Frequently Asked Questions
We live 20 miles from Stanbridge. Do students carpool?
Some families arrange carpools with other Stanbridge families. Each fall, a list of student names sorted by zip code is provided to help families identify Stanbridge students commuting from similar locations. Families make arrangements independent of school. Many students in junior high and high school commute by Caltrain to the San Mateo train station and walk the four blocks to Stanbridge. A family may make arrangements with an older student for a period of time to “buddy up” with their child when he or she first starts riding the train to school.
My child is not comfortable sleeping away from home, does he/she have to participate in the overnight experiential trips?
All students at Stanbridge are expected to participate in the experiential trips, as they are an integral part of the school program. Students learn valuable life skills while building self-confidence and teamwork during these safe and supervised excursions.
Does Stanbridge offer after school care?
Stanbridge does not offer traditional after school care, however there are clubs throughout the year offered in 8-week sessions. The fees for these clubs are separate from tuition and are taught by our faculty and staff members to enrolled Stanbridge students.
My child sometimes has meltdowns at school. How will Stanbridge staff deal with this situation?
Stanbridge teachers and counseling staff help students manage their own behavior and assist students in conflict resolution when necessary. Stanbridge is not a therapeutic school and it is not an appropriate placement for students with primary behavior or emotional issues.
Do students ever transition from Stanbridge to a public school?
Some students choose to transition to another school after attending Stanbridge for several years. Stanbridge provides them with a clearer understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, accommodation needs and learning style. Because students develop the necessary skills of self-advocacy and study skills, they are often able to find success in a larger school environment.
Where do Stanbridge High School graduates attend college?
Most Stanbridge graduates often attend college at one of our local community colleges. Some students attend state universities or private colleges, often on scholarship. Other students choose to enter the work force or participate in paid or volunteer internships or training programs.
Does the Stanbridge curriculum include occupational therapy or speech therapy?
Stanbridge employs three speech and language therapists, one full-time and two part-time. Qualification for speech and language therapy at Stanbridge is determined based on need and is a pull-out program. There is no additional fee for speech therapy. Stanbridge does not have an occupational therapist, but families can make arrangements with outside occupational therapists to work with individual students at Stanbridge during the school day on a pull-out basis. Our physical education programs for elementary and high school students focus on fine and gross motor skills development as well as balance and coordination.