Sonoma Country Day School was established in 1983 at the Luther Burbank Center as a school where learning matters; where science and math—not recess and lunch—are favorite subjects, and where music, art, foreign languages, English, history, discipline and respect for others and self are vital.

Founding Headmaster Philip Nix began with the compelling educational notions that the job of a school is to guide children to become adults with intellect and character, and that children need space, time, and opportunity to grow up. SCDS students are known for their self-assurance, accomplishments, and ability to relate to peers and adults.

SCDS has always had "the extras": fine and performing arts, music, foreign languages, a library and a librarian, small classes. The school was thoroughly "wired" by 1995. Competitive sports, drama, and outdoor education are well established. SCDS moved to a new campus in 2000. SCDS graduates do extremely well at top national and local public and private high schools. The school's success inspired the founding in 2001 of a local independent high school, Sonoma Academy.

Over the past 22 years the school has built a high profile events such as La Dolce Vita and Holiday Jubilee. The school also has many community connections: The Santa Rosa Symphony performs in the Jackson Theater at SCDS, Actors Theatre runs the SCDS summer drama program, and art exhibits hang in the school's Grand Gallery. Other theatrical, music, dance, public interest and service organizations are regularly on the Event Calendar.