Twice-Exceptional Students Get Trained at Bridges Academy

In 1995, when founder Carol McWilliams developed an independent study program for three young international tennis players who wanted to continue playing competitively while preparing for college, she was laying down the groundwork for a school that would provide services a very unique student population. 

At that time, she was also providing supplemental educations for gifted youngsters with organizational deficits who were struggling in the regular school setting.  She called that in-home study program, Bridges to Learning. Within the first year, she found herself with 30 students. In 1998, Bridges Academy was accredited as a non-profit organization.

Because of the growing student body and demand for a bigger facility, McWilliams moved the school from her home to a facility in Sherman Oaks.  In 2005, the academy moved to their current location in Studio City.

Today, the Bridges Academy is a full fledged, accredited college preparatory school, offering classes for grades 5 through 12.  What makes the school unique is its student population and its program.  Termed 2E or twice exceptional,  Bridges students are highly-gifted individuals who are challenged learning differences such as attention deficit disorder, non-verbal learning, auditory or visual processing problems, weak executive function (organization and planning) skills or dysgraphia.

“We serve students who are both gifted or highly gifted but they also have learning differences," said Doug Lenzini, director of Admissions at Bridges Academy. "So, that makes us a one of a kind school.  There are special schools and there are gifted schools but no one that does both, that serves both populations—we call it exceptionalities; twice exceptional students.  Bridges is the only school with the sole mission of serving 2E kids.”

Bridges Academy teachers believe that its students’ success is developing their strengths, nurturing their gifts, and providing with the tools to face their learning differences.  In accordance with the school’s mission statement, the administration and faculty are committed to providing a “student-centered, talent- and strength-based model to optimize intellectual, academic, and social development.”

The classes at Bridges are small, and intimate, allowing for a better learning environment for each student.  There are no more than eight students for each class with two instructors at the middle school level and one instructor at the high school level.  Because their students are driven by curiosity, creativity, and excitement for learning, students are always encouraged to explore their gifts and talents.

Every Wednesday is enrichment day, where the kids choose an enrichment cluster, where they either go on field trips or invite special guests who provide seminars on campus on topics selected by the students.  In the first two weeks of January, students are allowed to choose enrichment classes where they can either take two weeks of one subject or a week of two different courses.  Subjects range from photography to marine biology to robotics.

Educating and preparing the 2E population at Bridges is a dedicated faculty who understand its students.  They are individuals who are willing to help the students with their needs and provide a lot of support to follow through with their programs.  The faculty and administration go through intense professional training sessions in order to better tailor each class session to each individual.  

According to Lenzini, the general attitude is this: “We haven’t even began to scratch the surface.”

Admission to the Bridges Academy is an in-depth exploration and examination of a potential student’s background, intellectual as well as socio-emotional profile, and learning disability.  A committee is assigned to review each candidates file.

 “We are not about the numbers here.  We cannot just be filling seats.  We have to make sure it’s the right fit.  Unless it’s the right fit, people have a greater chance of success,” said Lenzini.

On April 16, Anne Duke, one of the world’s top poker players, will be hosting a poker tournament called, "All in for Charity." The tournament will be held at the in Studio City. 

 The proceeds will fund research, training, financial aid and scholarship opportunities for the twice exceptional students at Bridges Academy.  For more information or to register for this event, visitwww.bridges.edu/poker-discount.html.