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FHS Bridges Program Information

What Is Bridges?

The Bridges Program is a small, supportive learning community designed to help students successfully transition from middle school to high school while building confidence, academic skills, and positive relationships. “BRIDGES” stands for Building Relationships, Influences Determination, Growth, and Educational Success, reflecting the program’s focus on the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally.

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Who the Program Serves

Bridges supports students identified as “at-risk,” meaning learners who may need additional support due to factors such as academic challenges, attendance, mental health, confidence, peer relationships, or family circumstances. Students are identified by middle school staff and counselors and invited to participate through a spring selection process that includes family outreach and an open house. Each year, approximately 40 freshmen are accepted, with up to 20 continuing into sophomore year.

Mission & Core Values

The mission of Bridges is to develop holistic learners who discover the best version of themselves through:

  • Self-advocacy

  • Growth mindset

  • Personal reflection

  • Positive relationships

  • Accountability and responsibility

Students also help shape the program culture by voting on annual core values such as fun, responsibility, respect, teamwork, and positivity, which are reinforced through regular character lessons and activities.

How the Program Works

Bridges operates as a true school within a school:

  • Students take Math, English, and Social Studies within the Bridges program
     

  • Class sizes are kept small (about 20 students)

  • Students rotate through classes in a dedicated hallway space
     

  • The same teachers work with students across subjects, allowing for consistent, year-long (and sometimes two-year) relationships

  • Classes run during 3rd and 4th hour with rotating 40-minute blocks
     

  • Built-in flex time and work days provide targeted academic support, time to complete assignments, and opportunities for check-ins with teachers

Teachers also share a common prep period, allowing them to collaborate daily on student progress and personalize supports.

Student Support & Enrichment

Bridges emphasizes both academic growth and personal development through:

  • One-on-one conversations and mentoring

  • Flex time for individualized help

  • Peer collaboration

  • Awards each trimester recognizing growth and character

  • An end-of-year celebration with families

  • Affordable annual field trips

  • Open-door access to teachers before, during, and after school

Students describe Bridges as a safe environment that helps them become more accountable, self-sufficient, and confident.

Student Outcomes & Objectives

Through participation in Bridges, students work toward:

  • Becoming the best version of themselves

  • Taking ownership of their learning

  • Using reflection to learn from setbacks

  • Communicating effectively with adults

  • Building responsibility and accountability for their actions

The ultimate goal is to help students build skills that extend beyond the classroom and support long-term success in high school and life.