Bridges Middle School does more than prepare our students for high school. We transform lives. Students with learning differences learn to navigate school — and life — with confidence and competence.
Individualized Learning & Differentiated Instruction:
At Bridges, students enjoy a typical middle school curriculum, transformed to meet their individual needs. Students enter the school at different levels across different subjects and they all learn differently. Students are not expected to ‘pick up’ material. Instead, they are taught how to learn, using effective, individualized instruction, with teachers attuned to the needs of each student.
Curriculum
Bridges Middle School’s planned instructional program includes Oregon Department of Education Common Curriculum Goals and academic content standards in the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, history, and growth mindset. We use a dynamic, project-based learning approach to create unique, educational programs for our students. Over the course of each project, students develop deep content knowledge, improve critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills.
Accreditations
Bridges Middle School contracts with the Oregon Department of Education’s public school districts or public agencies to provide special education services for school-aged children and is accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission under Cognia or formerly AdvancED. You can download a copy of the full Accreditation Review Report here (PDF).
Small Classes. Big Results.
We strive to maintain a student-teacher ratio of twelve to one, or lower. This unique context allows individualized assistance, the development of a deep understanding of our students’ needs, and the ability to tailor lessons to build on the strengths and creative interests of each child.
Relationship-Based Teaching
Relationship-based teaching is a student-centered, collaborative approach to education. Teachers help students meet academic and behavioral expectations by emphasizing teacher empathy, unconditional positive regard, encouragement, and trust.
Measuring Success:
At Bridges, we administer the North West Education Association’s [link?] Measuring Academic Progress (MAP) assessments [link?] three times per year to give us a thorough picture of student learning. Teachers meet with students individually to set MAP goals, and students work toward those goals throughout the year using the MAP Skills program, an individualized, online curriculum designed to help students build specific skills. Teachers use both MAP assessments and informal observational evaluations throughout the year to measure student progress.
“You don’t have to worry about bullies – Bridges Middle School is the best school in the world.
Hank, 7th Grade
Parents say Bridges is quite literally a lifesaver.
Our staff and school counselors offer a range of social and emotional support to our students and their families. They help students understand the complex nuances of middle school culture, provide responsive services for challenges that arise within the school community, and assist individual students at different stages of need.
Technology Guidelines
Assistive technology devices are integrated throughout Bridges curriculum, along with other necessary accommodations that support learning, growth, and measures of proficiency. Student-owned devices are not allowed, but students may leave their cell phone or other digital devices secured at the front desk while at school. Bridges strongly encourages families to consider limiting screen use at home, due to the mounting scientific data that children with executive functioning and impulse control challenges are especially prone to technology addiction and its lasting impacts. Please refer to the below source list for more information.
Tech Use Resources
Amazon: Reset Your Childs Brain
Psychology Today: Is Your Child Overstimulated?
“At Bridges, we use technology as a tool – not a toy
Margo, 7th Grade