Q : What are tuition fees...?
A :For the 2010/2011 academic year tuition for middle school is $20,250; high school is $22,100.
Sterne works with Your Tuition Solution and Tuition Management System to help families finance tuition over the course of the year; financial aid is also available.
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Q : Does my child have to be "accepted" ?
A :Yes. Admissions is a multi-step process: (1) We review your child's testing. (2) Interview parents & prospective student. (3) Have student shadow classes. We want to make the right match for you & for us.
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Q : Range of LD... ?
A :Sequential deficits (dyslexia) , ADD/ADHD, Non-verbal learning issues. We also work with students identified as "NOS" (not otherwise specified.) Sometimes it's a temperament issue; students need a slower pace, more guidance & direct instruction. Students outside our profile: (1) ODD, (2) Autism, (3) Low cognitive (mild/moderate). Students whose emotional needs exceed their educational needs
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Q : Why should I choose Sterne... ?
A :We can teach your child how he/she needs to learn and turn frustration into success, not just for the child, but also for the family. Our students progress from frustration, low self esteem and failure to positive self-image, confidence and success. (
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Q : What if my child doesn't have a diagnosed...?
A :Some school frustrations don't "play out" in testing or on paper. Through interviews and a review of the diagnostic testing, we can create what a successful learning plan would look like.
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Q : How do you measure progress...?
A :How do you measure progress...?
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Q : Do you have report cards...?
A :Yes. Quarterly. Standard A-F scale.
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Q : What is the testing environment...?
A :We can accommodate students both formally & informally.
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Q : Will my child graduate with a HS diploma...?
A :Yes. Sterne is fully accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).
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Q : How many students are currently enrolled...?
A :Approx 45-50. MS: 20-25 / HS: 20-25
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Q : What is experiential learning...?
A :Experiential learning allows students to fully experience the topic at hand by engaging all the modalities: visual, auditory, & kinesthetic. Instead of simply reading about Yosemite, you go and spend three days there.
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Q : What is dyslexia, ADD, auditory processing difficulty...?
A :Dyslexia, ADD, and auditory processing all describe difficulties with the acquisition, organization, retention and retrieval of information and the learning process. Dyslexia specifically refers to difficulties with written and oral language.
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Q : Is lunch served at school...?
A :Students bring lunch. We have pizza days run by student council. Also, there are days when lunch is provided: Walk-a-Thon,
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Q : Do you have an Open House I can attend...?
A :We have monthly Open Houses, usually in the evenings.
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Q : Is after school tutoring available...?
A :Yes. Enroll in the ED Clinic.
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Q : How is success measured...?
A :Success is measured by grades, portfolios, and test scores. More importantly, it will be measured by the increased confidence of the student and their positive attitude.
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Q : My child takes medication...?
A :We work with families and their doctors re: medication. Typically students manage their own meds unless special arrangements are made.
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Q : How will Sterne prepare my child for the future...?
A :We will help students identify their strength areas, then help them develop the tools and learning strategies to be successful in those areas. Programs include Pathfinders and Passages.
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Q : What will the community be like...?
A :Sterne is a small, family-like community. Students form close friendships and develop relationships through multiple experiential opportunities, including Yosemite and our annual International trip. We also hold monthly potlucks for parents where topics from homework, to IQ, to college placement are discussed.
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Q : What is the typical daily schedule...?
A :The day runs from 8-3:30 MS starts at 8:50. Classes include; Lang arts, math, science, history, electives (music, art, drama) P.E., Spanish, service learning and Passages
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Q : Will my child be able to participate in extracurricular sports...?
A :Students participate with their local school or club teams. Our extracurricular activities include community service and Yoga.
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Q : Are children of different age groups taught separately...?
A :We tailor the classes to meet each student at their appropriate level. A student may have great math skills, but struggle with reading, or visa versa. Students may be placed at different levels depending on what they need.
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Q : Will Sterne help my child get a job or internship...?
A :Jobs and internship opportunities are available through Passages and Pathfinders. Our college counselor can help students in this process.
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Q : Will a Sterne diploma be recognized by a University...?
A :Yes, absolutely. Sterne is fully accredited by WASC.
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Q : What is Passages...?
A :Passages is an experiential program based on the multiple intelligences. It allows students to pursue their interests, strengths and "dreams" while incorporating core academic skills including organization, interpersonal skills, computer skills and research. Some successful Sterne Passages include: Photography, Horseback riding, City Government, cooking, Music, "D.J.-ing."
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Q : If we live outside of SF, is there transportation...
A :Sterne draws from all the Bay areas; Marin, East Bay, South Bay...parents have set up carpools, especially from the East Bay. Also, Sterne is right on the bus line, which drops off right in front of school.
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Q : What is Pathfinders...?
A :Pathfinders is a program where our college counselor works with each student and their family, preparing them for college, job opportunities and transition out of high school. More than 90% of our seniors transition to college. The schools include, 2 year, four year , vocational and technical skill programs. The range of colleges is diverse, from College of Marin to Berkeley to Arizona State to Stanford to Foothills to Mitchell.
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Q : Do you only offer 6-12 grade...?
A :We would consider a 5TH grader if the fit was right for our middle school.
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ader if the fit was right for our middle school. ( Back to Top )