Academics are the core of a Bridge School education. Small classes and energetic teachers provide the impetus for rapid individual growth by each student. Stimulating classroom discussions promote the process of learning which we believe involves questioning, exploring and hypothesizing. We understand that the simple accumulation of information in our fast-paced world, without learning how to put it to use, can never be enough.

With a student-to-staff ratio of 5 to 1 and an average class size of 4 to 8, 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. Students are required to take a variety of classes from the six major disciplines: English, mathematics, science, history, modern language and the arts. Each Bridge School student is involved in the classroom dynamically, through discussion, questioning and the challenge of original thought.

Advisory

Through the Advisory program and the new Connections Days, 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. 

Adolescence is a time when children begin a separation process from their parents. The role of their 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. Monitoring our students' needs assures them of reaching optimal levels of confidence and knowledge, both as learners and as members of the Bridge School community.

Curriculum 

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 Components  

• Science - Human, Life and Earth Science
• Social Studies - History, Geography and Government
• Foreign Language - Spanish or French
• Physical Education/Athletics
• English 
• Speech
• Mathematics - through calculus
• Fine Arts - visual and performing
• Publication Design/Yearbook/Magazine
• Graphic Design
  
• Academic andnon-academic electives
  

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. High school courses provide an appropriate level of challenge for our students, as they develops the processes of information gathering, skill development and concept formation and exploration. The curriculum emphasizes both group and independent learning while recognizing and addressing different learning styles, personal differences and talents. Using a variety of instructional methods, both traditional and innovative, teachers strive to help students gain a sense of accomplishment, build confidence, increase knowledge and develop strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.  We want to prepare our students for college and for life beyond.

Graduation Requirements

• English - 4 credits
• Mathematics (Algebra I & II and Geometry) 3 credits (4 years for competitive colleges)
• Foreign Language - 3 credits (or completion of Level III)
• Fine Arts - 1 credits (visual or performing)
• Science - 3 credits (4 years for competitive colleges)
• Social Studies - 3 credits (including US History)
• Academic Electives - 3 credits (Public Speaking required)
• PE/Sports - 2 (4 semesters or seasons)

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 almost any advanced class, allowing them to work at their particular skill levels,  regardless of age or grade. While the curriculum is traditional in content, the delivery is more interactive. Student-staff  ratio is approximately 5 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, along with strategies for learning specific kinds of information that will allow them to perform well in high school.