WELCOME TO SONDER CREEK ACADEMY

A Place to Learn, Grow, & Belong | Pre-K through 8th Grade in Walnut Creek, CA

K through 8th Grade at Sonder Creek Academy

Learning at Sonder Creek Academy (SCA) is both accelerated and enriched. From the earliest grades, students explore gifted-level units, dive deeper than state standards, and often work a full grade or more ahead – building a foundation that prepares students for honors or even AP coursework as they enter high school. Rigor does not come at the expense of joy; our classrooms are warm, personal places where teachers truly know their students, creating a learning community where every child feels seen, supported, encouraged and challenged. Along with strong academics, students experience the world beyond Walnut Creek through foreign language, global traditions and a school community enriched by many cultures and perspectives. The result is a dynamic education – rigorous, hands on and internationally minded – that inspires our learners to thrive today, and to lead with confidence tomorrow.

A message from our founder

Our Approach To Education Starts With Our Beliefs About Children

Children can do more

Children can do more

Children can learn and do so much, from infants to teenagers.ย  Some adults may be surprised by how much young learners can accomplish.ย  Not us.

Children want do more

Children want to do more

Children are naturally curious and motivated, but they may lose both if their environment does not encourage them to learn about and engage with the world.

Children grow their talents

Children can grow their talents

And this is about more than IQ.ย  Talents include creativity, planning, team work, and more.ย  We all have different starting points, but we can grow our talents with the right effort and guidance.

"โ€ฆSCAโ€™s true hidden gem is their middle school program. All too often these days, middle schools are large and impersonal. This is not the case at Sonder Creek. In those pivotal middle school years, Sonder Creek provides students with the skills to be successful anywhere.โ€

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"We love Sonder Creek! Our son (and our family) was warmly welcomed a year and a half ago and weโ€™ve had a very positive experience from day one. The teachers are so engaged, they definitely know each child, their strengths, and their growth areas. The staff are kind and caringโ€ฆ"

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"SCA is a fantastic place for my kids and all students to grow academically and personally. The dedicated teachers create a nurturing and engaging learning environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. The school emphasizes a growth mindset, encouraging students to embrace challenges and develop critical thinking skills."

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"The academics of this school are top-notch! However, what makes this school so special is the incredible community culture they work to create. Teachers are responsive to children's needs..The kids are kind to each other and create special bonds, and the parents have made a wonderful community with each other. "

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"Excellent learning environment. A few words used to describe SCA: enriching, safe and positive growth environment, well-rounded curriculum that keeps expanding, exceptional staff that care about the students, wonderful parents and students."

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"The teachers bring a depth of knowledge and a shared commitment to academic excellence that challenges and inspires students. They create an environment where curiosity is encouraged, critical thinking is developed, and a love of learning is cultivated. The balance of rigorous academics and genuine care ensures that students are both supported and pushed to reach their full potential. SCA isnโ€™t just a schoolโ€”itโ€™s a place where children thrive, families connect, and educators work together to shape the next generation."

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One School, Three Campuses โ€“ A Connected Learning Experience

Sonder Creek Academy provides a seamless educational journey across three specialized campuses, each thoughtfully designed to support learning, growth, and community. While each campus offers unique experiences, we remain one cohesive school, ensuring every student benefits from the same high-quality education and nurturing environment.

K - 1ST GRADE

K - 1ST GRADE

1871 GEARY RD,
WALNUT CREEK, CA

Visit

2ND - 4TH GRADE

2ND - 4TH GRADE

200 LA CASA VIA,
WALNUT CREEK, CA

Visit

5TH - 8TH GRADE

5TH - 8TH GRADE

860 BANCROFT RD,
WALNUT CREEK, CA

Visit

Designed for busy families

We know families juggle busy schedulesโ€”and we design our program to make life easier. A few things we do with you in mind:

  • Complimentary Shuttle: Our campus-to-campus shuttle ensures families can still make one drop-off in the morning and one pickup in the afternoon as the older student rides with us.

     

  • Extended School Day: Tuition covers 8:00amโ€“4:00pm with a drop-off window before classes start at 8:30am, and flexibility for students to play or do homework with us until 4:00pm.

     

  • Early and After Care: For families who need it, we open as early as 7:15am and stay until 6:00pm, with drop-in, monthly, and annual care options.

     

  • Events: Held at varying timesโ€”school days, afternoons, weekendsโ€”so all families can attend.

     

  • Parent Involvement: No required fundraising or volunteer hours. Instead, families connect in meaningful ways like chaperoning field trips, sharing traditions, or helping at social events.

     

At Sonder Creek Academy, we support studentsโ€”and their parentsโ€”by combining academic excellence with practical flexibility.

International Lunch Program

Lunch at SCA is more than a mealโ€”itโ€™s a global experience. Students enjoy chef-prepared dishes from around the world, like Chana Masala, Matzo Ball Soup, Japanese katsu, and Filipino adobo. Each lunch is paired with fresh sides and served alongside fun facts and cultural insights to make learning part of every bite.

Made fresh daily, every meal is thoughtfully prepared by Miss Angela, who brings a holistic approach to foodโ€”making it fun, educational, and accessible. Through this program, students gain cultural awareness and develop a broader palate with each dish. SCA parents even get in on the fun!

Parent Cooking Classes are offered throughout the year in our Sonder Kitchen, giving families a chance to connect, learn new recipes, and explore international flavors together. The lunch program is available five days a week:

  • $65/week for Grades 1โ€“8
  • $55/week for JK & Kindergarten

Menus are sent home monthly

Academic & Student Life

At Sonder Creek Academy, education goes beyond the classroom. Our hands-on academic program fosters critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth, while our diverse extracurricular offerings provide students with opportunities to lead, explore new interests, and collaborate with peers. From engaging coursework to after-school programs, leadership opportunities, and experiential learning adventures, we cultivate a well-rounded student experience.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEPS?

Get to know our teachers, learn about our curriculum, and ask questions in a welcoming, parent-only session.

Children can do more

Step 1: Attend an Info Session

Get to know our teachers, learn about our curriculum, and ask questions in a welcoming, parent-only session.

Children want do more

Step 2: Join Us for a Tour

Visit our campus and see learning in action. Tours are for parents and include a guided walk-through, brief classroom visits, and time for Q&A with our leadership team.

Children grow their talents

Step 3: Apply by January 10, 2026

Applicants will visit us for a Shadow Day in Jan, Feb or Mar with all decisions communicated by March 10, 2026.ย  (Applications accepted on a rolling basis after Jan 10th, space permitting)

Join The Campus Fun, Follow Us @sondercreekacademy