The Bridge Program
The Bridge Program at Bridgeview Montessori School
Bridgeview Montessori recognizes that every student learns uniquely and that the Montessori method is ideal for students to learn at their own pace, through a variety of modalities, and in an arts and science rich environment. Through the Bridge Program, students receive specific, explicit and targeted instruction as they develop as skilled learners.
In the Children’s House and Elementary I, we emphasize moving toward automaticity and mastery of foundational skills and concepts for literacy and number sense. We use the Orton Gillingham explicit reading instruction program for all age levels. We also support strength building, motor coordination and self-regulation skills. As children gain skills and progress through Elementary I and into Elementary II, we expand upon this foundation.
We differentiate instruction to target the specific needs of individual students including thinking, memory, and executive functioning. When students are ready, we support their shift from concrete to abstract thinking. To develop and strengthen executive functioning skills, we provide instruction and strategy building for sequencing, organizing and planning. We further develop spatial, visual and time perception skills.
To support social emotional skill development, we give all students tools for understanding their place in the community, to advocate for themselves and to take the perspective of others.
The primary goal of the Bridge Program is to empower the students and promote confidence in their skills and their ability to persevere. The children are encouraged to take risks and have an appreciation for natural consequences. Following the Montessori Philosophy, students in the Bridge Program are met where they are and supported to move forward. Levels of support are adjusted throughout the year, and lesson extensions are provided for the just right challenge resulting in engaged learning.
Our goal during the Bridgeview Montessori application process is to determine whether Bridge Program services are appropriate for a particular student. If a student is accepted into Bridgeview Montessori School and into the Bridge Program, there is an additional $2200 Bridge Program tuition.