Stanbridge Academy
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Build your bridge

The admissions process at Stanbridge

Interested in placement? Click here to take the first step in our admissions process
We would love to have you visit our campus and see our classrooms, students, and teachers in action, but Covid protocols continue to limit our ability to host campus visitors during the school day. Nonetheless, we are able to welcome interested families to visit and tour our facilities on a limited, controlled basis to ensure everyone's safety.

  • Click to view/download Stanbridge Academy's Campus Visitor Policy

Our entire administrative team is happy to work with you throughout the admissions process during this unique and challenging time. We have revised our admissions calendar and process to adapt to this "new normal" situation. If you are currently looking for placement for your child, we recognize the additional layer of uncertainty involved with that decision right now. We are here for you, and will work with you step-by-step through the admissions process to understand your child's needs, their learning differences, their challenges and strengths, and ensure that you and your child feel comfortable and confident if Stanbridge is the right fit.
​

Please click here to take the first step. Our Admissions Director will be in contact with you for an initial conversation and take it from there. We appreciate your interest in our school and look forward to talking with you soon.

​Stanbridge Academy offers open enrollment throughout the school year. If a class is full, qualified students are placed in a wait pool and families are notified as soon as placement is available. Tuition is prorated based on your student's start date.
The information below reflects our admissions process under current COVID-19 restrictions limiting campus access

Admissions at Stanbridge follows a four-step process: 
  1. Complete an online Inquiry Form 
    Our Director of Admissions will follow up with you for an initial conversation and to answer any questions you have about our program before proceeding to Step Two. 
  2. Complete an online Application Form*
    *Submit required attachments to Director of Admissions, Kirsten Gamb, at kgamb@stanbridgeacademy.org
    Please note that we are waiving the $150 application processing fee during Covid restrictions.
  3. Student will participate in a two-day shadow experience
    Prior to the shadow visit, student and parent(s) may also be asked to participate in video conferences or in-person meetings with school leadership as appropriate; which may include: Head of School​​; Director of Counseling; Division Head; and Speech & Language Pathologist. May also include a reading and math placement test.
  4. An admissions decision will be rendered
    School administrators will discuss feedback with you and assist with completing any required contract and financial aid paperwork, as necessary.

​Step 1: Initial Inquiry
The first step in our Admissions process is to complete our online Inquiry Form. You may request an informational phone call or video conference with our Director of Admissions prior to proceeding to Step Two (completing an online application).
​ ​
Step 2: Complete an application
If you feel that Stanbridge may be a good fit for your student, the next step is to complete an application. Stanbridge operates on an open-enrollment cycle, and if you would like your child to be considered for placement, our application consists of the following:
​
  • A completed online application (click here to access our online application form)
  • A conversation with the Admissions Director or Head of School (phone call or Zoom)
  • A brief narrative describing your child’s strengths, challenges, and interests
  • A current photograph of your child
  • Report cards and standardized testing results
  • Copies of all educational, academic, and/or psychological testing
  • Speech and language report*
  • Copy of IEP/504*
  • ​A $150 non-refundable processing fee (waived during Covid)
    *if applicable

Your application and documentation will be reviewed by our Admissions Committee once the above information is received. They will then follow up with you regarding next steps.

Step 3: Shadow day/Virtual visits with our Admin Team
If your application packet is approved, your child would be invited for a two-day shadow experience within the appropriate grade division, allowing them to experience classes at Stanbridge while paired with a current student peer "ambassador." Being sensitive to Covid restrictions and precautions, shadow visits are currently being scheduled on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, in addition to shadowing in-person, you and your student may also be asked to participate in video conferences or in-person meetings with school leadership as appropriate; which may include: Head of School​​; Director of Counseling; Division Head; and Speech & Language Pathologist. Students in grades 4–12 will be given a reading and math assessment as part of their shadow experience.

Step 4: Admissions decision
After your child has completed the necessary shadow visits, the Director of Admissions will discuss with you feedback from our staff. Based on those discussions, your child may be invited to attend Stanbridge Academy. If Stanbridge is determined an appropriate placement for your child’s educational needs, you will talk with our Business Office personnel regarding your financial responsibilities, a start date will be established, and an enrollment contract issued. Once the signed contract and deposit have been received, the student will then be registered as a Stanbridge Academy student. More information on tuition and financial aid is available here.

Stanbridge Academy


School Hours

School Day hours
8:25 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Main Office hours
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Contact Info

515 E. Poplar Ave.
San Mateo, CA 94401
Main Office: ​650.375.5860
​Click here for map

Click below to...

Employees/Trustees

• Schedule a tour
​• Access the Parent Portal
• View upcoming events
​• Log in to QuickSchools
Click below to login and access Stanbridge internal sites:
​• Stanbridge Staff site
• Stanbridge Trustee site

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​Stanbridge Academy is fully accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)
​
and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) through the 2025–2026 academic year.
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Stanbridge Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Stanbridge Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

​Website line icons from www.flaticon.com.   •   Copyright 2015–2022 Stanbridge Academy.
  • About Us
    • From the Head of School >
      • Covid Safety Plan
    • What makes Stanbridge unique
    • Our Mission & Philosophy
    • Our Students >
      • Dawson's Story (HS)
      • Tyler's Story (MidSch)
      • Bence's Story (Elem)
    • Our Alumni >
      • Laura's Story (Class of 2008)
      • Lana's Story (Class of 2011)
      • William's Story (Class of 2012)
      • Sarah's Story (Class of 2013)
    • Our Teachers
    • Our Admin & Support Staff
    • Our Trustees
    • Our Donors
  • Academics
    • Elementary (K–5)
    • Middle School (6–8)
    • High School (9–12)
    • Post-HS Transitions
  • Programs
    • Experiential Learning
    • Postsecondary Transitions
    • P.E. & Athletics
    • Visual & Performing Arts
    • Speech & Language
    • Counseling
    • Technology
    • Afterschool & Summer School
    • Student Leadership & Community Service
  • Admissions
    • The Admissions Process
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • FAQ
    • Inquiry Form
  • Resources
    • Contact Us
    • Calendar & Events
    • Common Ground
    • Useful Links
    • SPA Spot
    • Parent Portal
  • Support Us
    • Donate Online
    • Give by check or phone
    • Donate stock or give through a DAF
    • Donate goods or services
    • Bulldog Wear
    • Other ways to give