Kenilworth Junior High School occupies a new and boldly designed school facility on Reisling Road on Petaluma's east side. The new school has been open there since 2005. The history of the prior incarnation of Kenilworth Junior High dates back to 1953. Kenilworth is one of six middle schools in the Petaluma Joint Union High School District.
Petaluma Village Preschool is owned by teacher and Petaluma native Casey Arntz. It utilizes the Reggio Emilia Approach, which focuses on education as a process and places the student's experience at the center of the learning environment. In keeping with the Reggio Emilia Approach, the teachers document the student's work in a number of ways, including photographs, teacher commentary and transcriptions of student's speech in order to give parents a window into their child's education, allow teachers to evaluate the learning process and emphasize to the children that their work is valued. Students at Petaluma Village Preschool have the opportunity to learn through art, gardening, storytelling, yoga, language studies in English and Spanish, music and more. This school is also in the preliminary stages of implementing a green school campaign.
McKinley is a small school in the Petaluma City Elementary School District. It has 215 students and 25 teachers. The principal is Sherry Devine. The API Growth score for 2010 was 766. Parents who need to report an absence can call the attendance hotline at 707-766-8337.
The National Holistic Institute is one of the most respected massage therapy schools in the world. It has been hosting students and teaching massage therapy since 1979. It is the first massage school in Northern California to be accredited. Once students graduate, a network of other graduates and supporters help place students in jobs. The NHI offers continuing education classes, financing and placement services.
Liberty Elementary is the only school in the tiny Liberty Union School District and has some 200 students. It offers a variety of enrichment programs including Spanish to music. Liberty received 913 on the Academic Performance Index Growth in 2010, a score that puts it at the top of Petaluma schools.
Little Shepherd Lutheran Pre-School is a ministry of Elim Lutheran Church and is licensed by the State of California, Department of Social Services. The program is open to all children between 2 years old and 4 years old. The school's philosophy is to "strive to provide a loving Christian atmosphere in which the child can grow physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. We hope to develop within each child a loving respect for each other and for the wonders of God's world."
The school's curriculum includes art, music, poetry, dramatic play, nature experiences, personal care, cooking, use of manipulative toys to build coordination and dexterity, puzzles, blocks, games, and both indoor and outdoor play.
The Sonoma Mountain Elementary School opened in 1996 and is one of five schools in the Old Adobe School District. It has 440 students, 21 teachers and offers after-school childcare. It also provides enrichment programs throughout the year, with a special focus on music. Sonoma Mountain received a score of 878 on the Academic Performance Index, ranking it as one of the top elementary schools in the county.
Heidi Thompson Quarter Horses offers riding lessons, training and boarding. The private ranch has a full equine facility and provides boarding through Sonoma County. Call for more information, camp schedules and pricing.
Dunham School, located in western Petaluma, is made up of Dunham Charter School for grades K-5 and Dunham Elementary for grade 6, and has a total of 180 students. It's led by Principal Kimberlee Wilding and prides itself in offering a hands-on education, including many field trips and educational outdoor activities.
Dunham received a score of 831 on the Growth Academic Performance Index (API) in 2010.
Northern California Motorcycle Training offers motorcycle classes for beginners. This is a California Highway Patrol authorized training facility. Classes are $250 for riders 21 years and older and $150 for 15 to 20-year-olds. Students are provided with BRC workbooks, motorcycles and helmets. Highly-trained coaches help create a safe atmosphere.
Petaluma Parent Nursery School is a parent participation nursery school program for children 2 to 5 years old. The program is directed by credentialed teachers and is part of the Petaluma Adult School in the Petaluma district. The program's goal is to strengthen families by building self-esteem in children and adults through education.
Meridian University offers bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in psychology, business, education and the arts, and certificate programs in art therapy, transformative learning and more. The alternative university prides itself in a "transformative" education and hosts public programs that are open to the community.
Courses can also be taken online, nights and weekends to accommodate working professionals.
St. Vincent de Paul Elementary is a K-8 school affiliated with St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Mrs. Susan Roffman is the principal. After-school activities include music, speech and debate and a rocketry and math club. There is also after-school care. The school's motto is "Faith, Academics and Service."
Richard Strozzi-Heckler, Ph.D. is the founder of Strozzi Institute, which provides training and education in leadership skills in the areas of somatic coaching, embodied leadership, and cultivation of the self. It offers courses in each of these three distinct areas, with further programs in organizational mastery. For more information, e-mail [email protected], or go to the Web site listed for more information.
Valley Oaks is an independent study school for children grades K through 12 and offers an alternative approach to education for students who have not done well in other settings.
The W.H. Pepper Preschool was founded in 1894 by W.H. Pepper upon his return to the U.S. from Germany. Pepper was inspired by the work of Fredrick Froebel, a pioneer in the early childhood education movement. Originally a kindergarten program, the preschool has a philosophy that stresses respect for children's interests and personal engagement in the learning process. Director Carolyn Wasielewski is an early childhood education and music specialist. The school focuses on music and movement, art, literature, multicultural activities, nature programs and field trips using an integrated Montessori approach. Tuition assistance is available through co-op positions. W.H. Pepper does not serve lunch or offer before- or after-school care. Students must be toilet trained to be enrolled.
Located a 10-minute drive from the center of town, the Red Barn school was founded in 2000 by Andree Young and Angela D'Ambrogi to provide a Montessori education in a farm atmosphere. The rural setting affirms the values of gardening, science, and sensitivity to local environment. School is year-round, open to children ages 3-6. Admission gives priority to siblings of children already enrolled.
The Quilted Angel is located on the corner of G Street and Second Street just south of downtown Petaluma. Carrying a huge selection of quilting supplies and custom local quilts you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for. Its friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you from start to finish on any project.
Wilson Elementary in the Wilmar Union School District is one of the city's oldest schools, established in the mid 1800s. It's led by Principal Eric Hoppes and has 215 students and 10 teachers. The school offers enrichment programs including art, sewing and sports.
The school's Growth Academic Progress Index (API) in 2010 was 876, one of the highest academic performers in the county.