Financial Support Programs
Most families pay for tuition through a combination of these options:
Financial Aid Awards are the most common type of financial aid offered by Bridges Academy. They are awarded annually to students who demonstrate financial need, and students must reapply each year. Award money comes from the school’s budget and any directed and restricted donations. A financial aid award does not have to be paid back. Income, assets, family size, and other factors are considered in determining need and award level.
DEI Opportunity Grants are provided to support DEI goals of the Academies. Funding for Opportunity Grants comes from donations made by current parents, alumni, corporations, and foundations. Awards are provided to students who demonstrate financial need and will vary depending on the requirements stipulated by the funder.
Merit Scholarships are not common and are reserved for students who have a special specific talent that the school is seeking, such as in art, music, or academics. Generally, scholarships are based on financial need. They may be awarded once, annually, or divided over years of attendance as long as the student meets the scholarship criteria.
A Seat in the Class Program* — Bridges Academy actively seeks funding from individual donors and corporations and maintains capacity in each of the divisions to accommodate qualified, low- income 2e students. Each of the three divisions, 4-6, 7-8, and 9-12, will make two spaces available. Students occupying the Seat in Class spaces will be guaranteed a Bridges education through the current division as long as academic and behavioral standards are consistent with 2e community expectations. Parents will be provided with all support made available to all parents of enrolled students. Furthermore, additional charges related to enrollment will be waived or funded by Bridges Academy’s general funds. Waived charges include use of take-home personal computer, field-trip and outdoor education fees, and other similar costs should they arise.
Tuition Loans are personal loans provided by a private lender. You must apply directly to the lender, and your loan amount and interest rate will depend on the lender’s credit requirements. Some families will use loans to pay for expenses not covered by financial aid or other grants. You can search for lenders who offer K-12 loans on the NAIS Company/Consultant Directory by selecting “Financial Aid Loan Programs” in the category field.
Tuition Payment Plans allow parents to make monthly payments rather than writing one or two large checks each year. Bridges offers payment plans directly through the Bridges Academy business office. Payments plans that extend beyond the educational term may incur additional fees and require additional contractual arrangements.
*This program is not currently available for the 2024-2025 school year.
Financial Aid Awards are the most common type of financial aid offered by Bridges Academy. They are awarded annually to students who demonstrate financial need, and students must reapply each year. Award money comes from the school’s budget and any directed and restricted donations. A financial aid award does not have to be paid back. Income, assets, family size, and other factors are considered in determining need and award level.
DEI Opportunity Grants are provided to support DEI goals of the Academies. Funding for Opportunity Grants comes from donations made by current parents, alumni, corporations, and foundations. Awards are provided to students who demonstrate financial need and will vary depending on the requirements stipulated by the funder.
Merit Scholarships are not common and are reserved for students who have a special specific talent that the school is seeking, such as in art, music, or academics. Generally, scholarships are based on financial need. They may be awarded once, annually, or divided over years of attendance as long as the student meets the scholarship criteria.
A Seat in the Class Program* — Bridges Academy actively seeks funding from individual donors and corporations and maintains capacity in each of the divisions to accommodate qualified, low- income 2e students. Each of the three divisions, 4-6, 7-8, and 9-12, will make two spaces available. Students occupying the Seat in Class spaces will be guaranteed a Bridges education through the current division as long as academic and behavioral standards are consistent with 2e community expectations. Parents will be provided with all support made available to all parents of enrolled students. Furthermore, additional charges related to enrollment will be waived or funded by Bridges Academy’s general funds. Waived charges include use of take-home personal computer, field-trip and outdoor education fees, and other similar costs should they arise.
Tuition Loans are personal loans provided by a private lender. You must apply directly to the lender, and your loan amount and interest rate will depend on the lender’s credit requirements. Some families will use loans to pay for expenses not covered by financial aid or other grants. You can search for lenders who offer K-12 loans on the NAIS Company/Consultant Directory by selecting “Financial Aid Loan Programs” in the category field.
Tuition Payment Plans allow parents to make monthly payments rather than writing one or two large checks each year. Bridges offers payment plans directly through the Bridges Academy business office. Payments plans that extend beyond the educational term may incur additional fees and require additional contractual arrangements.
*This program is not currently available for the 2024-2025 school year.
To learn more about the available financial support programs, please contact Doug Lenzini ([email protected]) and Anthony Vo ([email protected]), and download the financial aid documents below: