* I offer this review for any sincere spiritual seekers who are thinking of attending this…read moreinstitution, for all institutions will always try to sell themselves in the best possible light to you. Yet, how trustworthy is any institution's own advertising and self-promotion really? That said, I would advise you not to just wholeheartedly buy into my review either. It is always best to test the waters deeply for yourself. Review The unofficial nickname for this seminary by some of its students is "the cemetery" because it is where spirituality goes to die. However, even though those students label it with that realistic nickname, they still continue to attend in order to attain that institutionalized piece of paper (degree) that they feel makes them worthy in the eyes of the socially conditioned world and their various made-up denominations. However, Jesus was a de-centralized spiritual teacher with no institutional credentials who lived and moved according to "the call of the Spirit" in the margins of society; he did not conform to the world (Romans 12:2) nor did he play by the centralist rules of engagement. The way Jesus lived was a protest against many of the prescribed norms of the intellectual and religious elites of his time and place. Didn't Jesus proclaim, "Woe to you experts in the law! For you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering" (Luke 11:52). Aren't the seminary professors with PHD's the new "experts"? On the other hand, Jesus walked the dusty countryside and the dirty city streets without any barriers between him and the people; his wisdom came from lived experience and Divine Source, not the shelter of formal lecture halls with their academic norms and sophisticated rules of engagement. But this institution is not interested in being like Jesus. That's why they have spent over a hundred million dollars beautifying their small campus with lavish techno-savvy buildings for about only 150 privileged students and faculty members while within one square mile of their bling buildings scores of people lay homeless, hungry, and destitute in the streets. Nor is this self-spending going to stop soon, as this institution will soon spend roughly 10 million dollars to renovate another one of its buildings (that they let fall into decline). Yet, "The Way" cannot be paid for, granted by a degree, or learned from the intellectual bourgeois (who love to place all of their elite titles after their names---like Reverend Doctor) in comfortable, tech-savvy, air conditioned classrooms. A true seeker must leave those societal ego badges behind them. During my time at this seminary, students and professors would over-rationalize and debate the theological merits and historical accuracy of the Good Samaritan story while there were scores of homeless people within a square mile of the seminary that they could attend, accompany, and love. Also, the seminary held a Community Lunch on Wednesdays for ITS STUDENTS, FACULTY, and STAFF while the marginalized peoples out on the streets were never invited to the SEMINARY'S RESTRICTED TABLES. I stopped attending their COMMUNITY LUNCH and spent my time attending and accompanying my destitute brothers and sisters out on the streets beyond the comforts of "the cemetery". For WHO is GOD'S COMMUNITY? How can a seminary teach its students to be "the church in the world" (as Union Presbyterian Seminary claims as its slogan) when its pedagogic professors write from within the safety of their academic status, conduct research from lavish state-of-the-art libraries, and conform themselves to the time-honored ivory tower codes of professorial hierarchies, privileged tenure, pandering for grant money, and the "publish or perish" mentality? This obvious separation from the "street level" is why scholarly works on theology seem isolated and dispassionate to spirited seekers and why the public has little interest in them. We must also ask why only over-educated people with PHD's and advanced degrees from elitist institutions are the only ones who get to teach at mainline Protestant seminaries---though Jesus of Nazareth was a carpenter's son from a disrespected backwater town who recruited mostly uneducated blue-collar laborers to be his disciples and had marginalized women as supporters and followers. How can an academic degree like the Master of Divinity (is there a more egotistical title?) taught by academics within an institutional milieu prepare a seminary student to be a spiritual shepherd for a congregation seeking God? We should also question how a seminary student can earn a Master of Public Theology degree (Union Presbyterian Seminary offers this) by completing a series of modules by sitting in front of a computer screen within the comfort and safety of their own home? Thomas Merton wrote, "The Pharisees were actually the slaves of their own system but they didn't know it." Yup!

I am but the second reviewer for Union, and over the course of my degree programs, spent four years…read moreof study and engagement within and without the seminary as a student, and am now an alum. In the course of that study, I received not one but two degrees from this institution, and I would invite you to consider the thoughts of someone who successfully completed their course of study at this institution while discerning a path to seminary- including and especially this one. It is true that seminary is not for everyone, and that seminaries as a category of higher educational institution do suffer from some of the same boundaries and challenges as all other academic institutions: the word academic is right there in the name. Yet where Union TRULY excels is not in its ability to attract brilliant and accomplished faculty from diverse background, nationalities, and specialties (which it has!), nor in its ability to prepare students for the various challenges and joys of pastoral ministry or Christian education (which it does, not shying away from the parts which are not so pretty as the white vestments of Easter Sunday). Union boasts a strong financial aid program, ecumenical focus with a growing contingent of non-Presbyterian students, world-renowned scholars on faculty and brought to campus for special events. The seminary's various mentorship and spirituality programs encourage students to form community and engage deeply beyond the classroom with things which concern them and their faith. Classes are built not just around theory, but on the ways that theology becomes real and impacts the day to day life of believers. Supports exist for students beyond academic needs, aiming to make sure that outside of the classroom, mental and physical health is being supported. Where Union truly excels is in the way it directs student involvement and development beyond the bounds of the curriculum, including student-led initiatives to address diversity, equity, and inclusion on both the Richmond and Charlotte campuses; internships which allow students to embrace their creativity and calling outside of the campuses; and connections within the community to organizations doing work to support the cities where the seminary is planted. Most importantly, to discern a way to seminary is to follow God. For some that does in fact lead to the seminary itself, to learning the theology that supports the practice and the biblical witness that then leads beyond. Every community is different, and this one seeks to support the well-being and the needs of students and support them in their study, their work, and their calling- wherever that call leads.

