Bridges at Gilman

Every Bridges student participates in the five-week Summer Institute on the Gilman campus, an intensive academic and social enrichment program that emphasizes study skills, athletic participation, and character development. Master teachers from local private and public schools conduct challenging classes in reading, writing, math, and art. Weekly field trips to local landmarks broaden students' awareness of the city and region.

Upper School students from Gilman, The Bryn Mawr School, and Roland Park Country Schools serve as Bridges volunteers by providing classroom support for Summer Institute teachers and valuable assistance for our head counselors. Over the past two summers, 32 independent school students have invested a total of over 3,000 volunteer hours. The relationships built between Bridges students and high school volunteers form the social backbone of the program.

From September through April, each of the Bridges elementary school students participates in an after-school program one day per week. Sessions held on the Gilman campus are led by a master teacher and match each Bridges student with a high school volunteer. The after-school program features read-aloud sessions, playground games, and one-on-one homework support.

The Bridges sixth graders participate in a series of monthly weekend activities designed to provide students with new and challenging experiences that expand their field of vision. Adult mentors and high school volunteers lead these activities to help students develop new skills and self-confidence.

Annual activities include camping trips, science and nature study, a theater workshop, ice skating, college campus tours, rock climbing, and inspirational guest speakers.

Bridges provides every family of fifth grade students with the information and advice they need to make the best choice for their child's middle school placement. We help families identify their student's learning style(s) and encourage them to focus on what school environment best suits their child.

Our six graders have gone on to several area middle schools, including but not limited to: Gilman School, Roland Park Middle School (Ingenuity), Mother Seton Academy, Mount Royal Middle School (Advanced Academics), Tunbridge Public Charter, and Immaculate Conception School.