What began as a global response to school closures has evolved into a long-term shift in how families think about education.
Students have also noticed benefits such as saving time for commuting and a comfortable way to learn. For some learners, the traditional classroom environment was not an option due to health reasons. Remote learning is a quality solution for families dealing with these concerns. Online schooling provides excellent opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning, practice useful skills, and prepare for the next stage.
Bridges Academy Online (BAO) has formulated a specialized remote learning model to provide a comprehensive education that serves a diverse learning population of twice-exceptional high school students, aligned with their learning needs. Bridges Academy has a 30-year history of educating gifted students, and Bridges Academy Online is an accredited extension, bringing a revolutionary teaching method worldwide.
Preparing for the next stage
At this stage of their lives, students are thinking about “what’s next?” This means college for many, where students will have new freedoms. Students will have to consider the schedules that work for their learning while meeting major requirements. In the midst of this, students will have to find balance and juggle the demands of multiple courses. To best prepare students, they must take meaningful classes in their high school years while learning executive functioning skills.
The first task of online school is joining the virtual classroom. Students are now in charge of their “commute”, which will be the case in college. From there, students must learn to use their time wisely to study and complete coursework.
Bridges Academy Online provides community college and college prep courses to increase college readiness and allows students to take ownership of their learning and practice executive functioning skills needed to actualize goals.2 Coupled with Bridges’ approach to learning with a focus on project-based learning, twice-exceptional learners will be able to practice and utilize real-world skills
Communication and Collaboration
Remote learning doesn’t have to feel isolating; in fact, online classrooms can foster just as much interaction and peer support as traditional settings. Through video discussions, breakout rooms, and collaborative projects, students build relationships, engage in meaningful dialogue, and receive timely feedback from instructors.
BAO enhances this experience with intentionally small cohorts, ensuring that every student’s voice is heard and every question is addressed. Beyond daily virtual classes, BAO offers two optional on-campus gatherings each year, where learners connect face-to-face and strengthen their community bonds. At the same time, our advisors, teachers, and mentors provide one‑on‑one sessions tailored to each student’s needs, while family advisory meetings invite parents into the process. The result is a vibrant and inclusive learning environment, powered by technology, but grounded in personal connection that guides twice‑exceptional students toward their fullest potential.
Flexibility
There is a misconception that remote learning does not provide enough structure. On the contrary, remote learning has just as much structure as in-person options and allows students to create preferred schedules.3 While in-person instruction requires students to be present for seven hours each day, remote learning can be conducted in less time.
Bridges meets learners where they are, and this extends to the online school. Teachers are flexible and allow students to learn and explore at their own pace. Bridges Academy Online offers rigorous academic courses as well as enrichment opportunities for music, film, natural sciences, and more. The Young Experts Program allows for further personal development. With project-based learning at the center of the Bridges curriculum, students can produce meaningful and lasting works with the support of coaches and mentors. In addition to advisory sessions, students can receive guidance regarding their workload.
Technical skills
Computer skills are becoming increasingly essential for those entering the workforce.
Students already possess the necessary skills to engage in online learning. 2e students may also benefit from new technologies that enhance accessibility in learning environments. BAO promotes collaboration in digital landscapes, enabling students to use learning management systems and prepare for college courses.
Teacher engagement
BAO teachers are professionals in 2e education, supporting students while also providing engaging curricula and activities for students to do their best learning. Remote learning requires engaging teachers to reach across the digital divide. [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Bridges teachers are skilled in multiple learning modalities and use a dual-differentiation model, helping learners find the way they learn best.[/perfectpullquote]
When the learning environment is adaptive and co-created with students and teachers, students have more fun, freedom, and agency over their learning.
Key Takeaways
Bridges Academy Online provides students with:
- Flexible schedules for further self-study and enrichment
- Executive functioning, digital, and technical skills
- An adaptive and engaging learning environment comprised of supportive faculty
Hear from the families and teachers that make up Bridges Academy Online!
