Stone Bridge School

SBS is a great school for some families but adheres to a strict Waldorf pedagogy. Much is made of the media restrictions and delayed literacy, but Waldorf is much more than locking up the T.V. and waiting to do ABCs. Any famliy considering SBS should read up thoroughly on this form of education. Specific to this school, the class sizes are large, even in grades 1-3 and in keeping with Waldorf, the teaching is group based, rather than individualized. The kindergarten is one of the best I have ever seen, and some of the grades teachers are absolutely brilliant educators. However, the problem of inconsistency among the classes is huge. The 1st gr. teacher is to remain with your child through 8th gr. If your child gets one of the prized teachers, it's a thoroughly enriching education. If you end up with a less than fabulous teacher, you are in for much disruption and uncertainty. This also means that only a small group of students benefits from the strongest teachers. Art is well integrated, but it is of a specific style and not taught as a form of personal expression. There is also a spiritual undercurrent to much of the teaching that, though not overt, cannot be denied.
--Submitted by a parent

This entire school year my child's teacher has said "good morning" to me maybe twice. She has her own set of "pet parents" who she spends most of her time with. She has shown aggressive behavior to my child and even though I have mentioned this to the principal, the behavior continues. A very unhealthy environment! Oh, and you're STUCK with such a teacher 'till 8th grade!
--Submitted by a parent

Prospective parents should understand that a Waldorf education is a commitment - subjects are taught at a different rate from regular public schools, so especially in the early grades, the children can be significantly behind and a switch may be a stumbling block. It is the goal at Waldorf schools that teachers stay with their class throughout the grades. This can be wonderful, since the teacher has an intimate understanding of his/her class which can truly benefit the child. However, this can also present problems when things don't work out with a teacher. Our children have been SBS students for years, but we are now faced with the problem of a teacher who has extreme and militant rules. Meetings take place, suggestions and promises are made, but the problems persist. Since there is no obvious indication that anything is being done, it is clear that we cannot continue with this teacher until 8th grade. We are now confronting a switch to another school. This will be a traumatic event for our family and I wouldn't wish this situation on anyone.
--Submitted by a parent

Take a field and watch a community build a utopian school... this is the history of Stone Bridge School in Napa, California. As parents, we feel incredibly lucky to have been a given a place at the table of such an amazing community. Stone Bridge School, with its Waldorf orientation and overwhelming parental involvement, cultivates enthusiasm for life-long learning our children literally come home singing. At a time when the profession of teaching is reduced to teaching to the test, Stone Bridge School is a vibrant reminder that teaching is not only a refined skill, but an art form. And our children thrive as a result of being embraced as dynamic, unique individuals and critically thinking, active community members. What more could we ask for from a public school in a diverse, democratic society? Stone Bridge School is one model that deserves recognition.
--Submitted by a parent

My kids have been attending this school for over ten years and i wouldn't have my kids go any where else. I love the philosophy and the curriculum.
--Submitted by a parent

The Waldorf style delivery method excels at creating thinking, feeling, and problem solving students. The school community is open and supportive. I wouldn't have my daughter anywhere else.
--Submitted by a parent

Three of my grandchildren attend Stonebridge. I am impressed with many things about Stonebridge----but what impresses me the most is the way that the children are nurtured and respected as individuals.

Stone Bridge School, offers children a bridge from traditional teachings and the Waldorf teaching which includes all of the arts. Children are able to see the arts incorporated in their learning and as a result see how they personally are interwoven in both. As a parent I am thankful that the upper class (middle schoolers) are still part of the main frame of the school. They walk amongst the lower grades as role models. They have interaction with them and it pleases me to no end to see that everyone is still part of the whole. I wish that my older children had had the opportunity to start in the lower grades.
--Submitted by a parent

Great Community, excellent curricula.
--Submitted by a parent

Our school is developmentally appropriate - which is hard to find these days!! Also, we have the best parent community in Napa!!
--Submitted by a parent