THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 11, 1994 TAG: 9411090169
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Religion
SOURCE: BY SCOTT McCASKEY, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 85 lines
CHESAPEAKE'S LITTLE Stonebridge School is having a big impact on Christian education. So large, in fact, it has become the model institution for over 110 Christian academies nationwide and beyond.
Brazilian Roberto Rinaldi was so impressed, he opened a sister school in Sao Paulo.
``Mr. Rinaldi heard about us and came for a visit two years ago. We gave him the direction and tools to start his own school in Brazil,'' said Elizabeth Youmans, director of faculty development and training for Stonebridge.
Youmans just returned from giving a seminar at the Sao Paulo school.
``His center has been such a success, he may soon be opening three more,'' she said.
Stonebridge is a private institution supported by the Foundation For American Christian Education in San Francisco. It has become the archetype for the organization, providing much of the curriculum and resource material for Foundation schools. Stonebridge's administrators and faculty provide training for Christian educators from all over the world.
``The foundation recognizes that we are willing to help others and have an open door in spreading our philosophy of teaching,'' explained Youmans, who has a master's degree in education from Regent University. The university and school share a close relationship.
Located in Western Branch, Stonebridge was started by Carole Adams in a basement classroom 15 years ago. Adams sought an alternative to public schools and other Christian academies. The Stonebridge methodology is based on the ``Principle Philosophy Approach,'' which is centered around a Bible-based, historical perspective. Much of the curriculum is driven by the nation's founding fathers and the incorporation of the Bible into their works. A high priority is also put on developing Christian character.
``We teach students how to think, as opposed to just passing a test,'' said Kathy Finn, public relations director. ``We emphasize the four R's, research, reading, relating and recording.''
``Our curriculum is concept-driven, not information-driven,'' Youmans said.
Among the school's texts are a mix of old and contemporary publications. Students are often directed to research original documents written by early American scholars and statesmen. One of the books used is the 1828 Webster's dictionary.
``We employ a language of liberty,'' said Youmans.
The institution has produced some impressive results. Started with just a kindergarten and lower school, a high school was added three years ago. Though small - Stonebridge's entire enrollment is 291 - last year's graduation class of five received $180,000 in college scholarships.
``Our students are not having any trouble competing against their secular peers,'' Youmans commented.
The students attested to the rigors of the classroom.
``Some people from public schools say that it's a lot harder here,'' noted Joey Ferrell, a ninth-grader who wants to be an architect.
``It's more challenging,'' said D.J. Hameloth, a seventh-grader who transferred to Stonebridge two months ago.
High school graduation requirements include writing and delivering an oral thesis, an out-of-town apprenticeships and international travel. The institution is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International. Students wishing to attend the upper school must first have an interview to make sure the philosophy is right for them.
``We're not for everyone. We take a young person because they want to be here,'' offered Youmans.
Tuition starts at about $2,000 for kindergarten and up to $3,700 for grades 9 through 12.
Parents are very involved with the school. Many are on the faculty or work in an administrative capacity.
Youmans has been at Stonebridge since 1981, originally as an instructor in literature and music. Along with Adams, she helped develop much of the curriculum. One of her sons is a teacher at the school.
``There is a lot of parental support, and we encourage that. It's part of our policy,'' she said. ``We are here to help raise a generation of Christian leaders.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by SCOTT McCASKEY
Left to right, Joey Ferrell, D.J. Hameloth and Elizabeth Youmans,
director of training at Stonebridge School.
by CNB