Bridges Middle School provides a safe and enriching academic environment for students with learning differences.
Bridges Middle School, formerly Gately Academy, is a private nonprofit school in Portland, Oregon where caring, trust, respect and excellent teaching take 5th-8th grade students with learning differences to new levels of confidence, competence and opportunity. Bridges Middle School provides a highly creative and focused school setting
for students with learning differences who benefit from small class sizes
and individualized instruction.
06/24/2026
If student wellness includes belonging, access, and opportunity, what happens when special education is moved outside the Department of Education?
Our latest blog post explores what’s at stake for students, families, and schools.
bridgesms.org/the-tragedy-of-moving-special-education-out-of-the-department-of-education/
06/22/2026
As we settle into summer, we’d like to recognize the true ❤️ of Bridges: our students.
This year, we watched you take risks, support one another, persevere through challenges, and celebrate successes big and small.
As you enjoy your summer adventures, don’t forget how much you’ve accomplished and how much potential you possess. You inspire us every day.
06/20/2026
One of the highlights of summer — besides the no school thing — is getting rewarded for reading!
Here are two opportunities worth checking out:
MULTNOMAH COUNTY LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM
June 15 - August 15
Youth of all ages can play the Summer Reading game and earn prizes all summer long! Stop by the Multnomah County Library to register and receive a paper gameboard or sign up to play online with Beanstack.
POWELL'S SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
June 8 - August 31
Powell's Books, Inc. annual Summer Reading Challenge is back and even better than before! The 2026 bingo cards got a refresh with brand-new, unique prompts for kids and adults. Visit your neighborhood Powell's to learn more.
Know of other fun summer reading programs? Share in the comments!
What are you waiting for? Get reading!
06/16/2026
We are proud to share that our executive director, Beven Byrnes, is the author of a recently published CEOWORLD Magazine Special Report titled, “What Happens When Students Spend Years Believing They Don’t Belong?” The report explores how belonging, confidence, and neurodivergent inclusion shape not only educational outcomes but also the future workforce.
Learn more on our blog!
bridgesms.org/executive-director-beven-byrnes-featured-in-ceoworld-magazine-special-report/
18 Ravens.
Countless memories.
One unforgettable night.
A huge congratulations to our graduates! We loved seeing our community come together to celebrate this major milestone.
06/11/2026
It’s official. School’s out for summer!
Our students signed yearbooks and soaked up some summer sun at the park … with some new ferret friends.
Today, 18 of our Ravens will graduate. Each one has brought so much joy to our school community.
Tonight, parents, family members, teachers, staff, peers, and friends will come together to celebrate their accomplishments and wish them well as they soar into summer and on to high school. All are invited.
Bridges Middle School Graduation
Thursday, 11 June 2026 @ 6pm
1638 NW Overton Street
Portland, OR
🐦⬛ 🐦⬛ 🐦⬛ 🐦⬛ 🐦⬛ 🐦⬛
🐦⬛ 🐦⬛ 🐦⬛ 🐦⬛ 🐦⬛ 🐦⬛
🐦⬛ 🐦⬛ 🐦⬛ 🐦⬛ 🐦⬛ 🐦⬛
06/10/2026
It’s tradition for our 8th graders to plan and lead Field Day, and they did a stellar job! Fun was had, popsicles enjoyed, and memories made. Enjoy a few snapshots from the day.
Ben is a multi-talented young man who loves drawing and playing the piano. It probably isn't surprising that Art is his favorite subject, but his favorite Bridges memory is a little more unexpected — the Hot Sauce Challenge. Sounds like there's a great story there!
In the future, Ben hopes to help people. Like he did at Bridges, we're sure he will be a great help to his new peers at Benson Polytechnic High School.
Congratulations, Ben! Keep enjoying every moment and making the most of life's adventures. 🎓🩷
Abiir has such diverse talents and goals. He excels at math, science, piano, racquetball, and cooking. As far as future goals? His sights are set on becoming a robot scientist AND opening up his own restaurant called, "Happy Belly"!
This fall, he is headed to Westview High School.
Congratulations, Abiir! Keep enjoying every moment and making the most of life's adventures. 🎓🩷
| Monday | 8:30am - 4pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 8:30am - 4pm |
| Friday | 8:30am - 4pm |