The Stanbridge Student

Although there is no “typical” Stanbridge student, most students share similar qualities that make learning difficult. Students at Stanbridge usually have more than one learning difference; verbal and non-verbal differences are common and often found together in a student. Many students find paying attention and focusing on schoolwork to be problematic. Most students have some social skills deficits that make building and keeping friendships more difficult than for other children.  Children at Stanbridge have a range of diagnoses or labels including those listed here.

The Stanbridge program best serves students with mild to moderate learning differences, verbal and non-verbal; students who benefit from small class sizes (8 students), differentiated teaching and experiential learning. The program encompasses a social skills curriculum, resource support staff and an academic curriculum that is aligned with the California standards. Together, these components allow for the education of the whole child. Students learn to become effective self-advocates as they gain knowledge and understanding of their own strengths and challenges.

Stanbridge is not a therapeutic school and does not have services to adequately support students with either emotional or behavioral issues as their primary diagnosis.

Many Stanbridge students are very creative and energetic. We have students who are talented musicians, performers and artists. We have students who are passionate about math or language arts. History buffs and developing scientists frequently find an audience to celebrate and share their knowledge. Younger students often find mentors in high school friends who themselves gain confidence in the satisfaction of helping coach a struggling student either learn academics or build friendships more successfully. The Stanbridge Academy community strives to celebrate each student’s strengths and talents while helping them understand their weaknesses and differences.  It is our ultimate goal for each student to learn successfully and achieve their potential.

After high school graduation, Stanbridge students typically transition to college, enter the work force or continue to build skills through apprenticeships, by interning or joining volunteer organizations.