What happens when a school is designed around how neurodivergent students learn, rather than asking students to adapt to an environment that wasn’t designed for them?
A recent OregonLive Youth Voices article takes readers inside Bridges Middle School to explore our approach to asset-based education and creating an environment where students feel supported, understood, and ready to learn.
Written by Westview High School senior Tashvi Khare, the article highlights many distinctive aspects of the Bridges experience, from small class sizes and individualized learning to counseling, movement and sensory regulation spaces, art, fitness, and strong student-teacher relationships.
Bridges alumnus Declan Kenney, Class of 2022, shared what that environment meant to him:
“As a student, I wasn’t viewed or reprimanded for my lowest lows rather I was celebrated for my highs.”
The article also includes perspectives from Bridges educators and families, offering a look at what a supportive learning environment can mean for neurodivergent students.
We’re grateful to Tashvi and OregonLive Youth Voices for sharing our story.
Read the full online article here. Front-page print version here.