Our Approach
We are honored that you are exploring The Bridge School as a potential program for your child and family. The decision for how to best support your child’s education is among the most important you can make – please let us know how we can assist you in this process.
We focus on whole child development through academics, social-emotional growth, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Our schedule includes literacy and math workshops, project-based work and the use of broad interdisciplinary themes to encourage deep exploration. Field trips are important for expanding the classroom and students typically participate in 6-10 study-related outings per year.
We foster community building and social development by taking time to model, support and teach communication skills, conflict resolution, leadership and compassion for all. We believe that all human beings have an innate desire to connect with the natural environment and that children need hands-on, exploratory experiences outdoors. Every child participates in our Wilderness Explorations outdoor program throughout the year.
We believe that integrating visual and performing arts into our core program doesn’t simply enrich it, but is a vital creative resource for children. Theater activities include acting games, improvisation, play-writing and an annual musical production. All students have weekly instruction in visual arts and music with the goal of developing self-expression in a safe space. In addition, Creative Enrichment Workshops provide deep dives into creative topics.
We believe that all students join us just where they need to be and track growth with a variety of assessment tools and learning continuums, as well as regularly review state standards. Each student is supported as an individual and a valued member of our school community.
Questions? Contact membership@bridgeschoolcoop.org
Elementary School Enrollment
Full Enrollment – Students Ages 5*-11
Weekly Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-3pm; Friday, 8:30-12pm
First year Coho students join us for for a full day experience with a focus on indoor and outdoor learning in a play-based environment.
*Incoming Coho students must be age 5 by August 31 of that year.
After their first year as Coho students, Bridge School Students are assigned to a mixed age classroom during the summer prior to the start of the year with the goal of creating balanced cohorts that support individual and group learning. The weekly schedule includes our Core Academics Monday-Thursday and Creative Enrichment Workshops on Friday mornings. Students may submit an alternate learning plan for Fridays during Fall, Winter and/or Spring sessions for approval by the Director.
Creative Enrichment Workshops – Ages 4-11
Weekly Schedule: Friday, 8:30am-12pm
Creative Enrichment Workshops offer creative, hands-on topics and experiences. Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions offer a variety of topics, with past courses including theater skills, play-writing, yearbook, wood working, cooking, photography, science, storytelling and more. One of our most popular workshops – Bridge to Broadway – culminates in a performance of a Junior Broadway musical! All students who are enrolled in our full day elementary program are automatically enrolled in Creative Enrichment.
Cedar Play School will be woven into the Full Day Coho experience for our 2023-2024 school year. Children are given a rich environment in which to learn and play through stories, art projects, hands on exploration and outdoor activities. This is an extension of our Coho class to support the natural curiosity and wonder of young children.
We are excited to welcome homeschooling families to join us for Creative Enrichment for the 2023-2024 school year – See Admissions Page for information
Friday Aftercare
Weekly Schedule: Friday, 12-3pm
Friday Aftercare is a program available for students enrolled in the elementary program who need all day care throughout the week.
Summer Camps
The Bridge School offers week long summer camps based on student interest and staff availability.