Updated FAQs (9/10/2025)
- How is Bridges addressing sound and sensory needs in the new building?
We know that some students thrive best in quieter environments. Since the open house, we have added sound-dampening room dividers in the science and maker space and Raven area to help create calmer learning spaces. Students with heightened sound sensitivity also have the option to eat in a smaller, sound-dampened conference room with a few peers and a staff member for a more supportive setting.
- Will Flamingo and Raven students eat together?
No. Flamingo and Raven students will not all eat together. Mealtimes will be structured so that students can enjoy lunch in smaller groups. Additional accommodations are available for students who may need an even quieter space.
- Will more adjustments be made over time?
Yes. We are committed to continuous improvement. As we settle into the new campus, we will continue to assess the environment and add additional sound-dampening or acoustic adjustments as needed to best support our students.
- What will recess look like at the new campus?
Recess will continue to be a mix of outdoor and indoor play:- Outdoor play will be available whenever it is not raining significantly.
- Indoor recess will be an option on wet days.
Like our previous campus, the outdoor area is not fenced, but recess will be heavily staffed to ensure safety. If a ball rolls into the road, a staff member will retrieve it—not a student. Mr. Jordan and the team do an incredible job creating a safe, structured, and fun recess experience.
- What air quality measures are in place at the new campus?\
- Each classroom and learning space has its own individual air filter to support clean and healthy air circulation.
- The building’s HVAC system was professionally inspected, cleaned, and updated before students moved in.
- All new air filters were installed last week to ensure the system is operating at its best from day one.
- Will students be able to access quiet spaces during the school day?
Yes. In addition to the counseling room near the Flamingo classrooms, students will always have access to calm, quiet spaces when they need a break. Our staff is trained to support students in recognizing when they need a reset and providing supportive environments.
- How is student safety ensured during transitions and throughout the day?
The new campus is a 24/7 locked facility with controlled access for added security. Transitions between classes, recess, and other activities are supervised by staff to ensure student safety and smooth movement throughout the building.
- What if my child has specific sensory or accessibility needs?
We partner with families to provide personalized accommodations. Whether it’s adjusting classroom locations, using sound-dampening dividers, or providing access to small-group settings, our team is flexible and responsive to individual student needs.
- What if a student needs extra support during lunch or recess?
Students who benefit from smaller, calmer groups can eat in the conference room with peers and a staff member. During recess, staff provide structure and options so all students can find activities that feel safe, fun, and engaging. - Why is Bridges relocating?
Bridges is moving to support continued growth, strengthen our commitment to inclusive education, and ensure that our physical space matches the quality of our programming. Bridges’ new campus provides:- Increased capacity for students and programming
- Improved accessibility and safety features
- Sustainable design supporting environmental values
- Proximity to resources like transportation and community partners
- Updated infrastructure for technology, sensory spaces, and student support
- How will this move benefit our students?
- Brighter, modern classrooms filled with natural light
- Expanded sensory and therapeutic spaces
- Improved access to technology and specialized supports
- Dedicated areas for art, science, and hands-on learning
- Indoor greenery, play areas, and calming common spaces
- How will this move benefit our families?
- Easier access via major transit routes and TriMet
- Thoughtfully designed drop-off/pick-up zones
- Opportunities to grow community partnerships and events
- The school is more centrally located to other services, such as New Seasons, BodyVox dance studio, LA Fitness, therapists, etc.
- How will this move benefit our staff?
- Better working conditions, private meeting areas, and flexible collaboration spaces
- Personalized workstations and classroom presence
- A larger, more inspiring space to meet diverse student needs
- What’s staying the same?
- Our values: student-centered, inclusive, strengths-based learning
- Our commitment to hiring and retaining a dedicated expert teaching staff
- Our robust counseling team
- Our commitment to neurodiverse learners
- Our curriculum, class sizes, and relationship-driven model
- Our tuition structure (no increases due to the move)
- What’s changing?
- Physical location. The new location in Slabtown (1250 NW 17th Avenue) is 3.5 miles from our current campus
- Expanded and re-imagined space
- More streamlined drop-off and pick-up logistics (maps and instructions will be shared in early September)
Logistics & Operations
- Is there nearby parking for school events?
