Academics

Academics are the core of a Bridge School education. Small classes and energetic teachers provide the impetus for rapid individual growth by each student. Students participate in stimulating classroom discussions. At Bridge School we believe the process of learning must involve questioning, hypothesizing, and exploring. We know that it is not enough to merely accumulate information in our fast-paced world without learning how to put it to use.

French II class presents a play at an all-school assembly for their final project

Students are required to take a variety of classes from the six major disciplines: English, Mathematics, Science, History, Modern Language and the Arts. Small classes make big things possible. Each Bridge School student is involved in the classroom dynamically, through discussions, questions, challenges and original thought.

With a student to faculty ratio of 7 to 1 and an average class size of 12, each student at Bridge School has a unique opportunity for personal interaction with our superior faculty. All teachers are available to each student for individual attention and encouragement. The small classes provide an opportunity for an interactive approach to learning, where teachers and students can engage in thoughtful discussions based upon the curriculum and their educational experiences.

Advisory

Through the Advisory program each student's academic, social and personal growth is monitored and supported by faculty members who work with students one-to-one throughout the year. Advisory at Bridge School provides another focused time for personal dialogue between faculty members and individual students.

High School Curriculum

The High School curriculum works to provide challenge, variety and enrichment as well as a solid foundation for succeeding in college and in life. The high school curriculum provides an appropriate level of challenge for individual students, as he or she develops the processes of concept formation, information gathering, and skill development. The curriculum emphasizes independent learning while recognizing personal differences and talents. Teachers use a variety of instructional methods designed to help students gain a sense of accomplishment, build confidence, increase knowledge, and develop strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Traditional learning methods are also incorporated into the curriculum to prepare our students for success in their college life.

Graduation Requirements

• English - 4 credits
• Mathematics (Algebra I & II and Geometry) 3-4 credits
• Foreign Language - 3 credits
• Fine Arts - 2 credits
• Science - (4 years for competitive colleges) - 3 credits
• Social Studies (U.S. History) - 3 credits
• Computer Competency - 1/2 credit
• Academic Electives - 3 credits

Middle School Curriculum

The Middle School curriculum works to provide challenge, variety and enrichment as well as a solid foundation for succeeding in high school. Middle School students at Bridge School can participate in any advanced class, allowing them to work at their particular skill level regardless of age or grade. While the curriculum is traditional in content, the delivery is more interactive. Student-teacher ratio is approximately 10 to 1. Students' learning needs and progress are carefully monitored so that mastery of skills and of the content presented are continually verified. Ultimately, our students leave our Middle School with a superior academic education since they have been actively involved in the learning process. They will have an understanding of their own learning styles, and strategies for learning specific kinds of information that will allow them to perform well in high school.

Adolescence is a time when children begin a separation process from their parents. The role of the School becomes even more important in providing a caring, healthy, and positive community. Bridge School provides that necessary community while nurturing social and academic growth. The environment fosters students' respect for themselves and others. Our monitoring of individual needs (social and academic) assures our students of reaching optimal levels of confidence and knowledge, both as learners and as members of the Bridge School community.

Bridge School believes that using a variety of teaching methods results in increased learning for students. Therefore, experiential learning accompanies more traditional methods such as lecture/note-taking.

Curriculum Requirements

• Science - Human and Life Science
• Earth Science
• Social Studies
• Foreign Language
• Spanish and French
• Physical Education/ Athletics
• English
• U.S. History
• Mathematics
• Pre Algebra 1, Pre Algebra 2, and Algebra

Electives

• Fine Arts
• Photography
• Drama, Cooking
• Publication Design/Yearbook/Magazine
• Tech-Mech
• Graphic Design

(21 1/2 - 22 1/2 credits)