Our Students

Stanbridge Academy best educates students with mild to moderate learning differences and social communication disorders. Many, if not most, of our students struggle with multiple challenges. We maintain an intentional balance of students with different learning and social challenges, including students diagnosed on the autism spectrum. We have found that this balance encourages students to benefit from their classmates’ strengths and to respect their differences.
​Scroll down to read stories from some of our current students and their families.

We serve students with a range of learning differences

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out of the mouths of students

Students at Stanbridge have a range of learning differences and diagnoses including:

• High functioning autism (previously diagnosed as Asperger’s Syndrome)
• Social skills deficits
• Auditory and written language processing delays
• Working memory issues
• ADD/ADHD
• Non-verbal learning disorder (NVLD)
• Sensory integration disorder
• Dyscalculia
• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia
• Dysgraphia

 
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. If you think your student may be the right fit for Stanbridge, click here to schedule a tour. 

When Stanbridge students were practicing the real-world use of apps in technology class, Ian created an Adobe Spark video answering  the question, "What does Stanbridge mean to me?" His video inspired others to use their imagination and skill to answer the same question. Following are just a few of the completed project shorts:

• Ben, High School Sophomore
• Brendan, High School Junior
• Chase, High School Junior
• Ian, High School Freshman
• Jackson, High School Freshman
• Justin, High School Freshman
• Tyler, 8th Grade

What makes Stanbridge the right fit?

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Bence, 2nd Grade
After a two-year, roller-coaster journey of four preschools and not being able to find an appropriate kindergarten placement for Bence, my son and I landed in Miss Alex’s class at Stanbridge Academy on November 30, 2015 and never left.

His new, amazing teacher,  took him under her wing and showed us a path of possibilities. The focus was no longer on his receptive language disorder or ASD diagnosis, but on supporting all the wonderful qualities and talents that my son has. Bence felt at home, safe, and understood after his first day. Read more of Bence's story.

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​Tyler, 4th Grade
When Tyler was younger, we experimented with the San Francisco Unified School District, but they had difficulty supporting his learning. He started losing confidence and frustrations grew for him and for us. Tyler finally hit a boiling point, so our family started evaluating alternative education options.
 
We are now in our fourth year at Stanbridge and could not be happier for Tyler. Every morning, he cannot wait to go to school. He’s grown into a compassionate and confident person. Read more of Tyler's story.

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Joaquin, 6th Grade
Joaquin was a student at our neighborhood public elementary school from kindergarten through 4th grade.  Kindergarten and 1st grade were fine; we had no qualms with his education. But each following year presented challenges: increasing class sizes, bigger workloads, and harder social interactions.

I knew we had to find a kinder, more inclusive environment that accepted and celebrated Joaquin and his differences. We shadowed at Stanbridge and knew from that day it was the right place for us! Not only does Joaquin feel completely accepted and at ease, but he has formed so many friendships with students and staff.  He is confident. He’s happy. What more could a parent ask for? Read more of Joaquin's story.

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Mia, 10th Grade
We began to realize things we not typical with Mia socially or academically early in kindergarten. After being moved by the school district for the third time in three years to a special day class, we were done. I began searching online for hours on end and, after visiting a couple schools, we found Stanbridge and have never looked back!
 
School life for her now is safe and comfortable. It's sounds cliché, but the kids and staff “get her,” and she is thriving with them. Read more of Mia's story.

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​Daniel, Class of 2016 graduate
When Daniel entered middle school, learning in a general education classroom was getting more challenging. He worked very hard outside of school to maintain his grades and comprehend what he was learning, but the demands were getting too high.
 
We have continued to be impressed by the staff and teachers at Stanbridge throughout Daniel’s six years here. Once Daniel worked through his transition to Stanbridge, everyone in our family felt happier. He is motivated to continue learning and will leave Stanbridge as a confident, capable, and happy college student! Read more of Daniel's story.