THE COLLABORATIVE MODEL
Our Bridge Campus uses a collaborative model where education is a true partnership between teachers and families. Students receive on-campus instruction and guidance, and parents serve as co-teachers on home learning days. Both students and families are supported with clear lesson plans, training, and ongoing communication.
How It Works
Students attend campus classes part of the week and complete structured learning at home on the other days:
- Grammar School (PreK–6): Two on-campus days each week
- Upper School (7–12): Three on-campus days each week
Teachers provide a five-day lesson plan so families can prepare and execute at-home learning with confidence. Parents gradually transition from co-teachers in early grades to mentors as students grow more independent, and Upper School students take increasing responsibility for their work.
What Makes the Collaborative Model Unique
Collaborative Structure
Students split their week between classroom instruction and guided home learning, blending teacher expertise with family involvement.
Balanced Learning
Small class sizes allow teachers to form deep relationships with students. Our campus builds community, leadership, and mentorship through campus activities, field experiences, and a House program for older students.
Active Family Partnership
Parents play a meaningful role in their child’s education, equipped with training, curriculum guidance, and support from teachers. This partnership strengthens both academic growth and family discipleship.
Unified Vision
Bridge families share in the school’s mission to raise students grounded in virtue and wisdom within a Biblical worldview. Families gather regularly for events, prayer groups, and community activities that foster connection and mutual support.
Relational Community
Small class sizes allow teachers to form deep relationships with students. Our campus builds community, leadership, and mentorship through campus activities, field experiences, and a House program for older students.
Bridge Campus FAQs
Q: What is the time commitment for a parent or student?
A: We expect that families will spend non-classroom days completing schoolwork at home. As students progress into harder subjects, they will spend more time on their homework. Time will vary greatly for each student depending on their personality. Our aim is for students to spend on average three hours a day for grades K-2, four hours a day for 3-6, five hours for 7-8, and six hours a day for 9-12. This amount assumes a parent will be working with multiple children at the same time, and that students will be working more independently as they mature. Weekly assignment sheet examples are available on request.
Q: Will my child’s transcript look the same as any Ambrose student?
A: Yes. Bridge Campus students use the same curriculum as is used on our other campuses.
Q: What if I have a question while teaching my child and cannot reach his or her teacher?
A: All teachers are required by contract to be available during home days. Teachers will check email at regular intervals during those days in order to respond to questions in a timely manner. We also want to emphasize parent and student responsibility for being prepared each week for their lessons.
Q: What if the information my student is learning is far above my own knowledge as a parent?
A: To help with this, we have chosen curriculum that is user-friendly and contains adequate teaching resources. Additionally, classroom teachers are available for questions. One benefit of this model is that parents are given the gift of time to learn alongside their child. Often, the best learning comes when we have to work for it.
Q: Can my student transfer to another campus?
A: Yes, if there is an opening. Bridge is designed so that a student can, for example, attend 6th grade at the Bridge Campus and be prepared for 7th grade at the Locust Grove Campus. Family interviews, an application fee, and shadow day may apply when changing between Bridge and our other campuses. As with any transition between schools, parents and students should expect a time of adjustment.
Q: I have three children in different grades. How will I have the time and ability to manage all their needs the three days a week at home?
A: Teaching multiple levels of students is never easy but Bridge makes our curriculum doable for any committed parent. Teachers strive to mitigate the work by giving clear instructions for both parents and students. We also emphasize and teach time management and responsibility from a young age.
Q: How do I know if the Bridge Campus is right for me?
A: Consider the following questions as parents:
- Will our family benefit from having another person organize the curriculum for our children’s instruction?
- Can we provide an environment conducive to learning within our home?
- Are our family dynamics such that our children will respond to us as their teachers?
- Are our family dynamics such that we can commit to the workload required at home?
- Is this the best educational model for us?
Then, pray about it and reach out to Admissions Director Bonnie Green at bgreen@theambroseschool.org to learn more.