The admissions process at Stanbridge
(Updated February 2021)
While we would love to have you visit our campus and see our classrooms, students, and teachers in action, the current circumstances have changed things significantly. In September, Stanbridge Academy met the requirements of the County of San Mateo's Department of Health to reopen our campus in a limited capacity so that our elementary students could have the option of in-person instruction. Later in the fall, we were able to provide on-campus access and in-person instructional support to small cohorts in our upper grade divisions. While many of our students continue to receive instruction via distance-learning, facility upgrades made over the summer and throughout the fall have allowed us to provide an in-person instructional option for students in all of our grades, K–12. Nonetheless, Covid safety protocols continue to limit access to our campus for outside visitors.
Upon the initial closure of our campus in mid-March 2020 due to COVID-19, Stanbridge Academy shifted to a remote-learning model. Without missing a beat, our teachers and administrators were able to quickly adapt to delivering instruction to all of our students through distance learning, utilizing online resources such as Google Classroom, Zoom video conferencing, SeeSaw, and other online tools. Likewise, our support staff, counselors, and speech & language pathologists were also able to provide services to students remotely, and continued to engage in social-emotional learning activities and online social lunch groups
Being mindful that students with learning differences have unique challenges, our staff worked with all of our families to ensure this sudden transition went smoothly, gathering feedback, adjusting as necessary, and adapting our program to meet each student's needs. Equally important, we remained connected as a community, holding weekly parent check-ins online; hosting a virtual Prom, All-School Talent Show, and commencement ceremonies; and delivering five weeks of online virtual Summer School offerings. Though our campus was virtual for the latter half of the school year, we were still teaching, learning, and staying connected while staying apart.
Because we are an independent and relatively small school of fewer than 100 students—with a unique campus layout and low student-to-teacher ratio—we can be more flexible in our reopening plans during the current school year. Per state and county guidelines regarding schools reopening, we made the determination to begin the school year in distance-learning mode for our Middle School and High School students (grades 6–12), while securing a waiver from the County of San Mateo that allowed us to offer the option for on-campus, in-person instruction for Elementary students (grades K–5). As reopening guidelines evolved throughout the fall and winter, Stanbridge welcomed back more students and teachers to our campus when it became safe and prudent to do so. Stanbridge continues to follow state and county guidelines with respect to campus access for our students, families, and staff. You can click the link below to read more about our Covid reopening plan, which was updated in early 2021 and provides more details on our campus safety protocols. Click here to read more about our Covid reopening plan, which was updated in January and provides more details on our campus safety protocols.
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. Kirsten 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. Be well and stay safe!
While we would love to have you visit our campus and see our classrooms, students, and teachers in action, the current circumstances have changed things significantly. In September, Stanbridge Academy met the requirements of the County of San Mateo's Department of Health to reopen our campus in a limited capacity so that our elementary students could have the option of in-person instruction. Later in the fall, we were able to provide on-campus access and in-person instructional support to small cohorts in our upper grade divisions. While many of our students continue to receive instruction via distance-learning, facility upgrades made over the summer and throughout the fall have allowed us to provide an in-person instructional option for students in all of our grades, K–12. Nonetheless, Covid safety protocols continue to limit access to our campus for outside visitors.
Upon the initial closure of our campus in mid-March 2020 due to COVID-19, Stanbridge Academy shifted to a remote-learning model. Without missing a beat, our teachers and administrators were able to quickly adapt to delivering instruction to all of our students through distance learning, utilizing online resources such as Google Classroom, Zoom video conferencing, SeeSaw, and other online tools. Likewise, our support staff, counselors, and speech & language pathologists were also able to provide services to students remotely, and continued to engage in social-emotional learning activities and online social lunch groups
Being mindful that students with learning differences have unique challenges, our staff worked with all of our families to ensure this sudden transition went smoothly, gathering feedback, adjusting as necessary, and adapting our program to meet each student's needs. Equally important, we remained connected as a community, holding weekly parent check-ins online; hosting a virtual Prom, All-School Talent Show, and commencement ceremonies; and delivering five weeks of online virtual Summer School offerings. Though our campus was virtual for the latter half of the school year, we were still teaching, learning, and staying connected while staying apart.
