Bridge & Sha'ar Program

The Bridge Program supports students with language-based learning differences by providing a small-group and personalized classroom experience in separate classrooms for subjects that need strengthening. For subjects that are relative areas of strength — as well as for art, music, physical education, lunch, recess, Oneg, and Tefillah — students join their peers in the mainstream classroom. The Bridge Program ensures that students feel supported and thrive both academically and socially. The program aims to have students entirely mainstreamed in all academic areas by the time they graduate Eighth Grade.

The Sha’ar Program supports students on the level-1 autism spectrum and those who benefit from targeted and individualized instruction in social-emotional skills and executive functioning. Students in the Sha’ar Program integrate with the mainstream academic classroom, and benefit from the support of a behaviorist, who develops, maintains, and tracks individualized social and academic plans. When appropriate, students have the option to join a Bridge classroom, which offers a hybrid of mainstream learning and specialized instruction for those with language-based learning differences. The program aims for each student to graduate with strong communication and self-management skills, healthy peer relationships, and confidence in themselves and their abilities.