Ask The Bridge Academy of NJ

Question 1

What is The Bridge Academy?

Accepted Answer

The Bridge Academy is a non-profit (501(c)(3)) school in Lawrenceville, New Jersey for students ages 8-18 with language-based learning differences such as dyslexia. Founded in 2003, it uses the Orton-Gillingham approach to help students bridge the gap between potential and performance.

Question 2

When was The Bridge Academy founded?

Accepted Answer

The Bridge Academy was founded in 2003 and has grown into a leading school for dyslexic and language-based learners in the region.

Question 3

Is The Bridge Academy a non-profit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Bridge Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit school.

Question 4

What is The Bridge Academy's mission?

Accepted Answer

To educate and empower students with learning differences to reach their fullest potential, building both skills and confidence.

Question 5

What does “bridge the gap between potential and performance” mean?

Accepted Answer

Many students arrive bright and capable but struggling to show it on the page. The school's job is to close that gap with the right teaching, so ability turns into real achievement.

Question 6

Where is The Bridge Academy located?

Accepted Answer

The Bridge Academy is at 1958-B Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648, and serves families across the tri-state area (NJ, NY and PA).

Question 7

What ages and grades does The Bridge Academy cover?

Accepted Answer

The Bridge Academy serves students ages 8-18.

Question 8

How big is the school?

Accepted Answer

The Bridge Academy is small by design, with around 65 students, about 26 teachers and a 4:1 student-teacher ratio.

Question 9

Who does The Bridge Academy serve?

Accepted Answer

The Bridge Academy serves students with language-based learning differences, including dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and/or ADHD, who have average or above-average potential.

Question 10

Is my child a fit?

Accepted Answer

If your child is bright but struggles with reading, writing or spelling, especially with a dyslexia or language-based profile, the school is built for exactly that. Admissions can help you explore fit.

Question 11

Do you serve students with dyslexia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Supporting dyslexic learners is at the heart of The Bridge Academy's Orton-Gillingham program.

Question 12

Do you serve students with ADHD, dysgraphia or dyscalculia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Bridge Academy serves students with ADHD, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and auditory processing differences alongside dyslexia.

Question 13

Do students have average or above-average ability?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Students typically have average or above-average potential; they are capable learners who simply learn differently.

Question 14

What areas do families come from?

Accepted Answer

Families come from across the tri-state area, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Question 15

What is the Orton-Gillingham approach?

Accepted Answer

Orton-Gillingham is a structured, multisensory, sequential way of teaching reading and language that engages sight, sound, movement and touch at once. It is proven effective for dyslexic learners.

Question 16

Why is Orton-Gillingham effective for dyslexia?

Accepted Answer

It teaches the structure of language explicitly and through multiple senses, so skills that don't come automatically for dyslexic learners become clear, concrete and lasting.

Question 17

What are the four multisensory channels?

Accepted Answer

Learning engages four channels together: Visual (seeing), Auditory (hearing and saying), Kinesthetic (moving) and Tactile (touching and tracing), so lessons stick.

Question 18

What are the six syllable types you teach?

Accepted Answer

Students learn the six syllable types, Closed, Open, Vowel-Consonant-e (VCe), R-controlled, Vowel-team and Consonant-le, the building blocks that let them decode any word.

Question 19

Are teachers Orton-Gillingham trained?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 100% of The Bridge Academy's faculty are Orton-Gillingham trained.

Question 20

Is The Bridge Academy Orton-Gillingham accredited?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Bridge Academy is accredited by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham and is the only OG-accredited school in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Question 21

How do you teach reading?

Accepted Answer

Reading is taught through Orton-Gillingham structured literacy: explicit, multisensory phonics in small groups, built around the six syllable types with plenty of practice.

Question 22

How are reading groups organized?

Accepted Answer

Students are grouped by level and need, with small ratios (often 3:1 to 5:1), so instruction fits each reader.

Question 23

Do you build a love of reading?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alongside skills, programs like the Reading Challenge and tools such as Learning Ally help students read more, and enjoy it.

Question 24

How is math taught?

Accepted Answer

Math is taught in a structured, multisensory, concept-first way (influenced by Mahesh Sharma's approach), moving through leveled courses so students build real understanding.

Question 25

Is every subject taught the Orton-Gillingham way?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The multisensory, structured approach carries across reading, writing, math, science and social studies.

Question 26

What subjects do students take?

