Frequently Asked Questions
1. How was
In 1980, Dr.
2. How large are the classes?
Classes are limited in size to accommodate the tutorial, mentoring spirit of the school. The high school is a "limited enrollment" high school that admits students based upon their Christian character, testimony, desire to learn, and submission to authorities.
3. What curriculum is taught?
The Principle Approach curriculum was developed at
4. What literature is taught at StoneBridge?
The literature program is based upon the classical Christian curriculum developed by Rosalie June Slater. In the primary school the children's classics are taught along with the children's poets and Shakespeare. In the middle school the great classics such as David Copperfield and Ivanhoe are taught in their entirety using the notebook approach. In high school, students receive two full years of English literature and two full years of American literature. The entire StoneBridge literature curriculum is published in the book, Literature Curriculum Guide, by Rosalie Slater.
5. How is reading taught at StoneBridge?
The model for the teaching of reading is based upon an intensive phonetic approach, The Writing Road to Reading, which begins in kindergarten. Built upon the phonetic instruction, a unique program, using the Bible as the primary reader, extends through eighth grade. In The Noah Plan®, all language areas including literature, composition, spelling, grammar, and reading are integrated to develop excellent communication skills in our students.
6. Why is there such an emphasis on writing?
Writing is to reading what exhaling is to inhaling. The student who can express a subject in writing has mastered the subject. Writing develops reasoning and thinking ability and forms excellent communication skills. The writing of the notebook in the study of the subject makes the subject the student's own personal property. Writing is an essential element of a fine education and prepares the student for higher education and lifelong learning.
7. How are the Bible classes taught?
Bible is the center of the curriculum, taught each morning as the first course in all grades, and taught according to a comprehensive curriculum that reflects the bibliocentric, evangelical, reformed statement of faith published by
8. What foreign languages are taught at
Because the study of classical and foreign languages is essential to the formation of excellent communication skills in today's world, we teach foreign languages in every grade. French is the language used to introduce students to foreign language learning in kindergarten through sixth grade. French is the official language of diplomacy and is useful in science and medicine and in western philosophy and literature. English derives nearly fifty percent of its vocabulary from French and Latin. Latin is introduced in fourth grade and is taught until eighth grade. Students enter high school with a strong base of both French and Latin. In high school, students choose from Spanish, Greek, and French and can study each of these languages for all four years of high school.
9. Why does StoneBridge teach Latin?
Latin is taught for its value in establishing for the student excellent language and vocabulary skills. Much of the history of the chain of Christianity touches
10. Which fine arts are emphasized?
The fine arts are given special place in the curriculum at StoneBridge and begin in kindergarten with the teaching of art and music. In addition, the fifth through twelfth grade curriculum includes drama and orchestral programs.
11. Does StoneBridge offer computer instruction? In what grades?
Computer training begins in the primary school utilizing computers in each classroom for supplementary instruction. In middle school, students are trained on the needed software for use in support of their education--word processing, data base, and spread sheets. In high school, students use computers and the Internet for assignments, research, science data, etc. The high school curriculum includes a course in computer science. High school students publish a yearbook, a newsletter, and a literary magazine using various desktop publishing programs.
12. What is the tutorial approach?
The tutorial approach is the paradigm embraced by StoneBridge teachers through which they regard and supervise the learning of each individual student. The teacher recognizes the learning style and needs of every student in the class, and keeps each one on his or her learning threshold giving encouragement through remedial help or enrichment as needed. Classes operate on schedules that make it possible for teachers to regroup students appropriately and to engage tutors as needed. The close dialogue between home and school keeps both the teacher and parent informed of learning success and creates a successful partnership. This partnership utilizes a communication tool called a weekly "goal sheet" which gives the parent the teacher's lesson plan schedule, homework assignments, and grades from the previous week.
13. What is the notebook approach?
The notebook approach, the primary method of instruction in StoneBridge classrooms, is the classical method of mastering a subject. The notebook replaces the workbook, which is mediocre in expectation of the student's performance and limiting to his growth in the subject. The notebook is set up and graded according to an established standard and used daily to record the learning of the subject.
14. Are programs offered for children with learning disabilities?
15. Is transportation provided?
StoneBridge contracts with Tranquest, a local transportation company, to offer safe, reliable, and affordable bus transportation from the Virginia Beach/Great Bridge area to both campuses. Transportation fees are not included in tuition. Click here for more information on transportation.
16. Are students' SAT scores comparable to the national averages?
17. Are StoneBridge graduates getting into good colleges? How are they doing in college?
The StoneBridge education well equips students for the rigors of college. The average SAT score is consistently above 1200. The performance of
18. Is
StoneBridge was first accredited in 1990 by the Association of Christian Schools International. At that time, the school offered grades K4 through eight. The high school was begun in 1990 and full accreditation was achieved in 1996 for grades kindergarten through twelfth. The ACSI accreditation process has been approved by the Virginia Council for Private Education Committee on Accreditation as authorized by the Virginia State Board of Education. StoneBridge is a demonstration school for the Foundation for American Christian Education and serves as a training site for teachers from around the nation and the world through the F.A.C.E. "Apprenticeship Program for Principle Approach Education."
19. What does it cost to attend?
Tuition at StoneBridge ranges from $4,395 to $7,795, depending upon the grade level. School supplies (notebooks, paper, etc.) normally cost $100 to $150 per year per child. There are other occasional charges for special activities or events, etc. If extended care or transportation is used, additional charges apply. There is a one-time facility fee of $1,000 for each entering family.
20. Is financial aid available?
Yes, but only to re-enrolling families. The StoneBridge Scholarship Program was established in 1991 to provide need-based assistance to qualified families. An endowment has been established to fund this program. An application process and review is required.
21. How is StoneBridge funded?
StoneBridge is funded through tuition, fees, and gifts. Tuition and fees cover approximately 95% of the expenses. Additional funds are raised through the Development Department. The StoneBridge board has adopted the philosophy of raising funds through philanthropy rather than "consumer-based" fundraising, such as sales. We feel that teachers and students should be concentrating on teaching and learning while parents, board members, and the Development Department focus on funding the school. Every StoneBridge family is asked to make a gift toward the Annual Fund.