Letter from the Principal.

Dear Sonnenberg Schools Community,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! This is an incredibly exciting time in Sonnenberg Schools’ history, and I am honored to begin this next chapter alongside our students, families, and incredible staff. Over the past several years, we have continued to grow, reflect, and challenge ourselves to better meet the needs of every student we serve. This year, that commitment comes to life as we expand to two campuses, allowing us to create more intentional learning environments designed around the unique needs of our students throughout their entire educational journey.

Our Early Foundations Campus (Franklin Street Campus) will provide our youngest learners with a specialized environment focused on building strong academic, social-emotional, and developmental foundations. With the launch of our K4 program, smaller classroom sizes capped at 14 students, dedicated campus leadership, increased occupational therapy support, and individualized literacy intervention for every student, we are excited to prioritize the foundational skills that help our youngest learners build confidence, independence, and a strong foundation for future success.

Our new Academics and Life Skills Campus will provide our older learners with an environment specifically designed to support continued academic growth, independence, and success. Students in grades 4th-12th will benefit from larger classrooms, more focused grade-level groupings, and increased opportunities for teachers to provide instruction that is appropriately challenging and individualized. This campus will also provide our Life Skills Program with dedicated spaces designed for hands-on learning and real-world skill development, including opportunities to practice vocational, community, and daily living skills through authentic learning environments such as our school store, Sunny’s Cafe, and simulated community settings. These spaces will allow students to build confidence, discover their strengths, and develop skills they can carry with them beyond Sonnenberg.

While our campuses may look different this year, our purpose remains the same: to provide exceptional, student-centered learning that supports each student throughout their entire educational journey. At Sonnenberg Schools, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to grow academically, develop emotional regulation skills, build independence, and prepare for a future that reflects their individual strengths and abilities. Our four core values of collaboration, compassion, integrity, and excellence continue to guide every decision we make both in and outside of the classroom. They remind us that meaningful progress happens when we work together, lead with understanding, act with purpose, and continually strive to create the highest quality educational experience for every student we serve.

As we begin this exciting school year, I am looking forward to spending the first part of the year alongside our students and staff, building connections, celebrating our successes, and helping our team feel prepared and supported as we step into this new chapter together. In October, I will be taking maternity leave to welcome my newest family member! While I may not physically be at the campuses, I will continue to stay connected and accessible to our leadership team and school community. After the new year, I look forward to returning and finishing the second half of the school year with our Sonnenberg community, celebrating the growth, accomplishments, and opportunities that lie ahead.

Thank you for being an important part of Sonnenberg Schools. Whether you are a student, family member, or staff member, you are an essential part of what makes our community special. I cannot wait to see the growth, achievements, and memories we create together this year. Here’s to an incredible year of learning, growth, and new possibilities!

Best,

Amelia Fahnrich
CEO