Why Bridgeway matters - A Mom's perspective

Another Bridgeway parent shares her perspective on the need for schools like Bridgeway. 

My son, now in Grade 11 at Bridgeway Academy, has a physical disabiltiy as well as a learning disability,  which effects learning all skills related to organization, spacial perception, mathematics, and interpreting social skills. He is a gifted young man in terms of all areas related to language and reads, comprehends and expresses himself at a University level.

It became more and more apparent as the school years went on, that the great talents he does possess would be of little benefit to him, if he didn't develop the self awareness and tools to work around the deficits that were holding him back in terms of relationships and organization. Even if you have a lot of knowledge and alot to say,  it does you no good if you don't have the skills to have a reciprical conversation and make proper eye contact. 

While in grade 7, the result of his mounting frustration culminated in a severe anxiety disorder resulting in months of hospitalization. Then we discovered Bridgeway Academy.

Bridgeway has given us our son and family back. They take complete responsiblity for teaching your child. You no longer have to play teacher at home, for your child to pass.  For instance, the parents sign an agreement that they will not help their child with homework, and if the child can't do it independently, the teacher will go over it with them again. What a concept! ! Sooo different from the hours and hours per night we used to spend at home re-teaching him each evening, resulting in meltdowns for everyone.

Our son is now a very happy, well adjusted young man, who no longer meets the criteria of an anxiety disorder, his confidence is soaring, he has perfected so many social skills that needed to be taught, just like a math problem, step by step.

Schools like Bridgeway are essential to many students, who fall through the wide cracks in our public system. These kids need teachers who are highly trained and an environment that is tailored for them. Society will benefit from the productive competant citizens that are a product of Bridgeway. It should not only be for the priveledged few who live in HRM. Integration is a noble concept, but at what cost?

Tamara