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Bridge Academy
welcomes you & your whole family!
Hi, I’m Leah McDermott, M.Ed., the founder and head of school at Bridge Academy. With over 17 years of experience in education, I’ve seen firsthand the limitations of traditional teaching methods. Early in my career, I taught both kindergarten and fifth grade, and I noticed a stark difference: younger children were naturally enthusiastic and curious, while older students often became disengaged due to rigid and uninspiring educational practices.
Driven by a desire to rekindle a love of learning, I decided to homeschool my own children, embracing a natural learning approach. This hands-on, personalized method respects each child's unique learning style and needs, which led me to establish Bridge Academy. My mission is to empower families to embrace natural learning and foster a lifelong love of education in their children. At Bridge Academy, I’m committed to ensuring we remain at the forefront of personalized, child-centered education.
I’m Leah. Master Educator turned UnSchooler Revolutionary
Frequently Asked Questions
At Bridge Academy, we believe that every child is a capable and natural learner. Our philosophy is centered around the idea that learning should be personalized, flexible, and driven by a child's innate curiosity, and that a child should always have agency over their learning. We trust in each student's ability to learn and grow in their own unique way, and we provide a supportive environment that nurtures their love for learning and helps parents along the way.
Enrolling your child at Bridge Academy is a simple and straightforward process. First, we encourage you to thoroughly research our academy to ensure it aligns with your family's educational goals. Next, you'll pay the enrollment fee and fill out our online application form, providing essential information about your child. Once enrolled, we'll support you through any necessary withdrawal or transfer processes from your current school. We'll also guide you through the onboarding process, including setting up your parent portal account and connecting with your child's educational facilitator.
Bridge Academy welcomes students from all backgrounds, learning styles, and educational experiences. We serve families who are seeking a more personalized and flexible approach to education, whether they are transitioning from a traditional school setting, looking to enhance their current homeschooling experience, healing from a traumatic experience, or starting their learning journey from scratch. Our program is designed for students from kindergarten through high school (Pre-K students approved by the team on an individual basis).
Our natural learning curriculum is designed to align with each student's developmental stages, interests, and learning style. Rather than following a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach, we provide a framework that allows students to explore topics deeply, at their own pace. The curriculum incorporates real-world experiences, project-based learning, and a focus on developing essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
At Bridge Academy, we believe that every child has the potential to thrive in our program, regardless of their previous educational background. There are no specific academic prerequisites for enrollment. However, we do ask that families are committed to our philosophy of personalized, student-centered learning and are willing to actively participate in their child's educational journey.
We believe that socialization and community involvement are essential components of a well-rounded education. While our program is primarily individual, we provide several opportunities throughout the year (new features coming for the 24-25 year!) for students and parents to connect with their peers, collaborate on projects, and participate in virtual clubs and events. We also encourage families to get involved in local homeschooling groups, co-ops, and community organizations to foster in-person connections and real-world learning experiences.
At Bridge Academy, we recognize that every student has unique learning needs. Our personalized approach allows you to tailor the curriculum and provide accommodations to support students with learning differences. We’ve found throughout our years of experience that when a child with learning differences is no longer under stress and pressure to perform at the same pace as classmates, learning becomes easier and more enjoyable, removing a lot of the need for additional supports. We are available to support and collaborate with families to develop individualized learning plans and provide resources and strategies to support student success where applicable.
In a natural learning approach, assessment is focused on observing and understanding each student's individual growth and mastery of skills, rather than comparing them to a fixed set of standards. We use a variety of assessment methods, including portfolio reviews, monthly check-ins, and student self-reflections, to gain a holistic view of each child's progress. Everything shared within your child’s portfolio is considered in their customized transcripts throughout the year.
We understand that educational journeys can be dynamic. Even if you decide to transition your child back to public school, pursue dual enrollment, or supplement with forest schools, your family will still have access to our support and materials for a full year. This ensures that your child’s education remains continuous and flexible, adapting to their evolving needs.
Bridge Academy has a NO REFUND policy for its services, curriculum, and enrollment fees due to the non-returnable nature of digital content and courses, and the immense value of what we provide. Please note that all transactions are final and your enrollment fees are non-refundable unless a prior written agreement has been made with Bridge Academy.
– Kailee G
“Our days are by no means perfect and we still have things to figure out but the journey is so absolutely wonderful!”
I just wanted to share how incredibly grateful I am for Bridge Academy. I say it often and tell everyone how much I am loving this new lifestyle of ours but truly, Lisa Martin and Leah McDermott [of Bridge Academy], you have changed our lives in the most beautiful and perfect way!
I still pinch myself when I think about how we get to live our lives now. My oldest is so much happier and more himself now that he can choose how his days go and at his own pace!
My youngest is beyond overjoyed to have his best friend home with him again. Our days are by no means perfect and we still have things to figure out but the journey is so absolutely wonderful!
I once thought I would be the one creating what Leah has made but I now struggle with an autoimmune disease that zaps me of my energy- I am SO grateful that someone so likeminded has put in all this leg work to do what Bridge Academy has done!
Leah you are such an inspiration and I can never fully put into words how thankful I am for you and this beautiful endeavor you have taken on! I promise your effort does not go unnoticed!
Thank you for all you do and for giving us this opportunity!!
“happier & more himself”
