During National School Choice Week, KATU Afternoon Live featured an important conversation about how families can find educational environments that truly meet their children’s needs — and Bridges was proud to be part of that discussion.
Beven Byrnes, Executive Director of Bridges, appeared on Afternoon Live as a local expert on school choice, sharing insights into why access to diverse educational options matters now more than ever, particularly for neurodivergent learners and students who may not thrive in traditional school settings.
A National Conversation With Local Expertise
National School Choice Week (January 25–31) is a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the full range of K-12 education options available to families. While the conversation is national, the solutions are often local — and Bridges exemplifies how purpose-built schools can improve student outcomes when students’ individual needs are understood and supported.
During the segment, Byrnes emphasized that school choice is not about ranking schools or promoting one model over another. Instead, it’s about helping families ask the right questions:
- Does this environment understand how my child learns?
- Are social-emotional needs supported alongside academics?
- Is there flexibility, compassion, and expertise built into the school culture?
Why Bridges Is a Go-To Voice on School Choice
Bridges has become a trusted resource for families, educators, and media because of its deep expertise in serving neurodivergent middle school students, including those with ADHD, autism, learning differences, and anxiety. The school’s mission centers on helping students build confidence, independence, and academic skills in a setting designed specifically for how their brains work.
This expertise made Bridges a natural choice for KATU Afternoon Live when highlighting meaningful school choice stories during the week.
School Choice Is About Fit — Not Failure
One of the key messages Beven shared is that needing a different school is not a failure — it’s often a sign that a student’s strengths and needs are becoming clearer. For many families, discovering a school like Bridges is a turning point that allows students to re-engage with learning and rebuild confidence.
Continuing the Conversation
National School Choice Week is a reminder that every child deserves a learning environment where they are understood and supported. Bridges remains committed to being a resource for families exploring options and for educators seeking better ways to serve neurodivergent students.