The Bridge

The Bridge High School serves students ages 14 to 21 who have autism or cognitive disabilities in combination with emotional or behavioral disorders.

Program Description

Instruction at the Bridge is designed to help students prepare for greater independence as adults. The curriculum includes three main components: functional academics, life skills instruction and vocational training. Frequent trips into the community help students apply what they have learned in class to real-world settings such as the grocery store, bank, or library.

All students learn and perform sub-contract jobs , such as light assembly or packaging, in a workshop located on the school premises. This work activity helps students acquire basic work skills and sensibilities. Students are paid for the work that they do. At about age 16, many students participate in supervised job evaluations at local businesses to gain beginning work experience and to help prepare for a community-based job.

The Bridge is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and uses the positive programming models of behavior management. A strong emphasis is also placed on communication (speech/language therapy) and on social skills instruction.

Geographic Area Served

Located in Downers Grove, Illinois, the Bridge serves students from DuPage, Cook, Kane, DeKalb, Kendall, LaSalle, Will, Grundy, and Ogle Counties.

Eligibility

The Bridge serves students ages 14 to 21 who have autism or cognitive disabilities in combination with emotional or behavioral disorders. Students must be referred by their home school district.

Fees

School tuition and transportation are paid by the student's home school district.

For more information...

For more information or a free brochure, please call The Bridge at (630) 964-1722, or e-mail Maureen Skord, Principal, at mskord@lilfriends.com.