were hesitant became more confident.
Students who rushed began to slow down and focus.
They started to take pride in what they were reading.
We tracked their progress together, grouping books into stacks of 10 and counting past 500. What started as reading naturally turned into a math lesson too.
By the end of the month, they weren’t just completing an activity. They understood what it feels like to stick with something and improve.
Mrs. Schroeder and the class were incredibly proud.
They set a goal, followed through, and saw the result.
Sonder Creek Academy
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We are an independent private school in the East Bay for junior kindergarten through 8th grade.
05/27/2026
We spent the day at the Oakland Museum, and it gave our students a chance to experience California in a much bigger, more connected way.
They walked through the state’s history from before 1540 to today, seeing how different waves of people shaped the culture, communities, and decisions that still impact us now. It sparked some thoughtful conversations as they moved through each period.
In the Natural Sciences gallery, they explored what makes California so diverse, from Yosemite to the Coachella Valley. They looked at how geography, climate, and ecosystems all interact, and how those systems are affected by how we live and build.
One of the most impactful stops was the “Good Fire” exhibit. Students learned how Native communities have used cultural burning for generations to care for the land. It opened up a deeper understanding of stewardship and the value of long-standing knowledge and tradition.
We also spent time in the California Art gallery, where students had space to observe, interpret, and share what stood out to them.
It gave us a lot to talk about, and we’re already bringing some of those conversations back into class.
05/20/2026
What does it actually look like when students apply what they’re learning in science?
Our 6th graders are currently working through an advanced interdisciplinary unit focused on aquatic ecosystems, water pollution, and environmental impact.
As part of this work, they visited Heather Farm Pond in Walnut Creek to collect and test real water samples.
Students measured pH, temperature, and nutrient levels, then used that data to evaluate whether the ecosystem could support healthy fish populations.
They’re also exploring how pollutants travel through local waterways and how human decisions affect environmental health over time.
This type of learning asks students to think critically, analyze real data, and work through problems that don’t have simple answers.
It’s one thing to learn about ecosystems in a classroom.
It’s another to step into the role of a scientist and investigate one firsthand.
05/14/2026
There’s a rhythm to family life during the school year.
Mornings, drop-offs, work, after school, evenings at home.
At Sonder Creek Academy, we’ve built our school to fit into that rhythm in a way that feels supportive, not complicated.
One school across three campuses.
A shuttle that connects them.
Extended care from 7:15am to 6:00pm.
Chef-prepared lunches each day.
After school classes your child looks forward to!
But more than anything, we value the relationship with our families.
We know every household looks a little different, and we do our best to meet you where you are.
Stay connected in ways that work for you.
We’re here to support both your child and your family along the way.
📩 Now enrolling for the 2026–2027 school year | Pre-K through 8th Grade
Your next step is simple: come meet us.
Visit SonderCreekAcademy.org to schedule a tour.
What would your child create if they had to start their own business?
That’s exactly what our 3rd graders set out to do.
As part of our economics unit, students didn’t just learn about businesses—they built their own. From coming up with a product to thinking through costs, pricing, and competition, every step asked them to think a little deeper and solve real problems.
And then came the big moment… their pitches.
Each student stood up and shared their idea—some even brought in their products so classmates could taste, touch, and experience them firsthand. It turned the room into something that felt a lot like a real marketplace.
What stood out most wasn’t just the creativity (though there was a lot of it). It was the way they communicated, adapted, and supported each other through the process.
A big thank you to our parents for showing up and cheering them on—and to our 2nd graders, who came ready with thoughtful questions, careful notes, and even a few “investment” decisions of their own.
If you’re looking for a school where your child is encouraged to think this way, ask questions like this, and share their ideas with confidence, we’d love to have you come see it in person.
05/06/2026
There are certain days during the school year that remind you what a school really is, and our Spring Picnic at Heather Farm Park is one of them.
It’s not just an event. It’s one of the few times we see everyone together: students, parents, siblings, teachers—all in one place, outside the classroom, just enjoying each other.
Families spread out on blankets, kids run from one game to the next, music plays in the background, and there’s this steady feeling of connection the entire afternoon.
Each class shows up in their own way, hosting games and activities that the kids genuinely get excited about. There’s face painting, a photo backdrop that ends up being busier than expected every year, great food, and a lot of laughter that carries across the park.
What stands out most is the mix of familiar faces and new ones. Long-time families reconnect, new families start to find their place, and you can feel how naturally the community comes together. It doesn’t feel forced. It just works.
And of course, moments like Mr. Ryan jumping into the sack race—and actually winning—are the kind of things the kids will talk about long after the day is over.
This is a big part of what makes Sonder Creek what it is. Not just a place where students learn, but a place where families feel connected, supported, and genuinely part of something.
05/05/2026
Summer is for fun… and we’re making learning part of it ☀️
Our Summer Bridge Classes are designed to keep kids engaged without taking away from everything they love about summer.
A little reading, a little writing, a little math in the morning… then it’s right back to camp, friends, and play.
It’s simple, it’s consistent, and it helps them walk into the next school year feeling ready.
Designed for rising Kindergarten and 1st grade students stepping into something new this fall.
$100 per week
Morning sessions
Weeks #2– #9
Easy to add into your summer plans, and worth it when August rolls around.
Visit SonderCreekAcademy.org to enroll. Spots fill quickly.
When most people picture elementary math, they imagine worksheets and basic problem solving.
In our Accelerated Math 5–6 class, students are developing something deeper.
Fifth graders are working with shapes on a coordinate plane, plotting coordinate pairs and classifying triangles and quadrilaterals based on their side lengths and angle properties. They’re also identifying numeric patterns and interpreting real-world problems on a coordinate grid.
Sixth graders are studying rational numbers, learning to represent negative numbers on both a number line and a coordinate plane. They perform operations with positive and negative fractions and apply these concepts to real-world contexts such as temperature and elevation.
The goal is not just learning math. It’s building spatial reasoning, analytical thinking, and confidence with complex ideas.
That foundation carries well beyond the classroom.
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860 Bancroft
Walnut Creek, CA
94596