Yes. There is ample street parking in the area. - What will drop-off and pick-up look like?
Multiple designated drop-off and pick-up locations, along with staff guidance, will support a smooth, safe experience. A visual guide will be shared in early September. - Will the first day of school be delayed?
Yes. School will start on September 10, 2025, a one-week delay. We have informed families with as much advance notice as possible and have provided a calendar available here. This school year schedule maintains more than 10 days above the required instructional hours, allowing room for make-up days if needed. We understand that this delay may be a burden for some of our families, and we want to assure you that this is an essential time to set all of us (students, teachers, and families) up for success for the coming school year. We will use the additional five days to:- Implement updated student assessment and curriculum systems
- Finalize classroom and common area setups with new furnishings
- Complete key technical enhancements to improve learning and operations
- Develop and implement building fire, life, and safety plans
- Provide in-depth training for returning and new staff
Finances & Enrollment
- Will tuition increase due to the move?
No. Annual tuition increases will remain consistent. The move is a strategic investment already planned within our operating budget. - How are we managing increased operational costs?
Our Board and leadership team have built additional facility costs into the budget through strategic planning and resource allocation. - Will enrollment increase?
We will gradually expand enrollment over the next few years, as we have done consistently for the last 10 years. We remain committed to small class sizes (1:12) and individualized instruction. - Are you adding more grade levels?
No. We will continue to serve middle school students in grades 5–8, with a few 4th graders in select circumstances.
Facilities & Accessibility
- Is the new building accessible?
Yes. The facility is ADA compliant with ramps, accessible restrooms, and classrooms. Some classes will take place on a mezzanine level with only stair access. Those classes will be shifted to lower-level areas as needed to accommodate all students. - Will there be outdoor space for students?
Yes. Our new facility boasts a secure indoor/outdoor play area. We are also repurposing one of our private parking areas exclusively for outdoor use. We will also take advantage of a large indoor, dedicated, and flexible fitness and play space, including a fully retractable wall leading out to our second private parking lot area. - How many enclosed classrooms will the new school have?
We will start the 2025/2026 school year with seven dedicated classroom spaces, a state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering, Art + Math (STEAM) space, plus a variety of flexible breakout, counseling, and sensory calming rooms. With 30,000 square feet, we have ample space to accommodate our growing enrollment. - Will any parts of the building be shared with other organizations?
No. The building will be fully utilized by the school.
Teaching & Learning Environment
- How will classrooms remain personalized if teachers rotate?
Teachers will have dedicated desks and consistent walls/spaces within rooms. Common decor, student work, and teacher input will personalize each space. - Will teachers have private workspaces?
Yes. Teachers will have a dedicated workspace and shared areas for planning, meetings, and one-on-one student support. - Will the library move to the new school?
Yes. The library will move with us and will be reimagined to suit the new space with both physical books and digital media. - Will there be off-campus PE or activities?
We will have ample room for indoor and outdoor activities on campus. Though we do anticipate the use of nearby parks on occasion, we also hope to partner with neighborhood organizations for enrichment activities.
Student Support & Wellbeing
- What is the safety plan?
The Canopy features enhanced security and controlled entrances. We are working with several fire/life/safety experts to develop and implement a comprehensive emergency plan, all updated to accommodate the new layout. - What sensory and healing spaces will be in the new building?
There will be multiple calming and sensory zones integrated throughout the school, along with designated counseling offices and wellness spaces. - Will there be multiple counseling spaces?
Yes. We are expanding our capacity to offer private counseling areas for concurrent student needs.
Family Support & Community
- What if the new location doesn’t work for our family?
Please reach out to the school directly. We are committed to supporting families through this transition. - How should parents discuss the move with their child?
Stay positive and frame it as an adventure. Emphasize the exciting parts (new library, brighter classrooms). Join us for the Back-to-New-School Family event on Monday, September 8, 2025. - Will the school host community events?
Yes. We plan to open our doors for suitable community events, maintaining security while fostering connections with our new neighbors.
Still have questions? Submit them here via our Google Form.
We’ll answer them in upcoming videos, shared every week, and update this FAQ when needed.