Stanbridge Academy
  • About Us
    • From the Head of School >
      • Covid Safety Plan
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      • What makes Stanbridge unique
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      • Dawson's Story (HS)
      • Tyler's Story (MidSch)
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      • Laura's Story (Class of 2008)
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A message from the Head of School

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​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 2026.

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,

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Julie Smith
​Head of School

Stanbridge Academy


School Hours

School Day hours
8:25 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.
Main Office hours
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 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

• Inquire about Admission
​• 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)
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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
    • Our Mission & Philosophy >
      • What makes Stanbridge unique
    • 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
    • FAQ
  • Academics
    • Elementary (K–5)
    • Middle School (6–8)
    • High School (9–12)
  • Programs
    • PostSecondary Portal >
      • PostSecondary Additional Info
    • Experiential Learning
    • P.E. & Athletics
    • Visual & Performing Arts
    • Speech & Language
    • Counseling
    • Technology
    • Afterschool & Summer School
    • Student Leadership & Community Service
  • Admissions
    • The Admissions Process
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Inquiry Form
  • Resources
    • Contact Us
    • Calendar & Events
    • Bulldog Blog
    • Bridge Blog >
      • Post-Secondary Events
    • A.S.K. Series
    • Common Ground
    • SPA Spot
    • Parent Portal
  • Support Us
    • Gala2023
    • Donate Online
    • Give by check or phone
    • Donate stock or give through a DAF
    • Donate goods or services
    • Bulldog Wear
    • Other ways to give