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Welcome to Stetson Academy
Welcome to Stetson Academy, a private school in Vacaville, CA, known for its innovative education and focus on each student's individual path. We combine modern teaching techniques with a supportive setting to build intellectual curiosity and a lasting interest in learning. Our program emphasizes hands-on experiences, technology, and insights from brain science to deliver effective education. We value each child's uniqueness, support their interests, and help them fulfill their full academic potential.
Above all, we strive to make the learning process enjoyable and engaging, to inspire a lifelong love of learning and natural curiosity that will propel our students toward success in school and beyond.
Mission & Philosophy
At Stetson Academy, our mission is to inspire a lifelong love of learning, develop resilient and empathetic students in a supportive community, and deliver exceptional academic results through personalized, individualized experiences that foster curiosity and purpose. We believe that learning should be fun and understand that every child learns at a different pace. That's why we group students by ability rather than solely by age, ensuring each child is challenged appropriately and supported in their unique educational journey.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is strategically designed to break down traditional subject barriers, allowing for a cross-curricular approach that deepens student learning. Core subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics are integrated with science and social studies, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. This method not only helps students see the connections between different areas of study but also fosters critical and creative thinking skills. Our focus is on practical knowledge application, problem-solving, and developing a broad set of skills. By employing this approach, we maximize instructional efficiency and equip our students with the critical thinking and adaptability they need to succeed.
Innovative Learning Environments and Room Transformations: Immersive & Play-Based Learning
At Stetson Academy, we regularly transform classrooms into immersive environments that bring learning to life—whether recreating historical periods, setting up scientific laboratories, or stepping into the worlds of literature.
These room transformations provide students with concrete, engaging contexts that make academic concepts more relatable and memorable. Combined with play-based strategies that align with children’s natural curiosity, this approach allows students to explore ideas through hands-on activities while still meeting rigorous curricular goals.
The result is deeper comprehension, stronger retention, and greater enthusiasm for learning. Students collaborate, experiment, and connect ideas across subjects in meaningful ways, building both academic skills and a lasting appreciation for how knowledge fits together.
STEM/STEAM Focus and Technological Integration: Enriching the Core Curriculum
At Stetson Academy, our STEM/STEAM focus and integration of cutting-edge technology are pivotal in supporting and enriching our core curriculum. We believe in providing our students with impactful and memorable learning experiences that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application. Our classrooms are equipped with advanced tools like CNC and laser CNC machines, allowing students to explore and create in ways that deepen their understanding of scientific and mathematical principles. This hands-on approach to technology not only enhances our students' skills in these critical areas but also integrates seamlessly with other subjects, bringing concepts to life across the curriculum. By incorporating these technological resources into everyday learning, we offer a unique educational experience that prepares students for a future where technology and innovation play a central role. Our commitment to this comprehensive STEM/STEAM education fosters not just academic proficiency but also encourages creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking – skills essential for success in the 21st century.
Coding Program: Building Future Innovators
At Stetson Academy, our coding program goes far beyond introductory concepts to deliver advanced, real-world programming education. We introduce students to actual programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, and even more sophisticated tools typically encountered at the high school or college level, ensuring they build a strong foundation in computational thinking and software development.
Through challenging projects like developing full applications, automating tasks with scripts, and programming robots or AI models, students gain hands-on experience that reinforces key math, logic, and problem-solving skills. This rigorous approach not only prepares them for careers in technology but also cultivates innovative thinkers who can apply coding principles across disciplines, setting them apart in an increasingly digital world.
Electives: Coding and Spanish
Our electives program offers students the opportunity to explore their interests in greater depth. In coding electives, students delve into advanced programming concepts, building on foundational skills to create complex projects and applications.
Spanish electives provide immersive language experiences, focusing on conversational skills, cultural understanding, and practical usage. These electives complement our core curriculum, allowing students to pursue passions while developing versatile skills for future success.
Spanish Immersion: Daily Language Integration
Stetson Academy's Spanish immersion program integrates daily Spanish exposure for all students, fostering bilingual proficiency from an early age. Through interactive lessons, conversations, and cultural activities, students develop natural language skills alongside their core studies.
This immersive approach not only enhances linguistic abilities but also promotes global awareness and cognitive flexibility. By making Spanish a part of everyday learning, we prepare students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Art Integration: Fostering Creativity
Art is woven throughout our curriculum, with weekly projects in clay, painting, pastels, and more. This integration nurtures artistic expression, fine motor skills, and creative problem-solving across all grade levels.
By connecting art to other subjects, we enhance learning and provide outlets for self-expression, boosting confidence and cognitive development.
Home Economics: Practical Life Skills
Integrated throughout the week, our home economics program teaches essential life skills like cooking, sewing, and household management. Students gain confidence in self-sufficiency while applying math, science, and creativity in real-life contexts.
These hands-on experiences promote independence, responsibility, and appreciation for everyday tasks, preparing students for practical challenges in adulthood.
English Immersion: Roots of Language
Our English program immerses students in Latin and Greek root words and etymologies, providing a deep understanding of word origins and meanings. This approach facilitates advanced vocabulary building and language skills applicable to multiple languages.
