Bridges Academy
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Bridges Academy | |
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Independent | |
Motto | Imagine, Persevere, Achieve; Educating the Exceptional² |
Religious affiliation(s) | nonsectarian |
Established | 1994 |
Founder | Carolyn McWilliams |
Principal |
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Head of school | Mark Long (Temporary) |
Faculty | 70 |
Grades | 4-12 |
Number of students | 180+ |
Average class size | 4-15 |
Student to teacher ratio | 7:1 |
Campus size | 3+ acres |
Color(s) | Light and Dark Blue/Yellow
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Athletics | Cross country, track, Basketball, Golf |
Mascot | Phoenix |
Nickname | Bridges |
Accreditation | WASC, NAIS, CAIS |
Director of Admissions | Doug Lenzini |
Website | www |
Bridges Academy, Los Angeles, is a college prep school (Grades 4–12) serving
History
Bridges Academy started as a private tutorial for three students in the home of founder Carolyn McWilliams in 1994. Prior to the 1997–1998 school year, the school relocated to its former site on Burbank Boulevard in
In 1998, the school was granted non-profit corporation status, with a board of trustees and McWilliams continuing as the Head of School. In 2001, the board of trustees and Head of School dedicated the mission of the school to educating twice-exceptional students. McWilliams retired in the summer of 2003 and Charles "Chuck" Potts, the founding Head of the Wesley School in
Facilities
In 2005, Bridges moved from its previous location in
Curriculum
The curriculum is strength-based and student-centered, driven by an understanding that "students thrive when the academic challenge is commensurate with their intellectual gifts", and a belief that "students' special needs can be met without diluting the curriculum." Gifts, passions, talents and interests are cultivated through stimulating core academic classes, a rich array of electives and enrichment clusters, project-driven Intersessions and a Young Experts Achievement program.
The program is accredited by the
All students are required to have a laptop. The campus has a wireless network aside from hardwired classrooms and offices.
In sports, Bridges participates in the
In 2014, interest from multiple students led to the creation of a Speech and Debate Program where students compete in a range of different public speaking and debate events across a statewide and national level. As of 2016[update], the Bridges team is an active member school of the National Speech and Debate Association, and has qualified students to the CHSSA State Speech and Debate Championship Tournament and the NSDA's National Speech and Debate Tournament Finals in only two years of existence.
Since first graduation in 1996, graduates have been accepted at virtually all community colleges
In 2007, two Bridges students received Honorable Mention Awards as part of the Smart Kids With Learning Disabilities organization's annual Youth Achievement Award program.[4]
Parents' involvement is encouraged and supported via the Parents Association, online resources and forums, and on-campus events including support groups and a speaker series. The development office encourages 100% participation in the Annual Fund Plus Campaign with phone calls and emails.
Mascot
In 2010, Academy Students voted on a new mascot. They chose the Phoenix out of many submitted designs. The mascot is used for athletic and fundraising purposes. All documentation and branding contain the official logo of the school, a bridge.
Organization
Bridges Academy is part of Bridges Education Group. Schools in the group include Bridges Academy Los Angeles (grades 4-12), Bridges Academy Online, Bridges Graduate School for Cognitive Diversity, Bridges 2e Center for Research and Professional Development, Bridges 2e Media and 2eNews.com[5]
References
- ^ "Bridges Academy website".
- ^ "Bridges website, sports".
- ^ "Bridges Academy Admissions".
- ^ "Home - Smart Kids".
- ^ "Bridges Education Group". Bridges Education Group.