Oak Grove Elementary/Willowside Middle

Tucked into the rolling hills just outside Santa Rosa's core, Oak Grove Elementary/Willowside Middle is a combined K-8 charter that draws families who want something a little different from the standard district experience — and in Sonoma County, that appetite for independent thinking runs deep. The school's science scores stand out, which fits well with the agricultural and environmental character of the surrounding area, and the combined campus means kids can build real continuity with teachers and peers over several years. Families who value a close-knit, nature-adjacent community and don't mind trading a bit of suburban convenience for a more grounded, small-school feel tend to thrive here.