By exploring linguistic roots, students gain tools for better comprehension, spelling, and communication across disciplines.
Financial Literacy: Building Economic Awareness
Our comprehensive financial literacy program empowers students with essential knowledge for lifelong financial success, covering key concepts like budgeting, saving, debt management, and avoiding common pitfalls such as impulse spending or high-interest loans. Through interactive lessons and real-life simulations, younger students learn foundational principles, while older ones dive into advanced topics like investing in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, including hands-on stock market competitions and portfolio management exercises.
This practical, age-appropriate curriculum not only builds confidence in handling money but also instills strategic thinking and informed decision-making, preparing students to navigate complex financial landscapes with savvy and responsibility—skills that set them up for independence and prosperity in adulthood.
Field Trips: Bringing Learning to Life
Stetson Academy organizes numerous field trips throughout the year to reinforce classroom concepts and provide memorable academic experiences. These outings connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, deepening understanding across subjects.
From visits to historical sites to science centers and nature preserves, our field trips inspire curiosity and create lasting memories while enhancing the curriculum.
Clubs: Enriching Student Interests
Stetson Academy offers a diverse array of in-school clubs that cater to a wide range of interests, including chess for strategic thinkers, book clubs for avid readers, science and tech clubs for aspiring innovators, and gardening clubs for those who love hands-on nature projects. These clubs provide structured opportunities for students to dive deeper into their passions, hone specialized skills, and form meaningful friendships with like-minded peers.
Extending beyond the school day, our after-school offerings like the Stitch Squad sewing club and robotics teams allow for even more creative exploration in a relaxed, supportive setting. Whether building leadership through club initiatives or collaborating on group projects, these extracurriculars foster personal growth, teamwork, and a sense of community while complementing academic learning.
Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
Recognized as the most advanced TK program in the region, our TK at Stetson Academy is designed to spark a lifelong love of learning through immersive, experiential activities that blend fun with foundational skills. Young learners engage in hands-on projects, sensory explorations, and collaborative play that build curiosity, creativity, and essential interpersonal abilities in a nurturing, supportive environment.
Art is woven into the daily routine with diverse media like painting, sculpting, and crafting to enhance fine motor skills and self-expression. This play-based curriculum not only fosters emotional growth and social collaboration but also accelerates academic readiness—many of our TK graduates advance to kindergarten or even first-grade levels, equipped with advanced literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills far beyond typical expectations.
Middle School: Preparing for Future Success
In addition to excellent core academics, our middle school program emphasizes entrepreneurialism, financial literacy, and critical life skills. Students engage in real-world projects that develop business acumen and innovative thinking.
In a supportive environment free from the behavioral distractions found in most middle schools, young adolescents build resilience, decision-making abilities, and practical knowledge essential for navigating adulthood through hands-on experiences and mentorship. This comprehensive approach prepares students for high school and beyond.
Small Group Instruction and Personalized Learning: Tailoring Education to Every Student
At Stetson Academy, we emphasize the importance of small group instruction as a cornerstone of our educational approach, ensuring personalized and attentive learning experiences for each student. This method allows our teachers to deeply understand the individual learning styles, strengths, and needs of every child, enabling them to tailor instruction in a way that resonates best with each student.Through this personalized approach, we ensure that no student is overlooked or unchallenged. Small groups foster a supportive and collaborative learning environment where students feel comfortable to express themselves and engage deeply with the material. By focusing on small group instruction and personalized learning, we are committed to nurturing each child's unique potential, preparing them for academic success and personal growth in a rapidly evolving world.
Student Culture and Behavioral Approach: Fostering Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience
At Stetson Academy, our approach to student culture is centered on respect, responsibility, and resilience. We understand that excellent student behavior is the bedrock of a productive learning environment and meaningful peer interactions. Our commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment ensures that every student can thrive, free from the concerns of bullying. Through a balanced approach to behavior management, we cultivate a culture of respect, emotional intelligence, and mutual understanding. Our educators focus on nurturing these qualities, guiding students to take personal responsibility for their actions while also developing empathy towards others. By prioritizing these values, we ensure that our students are not only academically successful but also well-rounded and responsible individuals. They are equipped with the essential social and emotional skills necessary for lifelong success and well-being, prepared to excel in all aspects of life.
Historical Literacy, Logical Reasoning, and Self-Examination: Cultivating Critical Thinkers
At Stetson Academy, we place a strong emphasis on historical literacy and the development of logical reasoning skills, believing these to be fundamental in shaping informed and critical thinkers. Our approach to history education goes beyond memorizing dates and facts; it involves immersing students in the context, complexities, and perspectives of historical events. This immersion fosters a deep understanding of how the past shapes the present and future, encouraging students to draw connections and develop a nuanced worldview. In parallel, we nurture logical reasoning abilities, guiding students to approach problems methodically and think critically. Equally important is our focus on self-examination. We encourage students to reflect on their learning, understand their thought processes, and recognize their role in both their immediate community and the larger global context. This comprehensive focus on historical literacy, logical reasoning, and self-reflection equips our students with the tools to analyze, interpret, and engage with the world around them thoughtfully and responsibly.
