By Tina Stimson
SBS Parent and Board Member
My husband Chad and I are Michigan natives who moved to California after college to begin our careers. In 2010, we relocated to Virginia and prayed deeply for a community to root ourselves in and raise our family. We were blessed to be introduced to the StoneBridge School (SBS) community in 2014, when we enrolled our first of three daughters in Pre-Kindergarten.
We were welcomed as family and partnered with the administration and teachers in the mission of SBS and its principle-based model. Eleven years later, our three daughters (Lily, 10th; Mia, 8th; and Sara, 5th) continue to enrich our family through learning, leadership, stewardship, and servanthood—hallmarks of the school’s mission.
The daily habits formed from Kindergarten through high school have shaped our children and continue to strengthen our family as we align our priorities with Biblical principles and live out our Christian faith.
What Makes the StoneBridge Community Distinct
Since we began our StoneBridge journey, we’ve witnessed how the SBS community continues to reflect the uniqueness of its mission, fostering growth in wisdom, character, academics, and leadership through the Principle Approach methodology, rooted in Biblical principles and guiding students from preschool through 12th grade.
As a family, we have experienced this commitment firsthand, as SBS faculty and administration partner with parents and students to shape both hearts and minds—emphasizing self-governance, respect for individuality, moral conscience, stewardship, service, fellowship, and a strong relationship with Jesus.
These foundational years have carried into middle and high school for our daughters through mentorship, increased leadership opportunities, church and community involvement, and continued growth in their walk with Christ and discipleship. We have seen these elements in action, building confidence in their faith as they are equipped to meet life’s challenges with a Christ-centered foundation.
I enjoy reflecting on our own family experiences at SBS that fill our hearts with forever memories and provide a true representation of the investment and commitment to the mission and to our children. A few to mention include:
- Throughout Lower School, our children have had opportunities to participate in Speech Meet and Tyndale, which allow them to grow in their ability and confidence in sharing Biblical and artful perspectives through their speech.
- In Middle School, our girls enjoyed their first opportunity to attend the annual Upper School Retreat at Young Life Camp in Rockbridge, Virginia. This retreat intentionally fosters an environment for spiritual growth, mentorship, and relationship.
- In 8th grade, students deepen their Biblical worldview and critical thinking skills as they develop a topic of deep passion and interest through their writing and 8th grade speech project. Our oldest daughter, Lily, had the opportunity to present her perspective on the difference between striving for worldly perfection and pursuing godly excellence. (Watch her speech here.). Our daughter Mia also recently shared how true confidence comes from trusting God. (Watch her speech here.).
- It was also a blessing to witness our oldest daughter recently join the ranks of high school students recognized for their academic excellence and demonstrated Christian character through induction into the National Honor Society.
A Community Beyond the Classroom
But these accolades and opportunities are just one aspect of StoneBridge. The SBS mission in action has cultivated a strong community that shapes student character and provides a lasting foundation for growth, faith, and purpose in our family:
StoneBridge reflects the importance of a local church community. We have grown as a family in our church attendance and have become more active in adult and youth groups, conferences and serving. It has been a joy to see our daughters prioritize their church events and community. They have been such a motivating factor for Chad and me, and we are grateful for that.
Prayer is an integral and intentional part of the SBS community. SBS has been integral in building the practice of prayer into our lives, both within our family and in community fellowship. I will never forget my first moments “praying out loud.” The environment became so safe and vulnerable, and the love and comfort in the room was so impactful.
Special days and events provide numerous opportunities to share family experiences. We have been so fortunate to join our children during special days and events at SBS, and to see their excitement in fellowship as they share these experiences. One of the most memorable is Grandparents Day, where each year one of their grandparents joins our daughters for this special annual tradition.
We also treasure our times at the Upper School Retreat, where we have served as mentors and volunteers to help build stronger relationships across families in the SBS community. Our family has also been blessed to be a part of the annual Art Show, in which our daughters were given the opportunity to showcase their creativity. And during the Lower School years, I will never forget Italy Day, Winnie the Pooh Day, Christian Heritage Day, and other special events that bring community into practice and partnership with the SBS mission.
The SBS Athletics program provides opportunities for fellowship and character development in alignment with the broader StoneBridge mission. Our family has been blessed to be in fellowship with student athletes, families, and coaches through StoneBridge Athletics. The SBS coaching staff has contributed greatly as mentors to our family, strengthening our daughters’ athletic performance, modeling prayer and perseverance through challenges, and building their confidence. Their example has even inspired me to contribute to the Athletics program, as I recently began assisting with the JJV Girls soccer team, an opportunity I find very exciting.
The offerings by SBS are endless and serve as a vehicle to influence and act on the mission of SBS as partners with faculty and teachers, with priority to the children. As a family, we are deeply grateful for the many ways this partnership has shaped our children and strengthened our walk alongside them.
The Lasting Impact
Our family has been fully committed to SBS for over 10 years and has grown together in love and relationship with Jesus. The StoneBridge mission and approach—spiritually, academically, and environmentally—continue to develop and equip students and families with opportunity to pursue External Excellence in that the light and hope of Jesus shines through their action and character. Through this, we are confident our children will continue to grow in influence, reflecting the love of Jesus in every environment they enter and through life’s challenges, fostering spiritual and emotional health within family, community, and ultimately our nation.
As Matthew 5:14-16 states, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
We are forever grateful for our SBS community and for the continued memories and lasting impact it has had on our daughters as they prepare to lead independently, as lights to our communities and nation.
