Students enter New Bridge through a referral process, initiated by the principal of the traditional school, a teacher or parent with input from the counselor. Careful attention was paid to staffing New Bridge. Lessons are individualized and student-centered and mentoring is in place as a strong reinforcement. Reading instruction is a focus area for all students. Each New Bridge student is working directly with a University of Richmond graduate student twice a week as their individual mentor who helps the student with social skills, self-discipline and academic skills.
Teachers already report improvements in class performance, especially attendance and behavior.
Now she is gaining confidence and a desire to learn and to please. Thank goodness we had this choice. If parents and staff believe students are ready to accept the responsibilities of proper behavior, attendance and academics, students who complete New Bridge Elementary may enroll in a comprehensive middle school. The successful return to a traditional setting demonstrates that the student has matured in both self-control and academic skills. Mount Vernon, also located in a renovated church, opened its doors in the fall of 1995 and enrolls about 150 students in grades 6-8.