This school is a blessing to us! I can't praise enough the teachers, staff and the Christian based…read moreprogram. The classroom is small so the teacher can give a one-on-one feedback to the students. My Kids love going to school and we have peace of mind knowing that they are learning about God while having a great education.

From the owner: Pre-K to Grade 12 Private Christian Schoolread more

We had decided when we had children to homeschool so our children could learn a true biblical world…read moreview. We started at home and then found Stonebridge School. What was so impressive to us was the academic ranking nationally among the students, their maturity, self confidence and strong biblical world view. Add to that the personalized attention by every member of the staff and passion for teaching children we see in the Teachers and staff. I believe they are second to none. Both of my boys have excelled at the school and have a maturity and confidence we don't see in many of their peers who attend public schools. This school is worth a visit and once you come to the campus, meet the leadership and see the kids you'll feel good about becoming part of the Stonebridge family.

Stonebridge school has been nothing short of "fresh air" to me and my family. My kids have both…read morebeen there from Pre K through 4th grade. I went to public school and even substituted in local public schools. This school is night and day different. Stonebridge teaches differently and is very non apologetic about their biblical worldview approach and how they teach Christian Self Government. These are principles that don't and won't get taught in public school. Not only have I been over to ALL of my teacher's homes, I've prayed with them, and they have prayed for me. I've had teachers and parents reach out to me asking for prayer and for help. This doesn't happen in public schools. I also see how the parents are involved in this school. You have to be apart and you are to partner WITH the school to instill these principles into your child life. The school will help with direction, but they desire that you and them partner together to make learning fun and educational. Many parents show up for "special" days at school. I've never seen so much parent involvement and every classroom has a "room parent" where we have been invited over to their house for cookouts. They create facebook forums for us to discuss homework and also prayer requests for the children and faculty. Not only do parents help out in the classroom, but last summer we had a "work day" at the school and countless number of parents showed up to paint and help out around the school. Can you imagine that? Parents who are paying private school tuition willing to show up and WORK at a school for FREE. That's how much parents believe in this place. So We have been at the school for 5 years now and not only that, but I have substituted at ALL grade levels. I can't speak highly enough about the attitude of the kids. I have subbed in public schools and you WILL NOT find students who treat adults the same way. Also the students seem to be very close to each other. They go on trips together from when they are small all the way through their "senior trip". This school has also scored the highest score in the country with their seniors the last 2 years in a row for having a "biblical worldview". My wife and I both work in Greenbrier and were driving back and forth to Stonebridge. We both love the school so much that we decided to sell our house and move down the street from Stonebridge. Stonebridge has become a family away from family. We have invested in it and believe in it. It may not be for everyone and is it perfect? NO....Nothing is. But if you're looking for a solid education that is founded in biblical principles, a place for your child to make meaningful and long lasting relationships in life, a place where teachers really care and parents are involved, a place for you as parents to plug in and make many life long friendships; Then Stonebridge is the place for you.

This is a great church! Everyone is welcoming, helpful and dedicated to serving through giving…read more When first coming here they are less concerned about your religious knowledge than about gettnig to know you, and they are never pushy or self-righteous, just caring and friendly. If you want a church to fellowship with where you can put your God-given talents to work, or to learn about God then this is the place.

My two year old daughter always comes home from Potter's House (preschool/daycare at Fredericksburg…read moreBaptist Chuch) with a smile. The teachers are genuinely caring and dedicated. The school emphasis on learning through play along with the structured learning programs have excellently developed my daughter's social, academic and, creative abilities. The school is welcoming of children from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds and serves as an exemplary example of a place that fosters kindness, acceptance and, unity.

I can not say enough wonderful things about this school! I was hesitant at first to put my child in…read moreanother "facility" after having a horrible experience elsewhere, but this has been the best experience for her and I. She loves going to school now and she has grown so much in the 5 months she has been attending. I love all of the art and work that comes home with her everyday and how much she loves Chapel and reading her Bible. She is growing both academically and in faith and I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend this school to anyone who is looking for a fun, safe and nurturing environment for their child.

This school is not equipped to handle children with special needs, anxiety or sensory issues…read more However, this is not written in any of their materials or policy book. I found out by my child having meltdowns every day before school, during school and finally telling me he was being put in a bathroom with the door closed because he was crying. Do not send your child here.

My children LOVE this school. They both are in the high school grades here, but it is a K - 12…read moreschool.. They have several sports available for students here that include soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball and softball as well as cheer-leading for girls. Lots of youth activities through the church that they invite the students who are not members at the church there to attend. Uniforms are required and some of their rules are on the strict side, but its not a bad thing. They like modesty and that is great I think! The tuition here isn't the cheapest you'll find nor the highest, but fair for everything they offer. This school IS accredited which is very important. They have a great band program. They offer an academic diploma as well. I have seen my children flourish here over the past year. Lots of caring teachers and staff. Ms. Harvey & Ms. Martha in the front office are very helpful and Ms. Duval at the front desk is very welcoming.