Alumni Spotlight

Sarah Carlson, Class of 2013
Artist & Community Educator | Half Moon Bay

Nearly 13 years after graduation, Sarah continues to bring creativity and connection to her community. Now volunteering at the Half Moon Bay Library, where she teaches sewing classes and creates craft projects for librarians, she credits Stanbridge with giving her the tools to advocate for herself and succeed on her own terms.


"Stanbridge was really beneficial for me," Sarah reflects. "The way they accommodated my
needs and taught things like note-taking made such a difference."

​The school's understanding of executive function and processing speed challenges provided Sarah with strategies she still uses today - a stark contrast to her previous educational experience where these needs went unmet.

The individualized support she received at Stanbridge remains invaluable in her daily life.
Teachers like Jay, who taught her effective note-taking strategies, and Camille, who nurtured her passion for art, understood how to break down complex tasks and provide clear expectations that helped her thrive academically and creatively.

Sarah remembers Stanbridge's vibrant community with particular fondness - from serving in student government to participating in clubs, and especially the memorable trip to Washington D.C. during which she was able to witness President Obama's second inauguration. These experiences allowed her to feel truly integrated into school life in ways that wouldn't have been possible with a one-on-one aide at a traditional high school.

Looking ahead, Sarah is excited about her upcoming move to Big Wave housing, where she will have her own art space and continue building community connections - the same values Stanbridge helped instill during her four years there.

Her perspective for parents considering Stanbridge? The school's supportive approach doesn't just help students succeed academically - it teaches them to understand their own learning styles and advocate for what they need, skills that create lasting independence and confidence.

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