The Bridges Academy

The Bridges Academy
The Bridges Academy is a private K-12 school located in West Islip, New York. It was founded in 1999 and is dedicated to providing a personalized education for students with learning differences. The school offers small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a comprehensive program that includes academics, social skills, and life skills. The Bridges Academy also has a strong focus on technology, with every student receiving a personal laptop or tablet. The school has a team of certified special education teachers and therapists who work with students to help them reach their full potential. The Bridges Academy provides a supportive and nurturing environment for students with learning differences to thrive and succeed.
The mission of The Bridges Academy is to provide individualized education that helps students reach their full academic and social potential. The student body is diverse, including individuals from different ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds, which prepares them for a global environment. The school serves as a place of discovery where students can deepen their understanding and appreciation of shared experiences. The teaching staff is committed to preparing students for a world that requires interdependence, and the comprehensive program is designed to provide a foundation for lifelong learning and success. The Bridges Academy, which caters to students from age 2 through grade 8 and has approximately 220 students, offers several advantages beyond academic rigor, such as fewer transitions, the opportunity for long-term relationships with teachers and peers, cross-age tutoring, role modeling, and leadership opportunities under one roof.
Programs
The Bridges Academy Early Childhood Program is dedicated to serving children aged 2 to 5 years old. The program places a strong emphasis on helping young students make a smooth transition into school through a fun and interactive curriculum. The school's experienced and nurturing teaching staff works tirelessly to help students grow in various areas, including socially, emotionally, and academically. As part of a larger campus serving students up to 8th grade, the Early Childhood Program provides students with access to a full range of facilities and classes, such as music, foreign languages, STEM, and indoor playgrounds. Through the program, children develop a strong sense of self-discipline, curiosity, empathy, and a love of learning.
The Early Childhood curriculum of the Bridges Academy is designed to foster hands-on, open-ended activities that promote children's problem-solving skills and curiosity. The program's coursework is thoughtfully organized to promote skill consolidation and connections across disciplines. Students are urged to examine their mental processes and gain self-assurance in both oral and writing expression during the course of the curriculum.
The Toddler program at the Bridges Academy seeks to promote socialization and introduce structured classroom settings to young children. The program emphasizes academics while providing a loving and caring environment. Students have access to various educational toys, books, puzzles, and blocks that help develop fine motor skills. Math, Colors, Shapes, Science, Reading Readiness-Language, Music, and Dance are among the subjects taught during the program and the Nursery program.
The Nursery program at the Bridges Academy aims to promote learning development through various educational toys, books, and art forms. The program's curriculum includes math, colors, reading readiness, language development, science, social studies, computer skills, art, gym, music, and dance, health, social growth, and assessments.
The Bridges Academy's Early Childhood and Lower School programs are centered around hands-on and open-ended activities that enhance children's curiosity and problem-solving skills. The curriculum is designed with careful sequencing to consolidate skills and promote cross-curricular connections, while also encouraging students to reflect on and express their thoughts confidently both orally and in writing. The school is dedicated to not only meeting the standards of the Common Core curriculum but also exceeding them by referencing national standards such as the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), National Council of Teachers of Math (NCTM), Next Generation Standards in Science, and Educational Records Bureau (ERB) standardized tests. The faculty undergoes regular professional development, including workshops from Columbia University's Reading and Writing Project. Lower School students are instructed in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, Mandarin, French or Spanish, music, and art on a weekly basis. Technology is integrated into all subjects and students frequently engage in innovative, project-based learning in the Makerspace and hands-on learning in the Greenhouse, both of which align with best practices.
At the Bridges Academy, the school values laying a strong foundation for learning, which includes teaching the core subjects of reading, writing, and math, as well as offering a diverse range of programs like foreign languages, STEAM, and music. The school also recognizes the need to equip students with skills that will benefit them in their future. While other schools have integrated 5th grade into their Middle Schools, the Bridges Academy has chosen to create a unique program that caters to the specific needs of this age group. The Bridge Program is a hybrid program that combines the best elements of both Lower and Middle Schools. At this stage in their lives, students in 4th and 5th grades are beginning to adjust to early adolescence, and need caring adults who can focus on their academic, social, and emotional well-being. The transition to Middle School can be challenging for students who are still figuring out their interests and abilities, and especially so after the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Grades 6 through 8 at Bridges Academy's Middle School continue to build on the strong foundation set in place by the Lower School and Bridge initiative with an interesting and demanding curriculum that hastens intellectual, physical, and social development. Subject matter becomes departmentalized at this point. Students get in-depth instruction in language arts, maths, sciences, and world history from committed staff.
Because of the program's flexibility, graduates are put on the right academic track by the time they enroll in the high school of their choosing.
The Middle School program at the Bridges Academy aims to provide students in grades 6th-8th with a challenging curriculum that promotes intellectual, physical, while expanding on the groundwork laid in Lower School and the Bridges Academy program for personal and social development. The faculty of the Bridges Academy is committed to offering in-depth proficiency in languages, mathematics, as well as science, and media sciences learning experiences. The subject matter is departmentalized, allowing for acceleration in Science and Mathematics as needed. This results in different course placements in the upper grades, ensuring that all students are placed in the classes where they will be the most successful. This flexibility in the program helps to set the students on the right academic trajectory, ensuring they are prepared for their high school of choice.
Tuition Fees at The Bridges Academy
The Bridges Academy offers a range of tuition fees depending on the grade level of the student. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the tuition fees for students in the Bridge Program (4th and 5th grade) are $36,500 USD per year. For students in Middle School (6th-8th grade), the tuition fees are $39,500 USD per year. For Early Childhood and Lower School (Nursery through 3rd grade), tuition fees are $34,500 USD per year. The tuition fee includes all textbooks, technology fees, and most of the required classroom materials. Families also have the option to purchase lunch plans for an additional cost. The Bridges Academy provides a limited amount of financial assistance to families who demonstrate financial need.

Accommodation
The Bridges Academy, located in West Islip, New York, does not offer accommodation for its students, including international students. However, the school recognizes that international students may need assistance in finding suitable housing during their studies. West Islip is a suburban town with a variety of accommodation options available to international students.
Homestay is a preferred option for international students seeking accommodation in West Islip, where they can live with a local family in a safe and welcoming environment. This arrangement offers a unique opportunity for students to experience American culture while practicing their English language skills. The monthly cost for homestay in West Islip is usually between $1,000 to $1,500, depending on the location and available amenities.
For international students who prefer more independence, renting an apartment or a room is an alternative option. This provides more flexibility, but the cost varies significantly based on the location, size, and amenities of the apartment. A one-bedroom apartment in West Islip costs between $1,200 to $1,800 per month.
Another affordable option for international students is shared housing with other students, which fosters a sense of community. Shared housing options in West Islip can range from $800 to $1,200 per month, depending on the number of roommates and location.
Future Prospects
Upon graduation from The Bridges Academy in West Islip, New York, students have a variety of post-graduate options available to them, including continuing their education, pursuing employment opportunities, or seeking a visa extension to remain in the United States.
For overseas students, the most common post-graduate option is to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a temporary employment authorization that allows students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months. Students who graduate from a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program may be eligible for an additional 24 months of OPT, bringing their total authorization to 36 months. This can be a valuable opportunity for international students to gain practical work experience and potentially secure employment in the United States.
In addition to OPT, international students may also choose to pursue a permanent residence or citizenship status in the United States. These processes can be complex and time-consuming, but for those who are able to obtain permanent residency or citizenship, it can provide a path to remaining in the United States long-term.

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