A message from the Head of School
Hello from Stanbridge Academy. My name is Julie Smith, and as Head of School at Stanbridge, I would like to personally introduce you to one of the Bay Area’s only dually-accredited K–12 schools for students with learning differences and other special education needs.
Founded in 1982, Stanbridge Academy is a school for students in grades K–12 who have mild to moderate learning differences and social communication challenges. With a population of approximately 100 students, we teach standards-based curriculum at all grade levels; our small class sizes allow for individualized instruction and the use of integrated assistive technology. On-staff counselors and speech and language therapists help students develop executive functioning and social thinking skills, and we offer a full complement of arts, athletics, and enrichment programs, as well as a postsecondary transitions program to prepare high school graduates for college, job placement, and independent living. Stanbridge Academy has been fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 1998, and in 2018 we received a maximum seven-year accreditation term from both the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and WASC through June 2025.
It is not an understatement to say that Stanbridge changes lives. To quote one of our recent high school graduates who is continuing his academic career at Cabrillo College, “You all helped me in your own ways to change my philosophy on life after I came here, to see that there was more to life than suffering, and that happiness can be found.” As Head of School, I see these kinds of transformations every day—when students who have struggled at their previous schools come to Stanbridge and grow academically, socially, and emotionally. And the impact extends beyond just the students—many parents have told me point blank, “Stanbridge has been a lifesaver!”
As someone who knows the struggles that students with learning differences face in school, as well as the distress and helplessness that their parents can feel when things simply aren’t working out, I invite you to explore our website to learn more about our program. Additionally, if you feel that Stanbridge is the right fit for your student, please take the next step to schedule a personal tour of our campus, or visit us at our next Open House to see what Stanbridge has to offer.
We truly do change lives for the better, and I look forward to showing you how.
Sincerely,
Julie Smith
Head of School
Founded in 1982, Stanbridge Academy is a school for students in grades K–12 who have mild to moderate learning differences and social communication challenges. With a population of approximately 100 students, we teach standards-based curriculum at all grade levels; our small class sizes allow for individualized instruction and the use of integrated assistive technology. On-staff counselors and speech and language therapists help students develop executive functioning and social thinking skills, and we offer a full complement of arts, athletics, and enrichment programs, as well as a postsecondary transitions program to prepare high school graduates for college, job placement, and independent living. Stanbridge Academy has been fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 1998, and in 2018 we received a maximum seven-year accreditation term from both the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and WASC through June 2025.
It is not an understatement to say that Stanbridge changes lives. To quote one of our recent high school graduates who is continuing his academic career at Cabrillo College, “You all helped me in your own ways to change my philosophy on life after I came here, to see that there was more to life than suffering, and that happiness can be found.” As Head of School, I see these kinds of transformations every day—when students who have struggled at their previous schools come to Stanbridge and grow academically, socially, and emotionally. And the impact extends beyond just the students—many parents have told me point blank, “Stanbridge has been a lifesaver!”
As someone who knows the struggles that students with learning differences face in school, as well as the distress and helplessness that their parents can feel when things simply aren’t working out, I invite you to explore our website to learn more about our program. Additionally, if you feel that Stanbridge is the right fit for your student, please take the next step to schedule a personal tour of our campus, or visit us at our next Open House to see what Stanbridge has to offer.
We truly do change lives for the better, and I look forward to showing you how.
Sincerely,
Julie Smith
Head of School