The Springstone School
- The Springstone School was previously called The Keystone School.
Parent Q&A
Parent Reviews
Parents, please Sign in to post a review on this page.You don't mention Springstone and Orion, the primary high schools for kids on the spectrum. My son went to Springstone and was in a class of 8 kids from sixth grade through 12th (not always the same 8, but many of the same), and as a result, they formed a really tight bond. The school was great for a number of things, including protecting these teens from everything from smoking to drugs to sex (they knew all about it, but I don't believe that any of them did anything more than look at the internet). Two and a half years on, my son's graduating class remains a tightly bonded group, and that is more than anything else I could have asked. My son is not on the spectrum (he has bipolar), but he has learned to get along with a group of friends who all have their particular quirks and stick with them through everything, and that, to me, is the true measure of a great education for this group. All of the schools will provide about the same educational outcomes, but I don't know how many of them can provide this. Feel free to contact me.
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Aug 2012
Re: High school that accommodates ADHD student
My son has been at Springstone since 6th grade. He is going into 11th grade now, and is doing so much better than he was. He's been diagnosed with a bunch of things, probably bipolar, but certainly not Asperger's, which is what a lot, but not all, of the kids at Springstone have. They also admit kids with bipolar, ADHD, etc. so you should check it out. Classes are a maximum of eight, and they work on computers almost exclusively and are taught to organize their thoughts using computer tools. They have an Occupational Therapist on staff who teaches them techniques to siphon off all that extra energy appropriately. Let me know if you have any questions. HL
Dec 2007
We have a 12 year old daughter with Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD). She is really struggling in her present middle school and we are exploring other options. Does anyone have experience that they can share about the Springstone School? Also, any other suggestions are welcome. Josh
Our 8th grade son has been at the Springstone School since 6th grade. We have been happy with his experience and education. If you are interested in talking about Springstone, send me an email.
The previous satisfied Springstone parent's e-mail didn't make it to the newsletter, so here's mine, in case they didn't see the omission. My son has only been there a few months, but he is so much happier than he was in public school. We're told he's not NLD but looks a lot like it. Heather
April 2006
The Springstone School is now located at 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette, CA 94549. Phone: (925) 962-9660.
The Springstone School is an independent middle school that promotes and develops academic, social and prevocational skills for students with Executive Function Disorders, such as Asperger's Syndrome, Non-verbal Learning Disability (NLD), PDD, ADHD and Tourrette's Syndrome. The Springstone School develops values of independence, responsibility and community in preparation for high school and beyond through intensive, individualized instruction in small structured classrooms.
My son has blossomed at the Springstone School. When asked he says everyday is a great day at school. Quite a change from his experience mainstreamed at a public school where the days were hard and he often did not want to go to school.
The staff is wonderful - they understand these kids and their special needs, working proactively with them to get their work done, ensure their success and help them grow more independent. My son is held accountable for his work and is shown how to organize, complete and present the required work. When the staff notices a learning or social problem they are quick to take an informed and creative approach to address the issue, involving the student and parents. As part of the ACCESS program, Wednesdays are spent bringing the students into the community to learn important and practical life skills they will need as high school students and as adults.
My son has developed many friendships and is invited to other students' homes and out for weekend activities, something that did not happen during his time in public school. I could go into great detail on all the wonderful ways my son has grown and been supported at Springstone on a daily basis. If you are looking for the appropriate middle school for your child, I hope you will consider The Springstone School (www.thespringstoneschool.org) and attend one of their open houses. Please feel free to e-mail me directly if you want more information about our experience at Springstone.
Fiona
November 2003
The Springstone School, located in Concord, California, is an independent middle school that promotes and develops academic, social and prevocational skills for students with Asperger's Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities. The professional and experienced staff fosters values of independence, responsibility and community in preparation for high school, and beyond through intensive, individualized instruction in small structured classrooms. Please join us for our December Open House for parents and professionals interested in The Springstone School. For more information about the school program, please visit our website (www.thespringstoneschool.org, or call us at 925-825-0965) Gretchen
February 2003
Any parents interested in The Keystone School, please join us for an informational night (Open House) where you will learn about The Keystone School curriculum, meet the teachers and hear about the upcoming plans. Parents, professionals and any other interested parties are welcome. Applications for the 2003-4 school year will be available. For any questions or more information, please call (510) 466-5405.
Mission
The Keystone School promotes and develops academic, social and pre-vocational skills for 6-8th graders with Asperger's Syndrome and Non-Verbal Learning Disability. The professional and experienced staff foster values of independence, responsibility and community in preparation for high school and beyond through intensive, individualized instruction in small, structured classrooms.
Gretchen Loughran '
My son was at Springstone for middle school. It was a life saver for him as he was struggling at Willard and he made a lot of friends at Springstone. The academics are just OK. You may not have had the same experience, but my son was traumatized at his mainstream school and he needed a safe place to recover and be accepted for who he is. We found that at Springstone and I am grateful to them. You should try to speak to parents of current students as there has been a change of leadership since our time there. Good luck!