Bridges Academy

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.