Bridges Academy
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Bridges Academy is a grade 6-12 middle and college preparatory high school dedicated to educating “twice-exceptional” students (gifted and highly-gifted with learning disabilities) located in Studio City, Los Angeles, California.
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[edit] Facilities
Bridges moved from its previous location in Sherman Oaks, California in 2005 to its current location, a shared-use arrangement with OSULA Education Center. The campus is the former site of the Corvallis Catholic High School for Girls. It was purchased by Osaka Sangyo University of Los Angeles (OSULA Education Center) in the late '80s. OSULA still uses the campus for its program, including the first floor of the classroom building, dorms, gym, and the cafeteria. Bridges occupies the upper floor of the classroom building and the bottom floor of the annex/former convent. Bridges also shares the use of the other facilities on campus.
[edit] 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".[citation needed] The learning disabilities 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.
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.
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.[citation needed]
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.[citation needed]
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.[citation needed]
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.
The school's gymnasium was used to film the final scene for the 2008 Eddie Murphy movie NowhereLand.
[edit] History
1994: Carolyn McWilliams begins a home-study program for three students.
1998: Bridges Academy is officially for college preparatory education.
2003: Carolyn McWilliams retires from her position as headmaster. Charles "Chuck" Potts is named interim headmaster.
2005: Carl Sabatino is named Head of School.
[edit] External links
- OSULA [1]
- Smart Kids with LD [2]
