The Sterne Advantage

Every Sterne teacher is a learning specialist

Some schools say they know how to teach students with dyslexia, ADHD, and language-based learning challenges. In reality, at most schools, only the Learning Resource personnel receive this training. Sterne teachers benefit from training and professional development in the following areas:

• Foundations of Sterne READS and Orton-Gillingham
• The Jane Schaffer Academic Writing Program
• Partnership with the UCSF Dyslexia Clinic Phenotype Project
• UCSF Math Neuroscience and Education Program
• Universal Design for Learning with the CAST Institute

“When I engage with Sterne School, I feel inspired for my students’ future because Sterne and I have mutual confidence that we can help them see their own possibilities.”

—Sterne Teacher

When new students arrive at Sterne, they often breathe a sigh of relief

They are finally in a place where their teachers and classmates understand them. They can remove their masks, let down their guard, and re-engage their curiosities in a place that they can truly call home. 

"Sterne doesn’t just accommodate learning differences, they embrace them. The teachers have a deep understanding of how students learn differently. They take the time to connect with each child and tailor instruction in a way that builds both skills and confidence. I now see my son feeling capable and proud of his work. He’s not just keeping up, he’s thriving.

Most importantly, I have watched his self-esteem flourish and seen him grow into a confident leader. Sterne is a place where my son feels successful, supported, and truly valued for who he is.”

—Sterne Middle School Parent

College prep that's more than just getting in, but fitting in and staying in

Sterne does more than simply prepare students for college; we prepare them to know exactly who they are—and how they will contribute and thrive—once they get there.

Over the past decade, Sterne graduates have been accepted to more than 300 colleges and universities, locally, nationally, and around the world. Most importantly, though, is our “100% Best-Fit” rate. Our personalized college advising process ensures that all of our graduates not only learn about the variety of options available to them, but have the knowledge and confidence to make the best choice for the next step in their journey. 

“Because of Sterne, I know how to advocate for myself and ask professors for what I need. I learned organizational and time management skills that I use everyday. I make sure to use my accommodations. It’s one thing to get into college, and quite another to stay in it!”

—Sterne Graduate

A culture that celebrates uniqueness

Sterne prides itself on our diversity of thought, experiences, and ways of being. Sterne students belong here. Sterne families find community and a shared journey in understanding their children and envisioning a bright future full of possibilities. 

“We feel proud and savvy to be part of Sterne School community. Our daughter is accepted and supported to be her very best self.”

—Sterne Middle School Parent

Big school opportunities, small school advantages

We know students with dyslexia and ADHD often miss out on electives and afterschool activities to catch up with academics. That’s why Sterne offers competitive and intramural athletics, fine and performing arts, clubs, affinity groups, international travel, and so much more. We recognize the power of celebrating student strengths and encouraging enrichment and pursuits of passion.

“School has been hard for me up until now. I know I can be academically successful at Sterne and know there’s a fun side of high school, too.”

-Sterne High School Student

A fifty-year history rooted in neurodiversity

In 1976, Val Anthony opened Sterne School specifically to address the unique needs of neurodiverse learners. Fifty years later, we continue to honor that legacy as the Bay Area's premiere co-ed, independent day school for neurodiverse students. Rooted in a "Start With Strengths" approach to education, students with dyslexia, ADHD and language-based learning challenges receive expert intervention, skill-building, and teaching from educators who know exactly what bright minds need to thrive.

"Our students had learning strengths, and we always emphasized these as we helped them improve. We believed they were capable of succeeding in every subject and provided a full curriculum."

—Val Anthony, Sterne School Founder