Academics: Our Programs

We offer a challenging, engaging program that extends from  Kindergarten through 8th Grade. There are many unique aspects of our program, but a few highlights are:

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Small Class Sizes

Our homeroom classes and core subjects have between 18-22 students, smaller than many schools but still large enough to promote socialization and support group projects.

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Even smaller skill-based groups

Our reading and math classes are split into smaller groups of around ten students and are based on student ability by subject. For example, if your child is ahead of grade level in one subject but at grade level in the other then their group placement will reflect that.

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STEM Program

Students have STEM twice per week, starting in Junior Kindergarten.  STEM at Sonder is a trimester each of Engineering, Coding and then Robotics.  We have a hands-on Science program as well, and combined with our STEM program, students are engaging in real world problem solving almost every day. 

 

Authentic Spanish and Mandarin Programs

Students have the choice of pursuing either Spanish or Mandarin.  Both languages are taught four days per week, and most importantly, both languages are taught in the language.  This is not memorizing vocabulary and verb conjugations.  We want children to develop an authentic feel for a language through listening, conversation, games and reading.  Junior Kindergartners and Kindergartners get two days a week of each before needing to choose.

 

Positive Psychology

We help students develop their Growth Mindsets and further their leadership skills in our weekly Positive Psychology class.  More and more research shows that healthy attitudes towards learning and overcoming challenges are instrumental to not only academic success but to emotional well-being as well.

 

Inquiry-based Learning

That ‘ah-ha’ moment.  The ‘I wonder what would happen if…”.  Our students ask questions, explore, and pursue deep learning.  Through a combination of projects, hands on activities, experiential learning opportunities and more our students engage in inquiry-based learning.