Stonebridge Elementary School

Posted October 2, 2009

Stonebridge uses an non traditional approach to teaching children by teaching them in 'multi age colonies.' The school is divided up in to four huge rooms (colonies) with two grades in each. Students will have the same family group and teacher for two years at a time allowing them to form very close bonds and giving the teachers the ability to work closely with your child and their individual needs. Each child works at their own pace by completing assingments at small tables though out the day. This system allows academically bright children to go ahead as far as they need without being held back and also allows for special needs children to go as slow as they need without information being rushed ahead of them. On top of all this, the younger colonies resemble more of a Childrens Museum then a school and are a wonderful place to foster creativity!
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Posted February 5, 2009

The parents at Stonebridge have accomplished great things, including building a $200K playground, and funding special programs. Unfortunately, the school is very disorganized and chaotic, resulting in lost assignments (often by teachers), and students being allowed to roam around unsupervised. It is OK for some kids, but those needing focus and structure won't find it here; there are too many distractions and confusing 'systems.' Responsibility for assignments, due dates, communication, etc. is heaped on the children early on without giving them the tools and training to organize themselves. Inevitable problems with this are then blamed on the child, with teachers taking no ownership. There are some good teachers, but many have poor communication skills, even lacking the ability to use e-mail, so parents frequently do not know what is going on. The principal lacks the leadership skills to make improvements, and often does not even respond to parents' concerns.
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Posted January 25, 2009

Stonebridge is the kind of school I would have loved to go to as a kid. It's a school that encourages the love of learning and is best for a self-directed, curious, independent or adventurous child. Divided into 4 'colonies', each with 1-2 grades apiece, students are able to learn at their own pace and to retain the same teacher for 2 grades in a row. Gifted students don't get bored and students who need more time don't get left behind. The school relies heavily on paras as almost all classwork is done in small groups. The students rotate from area to area on their own. For a very shy student, or easily distracted one, the setting can be a challenge as the space (In Colony I especially) is very open and full of lots of interesting distractions. Teachers are willing to work with parents to help the students though.
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Posted May 27, 2004

Stonebridge is an excellent school for children able to work in a setting of mixed ages, open, flexible classrooms and individually paced-driven studies. This school makes possible some very creative approaches to learning. Teachers work together in teams and parents are very invovled in their children's education - many by volunteering in the classrooms. Very friendly, welcoming atmosphere. excellent special education programs and teachers. room for students to excell. music program excellent - comprehensive curriculum. Singing, music history, composition, music reading, general music appreciation. Older students are invited to join instrumental music program (orchestral or band) with a very creative and learned music department staff. Welcome to visit! A designated peace site.
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