Elementary & Middle School Program
Bridges students are recruited from seven Title I elementary schools in central and northeast Baltimore at the end of third grade. Once they have joined the Bridges family, students step into a 13-year trajectory of consistent support.
Summer Institute
During the Summer, Elementary & Middle School students participate in the 5-week Summer Institute, which includes math and English classes with teachers recruited from quality programs – Baltimore’s top-ranked City High School and Polytechnic Institute, for example – as well as art, music, athletics, and field trips. Students return to the Summer Institute for six summers through the end of middle school.
8th grade students conduct an experiment on the St. Paul's School campus with their math/science teacher during the Summer Institute.
After-School Program
From September through May, Elementary school students participate our weekly after-school program where they are paired with an independent school volunteer. Students learn basic organizational skills, play games, and participate in enrichment activities such as geometry, engineering projects, and global art.
4th grade student, Myles, works on his homework with 11th grade Gilman student, Hap, during the after-school program.
Weekend Enrichment
Bridges coach, Stephen, helps middle school students review their quarterly report cards during the Weekend Enrichment program.
Middle & High School Guidance
As families approach the end of elementary & middle school, Bridges staff provide them with one-on-one guidance and support through the school admissions process by helping families create a short list of options, and by following up on school visits, testing, and application deadlines.
Bridges at St. Paul's School Elementary and Middle School Program Director, Jonathan, counsels a family during the middle school choice process.
Individualized Support
The individualized support offered to Bridges students varies based on each student’s needs. Staff may arrange for an academic tutor, buy a student an alarm clock so he or she can get to school on time, or help families structure a quiet spot and time for homework.
Middle school students receive one-on-one academic tutoring from Loyola University students in the Bridges Loft, a centrally-located activity space that provides older students with a quiet weeknight space for homework and drop-in tutoring.