Because we are an independent and relatively small school of fewer than 100 students—with a unique campus layout and low student-to-teacher ratio—we can be more flexible in our reopening plans during the current school year. Per state and county guidelines regarding schools reopening, we made the determination to begin the school year in distance-learning mode for our Middle School and High School students (grades 6–12), while securing a waiver from the County of San Mateo that allowed us to offer the option for on-campus, in-person instruction for Elementary students (grades K–5). As reopening guidelines evolved throughout the fall and winter, Stanbridge welcomed back more students and teachers to our campus when it became safe and prudent to do so. Stanbridge continues to follow state and county guidelines with respect to campus access for our students, families, and staff. You can click the link below to read more about our Covid reopening plan, which was updated in early 2021 and provides more details on our campus safety protocols. Click here to read more about our Covid reopening plan, which was updated in January and provides more details on our campus safety protocols.
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. Kirsten 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. Be well and stay safe!
Stanbridge Academy offers open enrollment throughout the school year. If a class is full, qualified students are placed on a waiting list 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:
Step 1: Phone call or Zoom video conference with our Director of Admissions
We typically encourage all prospective parents to arrange a visit to our campus, either by scheduling a date and time for a personalized tour, or by attending one of our group tours or Open House events during the school year. Under current Covid protocols, campus access is limited to outside visitors, so meetings are virtual/online for the time being.
Nonetheless, either by phone or video chat, members of our administrative team will be happy to hold a preliminary conversation with you about our school, answering any questions you may have about our program, and discussing your student's background, strengths, and challenges to ensure that Stanbridge is an appropriate fit.
The information below reflects our admissions process under current COVID-19 restrictions limiting campus access
Admissions at Stanbridge follows a four-step process:
- Phone call or Zoom video conference with our Director of Admissions
- Complete an online application (click here)*
*submit required attachments to Director of Admissions, Kirsten Gamb, at kgamb@stanbridgeacademy.org
Please note that we are waiving the $100 application processing fee during Covid restrictions. - Student and parent will participate in Zoom video conferences 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.
- Final discussions regarding admissions decision with the Head of School.
Step 1: Phone call or Zoom video conference with our Director of Admissions
We typically encourage all prospective parents to arrange a visit to our campus, either by scheduling a date and time for a personalized tour, or by attending one of our group tours or Open House events during the school year. Under current Covid protocols, campus access is limited to outside visitors, so meetings are virtual/online for the time being.
Nonetheless, either by phone or video chat, members of our administrative team will be happy to hold a preliminary conversation with you about our school, answering any questions you may have about our program, and discussing your student's background, strengths, and challenges to ensure that Stanbridge is an appropriate fit.
Step 2: Complete an application
If, after your visit, you feel that Stanbridge may be a good fit for your student, the next step is to complete an application packet. Stanbridge operates on an open-enrollment cycle, and if you would like your child to be considered for placement, our application packet consists of the following:
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: Virtual visits with our Admin Team
Under normal circumstances, if your application packet is approved, your child would be invited for a shadow day within the appropriate division—allowing them to experience a full day of classes at Stanbridge while paired with a current student "ambassador" within that grade division. Remote learning and social distancing currently makes this difficult, but we'd still like you and your child to get to know us as much as possible during this process. We will work with you to arrange phone calls and/or video meetings with our administrative team, counselors, speech and language pathologists, as well as teachers and any other staff members you wish to talk with.
Step 4: Talk with our Head of School
After your child has completed the necessary "virtual visits," the Head of School 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.
If, after your visit, you feel that Stanbridge may be a good fit for your student, the next step is to complete an application packet. Stanbridge operates on an open-enrollment cycle, and if you would like your child to be considered for placement, our application packet consists of the following:
- A completed online application (click here to access our online application form)
- Copies of all educational, academic, and/or psychological testing
- Report cards and standardized testing results
- Speech and language report
- A brief narrative describing your child’s strengths, challenges, and interests
- A current photograph of your child
- Copy of IEP/504 (if applicable)
- Signed transcript release (for high school students only)
- A $100 non-refundable processing fee (waived during Covid)
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: Virtual visits with our Admin Team
Under normal circumstances, if your application packet is approved, your child would be invited for a shadow day within the appropriate division—allowing them to experience a full day of classes at Stanbridge while paired with a current student "ambassador" within that grade division. Remote learning and social distancing currently makes this difficult, but we'd still like you and your child to get to know us as much as possible during this process. We will work with you to arrange phone calls and/or video meetings with our administrative team, counselors, speech and language pathologists, as well as teachers and any other staff members you wish to talk with.
Step 4: Talk with our Head of School
After your child has completed the necessary "virtual visits," the Head of School 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.
