BRIDGES ACADEMY

Bridges Academy is a Title I public charter middle school that is part of the Franklin-McKinley Elementary school district, located in San Jose, CA with about 378 students offering grade levels from 7th Grade to 8th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 20 teachers, Bridges Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 18:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Bridges Academy, located on McLaughlin Avenue in San Jose, is a specialized charter school serving students in grades 6 through 12. The academy is widely recognized for its unique educational model, which is specifically designed to support "twice-exceptional" (2e) students—individuals who are identified as both gifted and talented while also navigating learning differences such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or dyslexia. By providing a curriculum that prioritizes intellectual rigor alongside essential social-emotional support, the school aims to create an environment where students can thrive academically without the common stressors found in traditional classroom settings.

The school’s philosophy centers on a strength-based approach, emphasizing deep-dive projects and collaborative learning rather than standardized rote memorization. Through a small-class-size setting and personalized academic planning, Bridges Academy encourages students to lean into their specific passions and talents. By fostering a community that understands and accommodates neurodiversity, the academy strives to empower its students to develop the confidence, self-advocacy skills, and academic foundation necessary for success in higher education and beyond.

For more information, contact Bridges Academy at (408) 283-6400 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.