Middlebridge School offers a unique program for recent high school graduates, the Bridge program.
The Bridge program provides support to help students strengthen academic areas of need, and improve their social and independent life skills. In addition to building students’ practical skills, the Bridge program bolsters students’ maturity and self-confidence.
Bridge Program Overview
Independent living can be challenging for many young people, sometimes especially so for those with learning differences. Navigating the college environment or pursuing and maintaining employment for the first time can be overwhelming without support. Some students with learning differences may need additional instruction beyond a high school diploma to prepare them for these challenges. For these students, participating in a postgraduate year can open doors to their future that may have previously been closed.
Middlebridge School offers a unique program for recent high school graduates, the Bridge program. The Bridge program is individualized to help each student achieve his or her personal goals, with every postgraduate’s program collaboratively designed by the student, his or her parents, and the Middlebridge staff. Some students take a full course load of college preparatory classes, while others take few or no classes. Some students focus on internships, and some balance both school and internships. Each student’s journey to independence is unique.
The Bridge program provides support to help students strengthen academic areas of need, and improve their social and independent life skills. In addition to building students’ practical skills, the Bridge program bolsters students’ maturity and self-confidence.
Bridge Academics
College or vocational classes are different from high school classes, with students expected to do more learning on their own. The Bridge program staff supports students challenged by these demands by helping them manage their time, improve their organizational skills, and develop good study habits. We help students to understand their learning styles and the type of support they may need to be successful at the college level. The Bridge program staff encourages students to advocate for themselves by requesting help and accommodations from professors and school resource centers as needed.
All students receive individual tutoring as part of the Bridge program. Students also receive support in small groups, focusing on common academic areas they need to strengthen.
The Bridge program is offered in conjunction with the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) in Newport, University of Rhode Island, and New England Technical Institute in Warwick. Bridge students may enroll at one of these schools and study what they choose from a multitude of classes offered.
Bridge Student Life
Middlebridge School’s Bridge program is designed to reinforce and strengthen independent living skills. Students work with residential staff to master skills as diverse as personal organization, financial management, wellness and nutrition, self-advocacy, and relationships. All Bridge students take Middlebridge’s innovative Emotional Learning class, which is designed to enhance students’ understanding of complex social interactions and improve their social relationship skills. The curriculum is similar to the Emotional Learning class we offer to high school students, but modified for the more mature Bridge students.
Bridge student residences have full-time residential staff. Both male and female students live in family-style houses off campus. All housing has a mix of single and double rooms.
Internships and job shadows
Students are encouraged to become active community members through internships, job shadows, and service learning activities.
Internships and job shadows are great opportunities for students to learn about a career and gain valuable work experience. Students learn new talents, including the communication skills needed in a work environment. By taking on responsibility and demonstrating their reliability, students gain confidence while building their resume and establishing professional contacts.
Community service is an important part of the Bridge school community. Service learning activities provide an opportunity for Bridge students to work as a group, helping foster friendships among students and enabling students to develop ties to their off campus community.
