Programs

Classes

We offer classes for children ages two through five.

Morning and afternoon programs are available to fit a variety of schedules.

Twos

Our goal is the establishment of trust and well-being within the Twos, the youngest of Bridges children. Parents are encouraged to remain in the classroom until both parent and teacher agree that the child is feeling safe and ready to separate from the parent. Bridges supports a gradual, successful separation based on the individual needs of each child.

Mixed Age (3s, 4s, 5s)

The Mixed Age programs are designed to help each child learn about themself and their environment through exploration. Teachers do not direct all the activities, but see themselves as facilitators. Learning to adjust to transitions, developing listening skills, and practicing social skills all take place as the children are encouraged to explore the environment and activities offered.

Program schedules & tuition »

Extra Programs

Extended Day

Bridges offers morning students the option of staying for a longer day. For two additional hours, students spend time in small groups in the studio. Using the Reggio Emilia approach, this Mixed Age group creates projects that are driven by their own curiosity and interest.

Extended Day projects are open-ended. They may focus on an artist study, animal habitats, science, and or a variety of painting, printing, and collage activities.

The origin of Extended Day projects is always different. Bridges teachers focus on the exploration of the topic and a variety of materials to provoke creative thinking.

The Barn Swallows that nest every spring at Bridges always ignite curiosity. When they begin to hatch, students want to learn more. Books are read, nests located and sketched. Feathers may become the topic of discussion.

Bridges’ Reggio Emilia Summer Session

Bridges offers three two-week sessions that are open to Bridges students as well as members of the community. Each day, children engage in extended art activities, outdoor sculpture projects, collage, woodworking, outdoor activities, and water play. The Darien Nature Center collaborates with Bridges to offer science and live animal presentations each session.

Program schedules & tuition »

A Typical Day at Bridges School

Arrival

Some families begin their day at Bridges arriving by car in the drop-off area; others walk in the back door of the school.

Cubbies

All children have their own cubbies. The children learn to become independent as they hang up their coat, unpack their bag, change their shoes, and greet their friends and teachers. Lunch boxes and water bottles are organized on a cart for snack and lunchtime.

Meeting

Children meet every day on the floor with friends and teachers. Meetings are central to our day. We talk about what is new in the classroom; we share events from home, sing songs, and read books together. The studio teacher visits our meetings and brings ideas for long-term projects.

Snack & Story

Bridges provides a nutritious snack every day – organic fruit is delivered each week. Children and teachers sit together and share their thoughts. Aiming to reduce waste, we encourage reusable water bottles. Bridges is a nut-free school.

Playground

Children develop large motor skills on our two playgrounds. Our sand-based playground can be a beach full of sandcastles, a mud kitchen, or a science laboratory.

An organic flower & vegetable garden is planted every year. Here, the children observe the many birds and changes of seasons as they play alongside the beautiful Mianus River.

Free Play

Children navigate the many centers prepared daily by Bridges teachers. The choices are many: studio, woodworking, writing center, light tables, block building, dramatic area, science table, and loft play.

Studio

The studio is the home for Bridges’ many long-term projects. Our studio space has many tables for work with clay, places to glue, room for drawing, an easel to explore tempera paint. Watercolor–a quiet, peaceful activity–is offered daily.

Music & Yoga

Music and Yoga begins by ringing and listening to the singing bowl. In small groups, children explore space, rhythm, breathing techniques, and movement.

Spanish

The Bridges Spanish teacher, who is from Peru, arrives with a magic bag full of stories, games, and songs. The goal of our program is to help children learn that there are many languages in the world.

Lunch

Children and teachers enjoy nutritious lunches together within their classroom communities.

Dismissal Routines

At the end of the day we say good-bye to our friends as they depart for home.