Our Teachers: Dedicated Excellence
As the highest-paid private school in the area, Stetson Academy attracts and retains exceptional educators from across the country, who bring unparalleled passion, expertise, and dedication to every aspect of teaching. Our teachers go above and beyond, committing to elaborate room transformations that turn classrooms into immersive worlds—often requiring long hours after school and work on weekends to craft these engaging environments that captivate and inspire students.
This level of commitment ensures not just top-tier instruction but also personalized mentorship, innovative lesson planning, and a genuine investment in each child's growth, creating a transformative educational experience that sets our faculty apart from the rest.
Parent Dashboard: Real-Time Insights
Stetson Academy's cutting-edge parent dashboard offers an unparalleled level of transparency and insight into your child's educational journey, far surpassing the limited portals found at most schools. With real-time access to a vast array of data—including detailed teacher notes, up-to-the-minute grades and test scores, focus areas, current student groups and assignments, progress toward academic standards, open teacher concerns, words read metrics, and key performance indicators like growth charts and AI-generated insights—parents can stay deeply engaged and informed.
Unlike generic systems at other institutions that provide only basic overviews (if any), our dashboard delivers comprehensive, actionable information in one intuitive platform, enabling you to track development, celebrate milestones, and collaborate effectively with educators to support your child's success.
Report Cards: Comprehensive Progress Tracking
At Stetson Academy, our report cards stand out as the most detailed and informative available, providing a precise, data-driven snapshot of your child's academic standing without relying on vague or unhelpful canned statements common in other schools. We clearly outline grade-level equivalency, growth rates, progress toward specific standards, and personalized per-subject comments that highlight strengths, areas for improvement, and tailored recommendations.
This accurate, insightful approach ensures parents receive a thorough, honest picture of their student's performance and potential, empowering families to make informed decisions and foster continued achievement in ways that generic report cards simply cannot match.
Community Engagement: Fostering Compassion and Connection
At Stetson Academy, our commitment to community engagement is a vital aspect of our educational ethos. We believe in nurturing not just academic skills but also a sense of social responsibility and compassion among our students. Our school is actively involved in supporting local charities through various fundraisers, instilling in our students the importance of giving back and making a positive impact in the community. These fundraising events are not only opportunities to help those in need but also valuable learning experiences for our students in empathy, organization, and teamwork.
Additionally, we make several visits each year to local nursing homes, fostering intergenerational connections and enriching the lives of both our students and the elderly. These visits allow students to engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences, and bring joy to the residents. These interactions are invaluable in teaching our students the value of compassion, respect for the elderly, and the importance of community inclusivity.
Through these initiatives, Stetson Academy strengthens the bond between our students and the wider community, teaching them the significance of contribution and the joy of making a difference in the lives of others.
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO): Building Community & Creating Memories
The Stetson Academy PTO is an active, enthusiastic group of parents and teachers dedicated to enhancing our school community and creating joyful shared experiences.
Throughout the year, the PTO organizes a variety of popular family events, including:
- 🥐 Pastries with Parents
- 💃 Father-Daughter Dance
- 🎄 Holiday Performance
- 🌳 Family Nights
- 🎃 Fall Festival / Trunk-or-Treat
- 🏖️ End of Year Awards Night
These events foster strong family-school connections, build lifelong memories, and raise funds that directly support classroom enhancements, field trips, and student programs.
Learn more and get involved:
Visit Stetson
PTO Website →
Tuition & Pricing: Exceptional Value with Outstanding Quality
Despite maintaining one of the lowest student-to-teacher ratios in the region, Stetson Academy’s tuition remains significantly more affordable than many other local private schools and is well below the California statewide average of $17,458 per year for private elementary education.
We believe an elite, personalized education should be accessible to families who value academic excellence, innovative teaching, and a nurturing environment. Our transparent and competitive pricing reflects this commitment.
Full tuition rates, fees, and payment options are available on our dedicated tuition
page:
View Complete Tuition &
Schedule →
We are proud to accept the BASIC Fund Scholarship, which can cover 25–75% of
tuition for qualifying families.
Learn more and apply at
basicfund.org →
Families can also reduce tuition costs through our popular PTO Bingo program by volunteering a few
evenings per year. Many families earn $1,000–$3,000+ in tuition credit annually.
Learn about Bingo volunteering
opportunities →
Join Us at Stetson Academy: Where Education Transforms Lives
Stetson Academy is more than just a school; it's a community where education is an exciting journey of discovery, growth, and transformation. We invite you to join our family and experience the unique, enriching, and nurturing environment that sets us apart. Visit us and witness firsthand the vibrant synergy of innovative learning, compassionate community involvement, and a curriculum that prepares young minds for a future of success and leadership. Whether you are a parent seeking a holistic educational experience for your child or a community member interested in collaborating with us, Stetson Academy welcomes you. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and the broader community. Join us in shaping a brighter, more connected, and compassionate future.
Fill out an application