Information about Bridges Academy

Bridges Academy is a grades 6-12 middle and college preparatory school dedicated to educating “twice-exceptional” students (gifted and highly-gifted with learning differences) currently located in Studio City, Los Angeles, California.

Facilities

Bridges moved from its previous location in Sherman Oaks, California to its current location in 2005. It rents space from Osaka Sangyo University at Los Angeles (OSULA), which still uses most of the campus for its purposes, including classrooms, dorms, cafeteria, etc. Bridges exclusively occupies the upper floor of one of the buildings, and uses some of the other facilities and campus. Bridges' students use laptops extensively (all students are required to have one), and the entire campus (except for the gym and cafeteria areas) has a wireless network aside from hardwired classrooms and office.

Curriculum

The curriculum is 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". The learning differences among the gifted and very gifted student population include: Learning disability (U.S.), nonverbal learning differences, organizational challenges, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, audio and visual processing problems, and Dysgraphia.

The program is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) and the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). Bridges is a Member of the California Association of Independent Schools; the National Association of Independent Schools; and the Educational Records Bureau. The high school program meets or exceeds the university of California A-G requirements for high school graduation.

In sports, Bridges participates in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) in basketball and cross-country. Other sports and physical fitness are also offered including handball, tennis, field hockey, and traditional fitness components.

Since first graduation in 1996, graduates have been accepted at virtually all Cal State and University of California schools, as well as major universities and four-year colleges throughout the nation.

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.

Parents' involvement is encouraged and supported via the Parents Association, on-line resources and forums, and on campus events including support groups and a popular speaker series.

History

1994: Carolyn McWilliams begins a home-study program for three students.

1998: Bridges Academy is officially a College Preparatory education school.

2003: Carolyn McWilliams retires from her position as headmaster. Charles "Chuck" Potts takes on the job as an interim headmaster while the Board of Trustees finds a permanent one.

2005: Carl Sabatino is named Head of School

External links

• Bridges Website
• OSULA http://www.osula.com/Default.htm
• Smart Kids with LD http://www.smartkidswithld.org/index.html