Accepted Answer

Students take a full curriculum, language arts, mathematics, science and social studies, plus specials and enrichment, all adapted for how they learn.

Question 27

What is the student-teacher ratio?

Accepted Answer

About 4:1 overall, with reading and subject groups often ranging from 3:1 to 5:1.

Question 28

Why are classes so small?

Accepted Answer

Small groups let teachers truly know each student and tailor instruction, which is essential for students who learn differently.

Question 29

Do you develop the whole child?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Beyond reading, the school builds confidence, self-advocacy and social-emotional growth, so students thrive in and out of the classroom.

Question 30

Are there specials and enrichment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Specials, enrichment and co-curricular activities round out the program.

Question 31

What are your graduation and college outcomes?

Accepted Answer

100% of students graduate, and about 87% go on to further education, across more than 80 different destinations.

Question 32

Where do graduates go?

Accepted Answer

Graduates move on to a wide range of colleges, universities, community colleges and technical or trade programs.

Question 33

Do students gain confidence?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Families consistently describe students leaving more confident, capable and ready for what's next.

Question 34

What accreditations does The Bridge Academy hold?

Accepted Answer

The Bridge Academy is accredited by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham (the only OG-accredited school in NJ and PA), approved by the New Jersey Department of Education, and is a member of ASAH.

Question 35

What does OG accreditation mean?

Accepted Answer

It means the school meets the Academy of Orton-Gillingham's rigorous standards for structured literacy instruction and teacher training.

Question 36

Are you approved by the state?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Bridge Academy is approved by the New Jersey Department of Education.

Question 37

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Start with an Open House or an inquiry, then complete an application. The admissions team reviews fit and guides you through each step; details are on the Admissions page.

Question 38

What is the admissions process?

Accepted Answer

It's a step-by-step process: learn about the school (often at an Open House), apply, share records, visit, and determine fit together.

Question 39

How do I know if it's time to change schools?

Accepted Answer

If your current school isn't meeting your child's needs, admissions can talk through the signs and whether The Bridge Academy is the right fit.

Question 40

Do you accept students mid-year?

Accepted Answer

Reach out to admissions to discuss timing. The team can advise on openings and the best path for your child.

Question 41

When are the Open Houses?

Accepted Answer

For 2026-27, Open Houses are held on Tuesdays at 9:30am: October 13, November 10, January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13 and May 11.

Question 42

How do I attend an Open House?

Accepted Answer

Register through the Admissions / Open House Schedule page, or call the school. An Open House is the best first step to see the program in action.

Question 43

Do you offer a summer program?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Summer STREAM Program offers enrichment and skill-building over the summer.

Question 44

Do you offer tutoring?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The After-School Tutoring Program provides additional support, including for students from outside the school.

Question 45

Do you train teachers in Orton-Gillingham?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Bridge Academy offers Orton-Gillingham training for educators, including a 70-hour Associate-level course led by Academy of Orton-Gillingham Fellows.

Question 46

Is the OG training online, and what does it involve?

Accepted Answer

The OG Associate course is offered virtually. The professional-development course fee is $2,000. (This is a teacher-training fee, not student tuition.)

Question 47

How much is tuition?

Accepted Answer

Tuition varies and isn't published online. Please contact admissions to discuss tuition, and any funding or placement options for your situation.

Question 48

Is financial help available?

Accepted Answer

The Bridge Academy is a non-profit. Talk with admissions about options; depending on your situation, some families access district placement or funding.

Question 49

Who are the teachers?

Accepted Answer

About 26 teachers, all Orton-Gillingham trained, who know every student well thanks to the school's small classes.

Question 50

Who leads the school?

Accepted Answer

The Bridge Academy is led by its principal and Director of Education, Karen Savar.

Question 51

How can I support The Bridge Academy?

Accepted Answer

Through the Annual Fund and the annual Gala, you can support the school's mission via its Support Us and Donate pages.

Question 52

Does the school host events?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An annual Gala (which recently raised about $78,000) and community events support the school's mission.

Question 53

How do I contact The Bridge Academy?

Accepted Answer

Call (609) 844-0770 (fax 609-844-0773) or use the Contact page. The school is at 1958-B Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.

Question 54

How do I visit or get directions?

Accepted Answer

The best first visit is an Open House. For directions, see the Directions & Maps page on the website or call the school.

Question 55

Where can I follow The Bridge Academy online?

Accepted Answer

The Bridge Academy is on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn, all linked from the website.

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