Question 1

What is a Nonpublic School (NPS)?

Accepted Answer

The California Department of Education (CDE) certifies schools that serve students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs). A school that has received this certification is referred to as a Nonpublic School (NPS). The Springstone School is an NPS. If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and if the IEP team determines that The Springstone School is an appropriate placement, then your school district may pay for your child’s tuition because Springstone is certified as an NPS.

Question 2

What is your tuition and do you only accept private pay students?

Accepted Answer

Tuition for the 2020-2021 school year is $26,000, not including summer. Summer is $2,600.    A $5,000.00 non-refundable deposit will be due in the spring on a date determined after your child has been accepted. If your student is placed at The Springstone School through the IEP process, then The Springstone School will enter into contract with your school district to arrange payment through them.

Question 3

How will my child be exposed to mainstream role models and will my child be equipped to attend a mainstream high school?

Accepted Answer

Families have told us that the norm for their sons and daughters in the mainstream schools has been isolation, which inhibits social and academic growth. We expose our students to a variety of social situations in the communities they will be living and working in as adults in order to practice what they learn at school. We know that when our students leave The Springstone School, they have more options than when they began the program. Those options include returning to mainstream high schools, enrolling in college, and entering the workforce.

Question 4

How are students transported to and from Springstone?

Accepted Answer

Parents or the school districts are responsible for arranging transportation for their child. Many of our families have formed carpools.

Question 5

How are the classrooms organized?

Accepted Answer

The students are grouped by grade level. Students don't change classrooms, but their instructors move from class to class. There is a maximum of 8 student per instructor. Academically, each student will be challenged according to their ability.

Question 6

Is there a behavioral incentive program, such as a level system or token economy?"

Accepted Answer

We do not use a classroom level system or a token economy. We look at individual student needs and devise goals for each student and a path for each to achieve those goals.

Question 7

How do you address behavioral issues?

Accepted Answer

Students who are physically aggressive fall outside of the scope of our program. We do understand that many students may have a history of these challenges, but have progressed beyond them. This does not exclude your child from consideration. We look at the whole student and determine whether our program can best serve your child. Above all, we will provide a safe learning environment.

Question 8

What are the school hours?

Accepted Answer

8:30 - 3:30, except Wednesday 8:30 - 1:00 on Wednesday. There are after school clubs from 3:30 pm - 4:15 pm.

Question 9

How are parents involved with Springstone?

Accepted Answer

Parents are invited to and encouraged to attend parent group meetings. Our parents volunteer to assist with major fundraising events such as our silent auction and wine reception.

Question 10

Is there a summer program?

Accepted Answer

We run a four-week summer program for new incoming students and those returning students who require more structure during the summer months. Space is limited. The cost is $2,400.