History
Designed to be a small, progressive school, its first program began in a private home. Today, Bridges serves 74 children in a renovated and fully-updated, historic, shingle-style gable building that was once a town elementary school built in 1904. This new building incorporates architecturally compelling aspects of the Reggio Amelia approach, which includes an art studio, recycling, and energy efficient concepts. The building sits along the beautiful North Mianus River, a science and nature laboratory for many Bridges students. We are a dedicated to learning and establishing a sense of community. Learning begins at Bridges through projects, learning centers, and hands-on activities. Learning materials are real, concrete, and relevant to children and their families. Children and teachers are encouraged to explore and solve problems. Parents visit regularly and are involved.
Specialties
The mission of Bridges is to help each child become an independent, resourceful learner and to empower children to care for themselves, their community and our fragile environment. Our philosophy is based largely on the Developmental-Interaction model developed by Bank Street College. This model is mindful of a child's intellectual, social, emotional and physical developmental stages that follows the Bank Street College approach. Our philosophy incorporates the Reggio Emilia approach that believes that early learning is an inalienable, universal right for each and every child.