When a child is struggling at school, families often turn first to someone they trust: a pediatrician, psychologist, therapist, educational specialist, or another provider who understands their child.
Those conversations can open the door to new possibilities. At Bridges Middle School, we want community providers to know we are here—and that families are welcome to connect with us early, even when they are still figuring out what they need.
A school designed around how students learn
Bridges is an independent nonprofit school in Northwest Portland serving students in grades 5–8. We are Oregon’s only middle school exclusively serving neurodivergent learners.
Our students are bright, capable young people whose learning profiles may include ADHD, dyslexia and other learning differences, autism, executive-function challenges, sensory needs, school-related anxiety, or other neurodevelopmental differences. Many arrive after struggling to thrive in larger or more traditional school settings.
The middle school years can be a turning point. When students have spent years feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed, or unsuccessful, an environment designed around how they learn can help them discover new strengths and possibilities.
At Bridges, we combine high expectations with high support through:
- Small classes with a 1:12 teacher-to-student ratio.
- Individualized instruction and executive-function support.
- Integrated social-emotional learning and on-site counseling.
- A school community that values relationships, self-advocacy, and belonging.
Together, these supports help students build academic skills while developing the confidence and independence to take their next steps.
Families can begin with a conversation
Providers do not need to determine whether Bridges is the right fit before referring a family.
We welcome conversations with families early in their exploration process. Our team can answer questions, explain our program, learn about a student’s strengths and needs, and help families consider whether Bridges may be an appropriate setting.
With family authorization, collaboration between our school team and outside providers can also help us better understand the supports that allow a student to participate and thrive.
Join us for our Provider Open House
We invite pediatric providers, psychologists, therapists, educational specialists, and other community professionals to visit our new Northwest Portland campus.
Provider Open House
January 5, 2027
Bridges Middle School
1638 NW Overton Street
Portland, OR 97209
Come tour our campus, meet school leaders, explore our education model and admissions process, and connect with other Portland-area providers.
Beven Byrnes, Head of School, and Dr. Carrie Hall, Principal, look forward to welcoming you and sharing how Bridges supports neurodivergent learners.
Help build our Parent Resource Guide
We are also developing the Bridges Parent Resource Guide to help our families discover community resources and providers.
If you would like your practice or organization to be considered for inclusion, please complete our Resource Guide Form.
The priority deadline for inclusion is November 30, 2026.
We welcome submissions from professionals and organizations whose services may support neurodivergent students and their families.
Stronger connections create more possibilities
Whether you have a student in mind for Bridges or simply want to learn more, we hope you will connect with us.
Schools and community providers bring different perspectives to a child’s experience. Working together helps us ask better questions, understand students more fully, and support families as they consider what comes next.
Learn more about Bridges Middle School and our admissions process.
Belong. Learn. Soar.