Bridge Academy

A DYNAMIC VIRTUAL LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR BLOUNT COUNTY STUDENTS

 

The Blount County School System proudly offers The Bridge Academy, an innovative public education option for eligible high school students (grades 9-12) and middle school students (grades 7 and 8).

Here, students experience a flexible, non-traditional learning path guided by highly qualified, certified teachers and a top-tier online curriculum aligned with the ALSDE College and Career Ready Standards (CCRS).

 

Bridge Academy Guidelines

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The Bridge Academy offers free courses and programs for full-time students who meet Blount County Schools' residency requirements.

Students (grades 7-12) who live in Blount County School zones but are not currently enrolled can enroll in their zoned school and participate virtually through The Bridge Academy, provided they meet all eligibility criteria for both their local school and the Academy.

 

Students must: 

• have a minimum Grade Point Average of a 2.0 or grade level equivalent.

• have a recommendation from their school principal and/or counselor. 

• be a full-time student taking a full-time course load.

• participate in the Jobs for Alabama's Graduates (JAG) program (grades 9-12 only). 

 

Click the link for additional guidelines for the Bridge Academy. 

bridge academy eligibility requirements

ENROLLMENT PERIOD

The Bridge Academy offers three application periods for the 2025-2026 school year.

The Fall Semester includes two enrollment periods - Fall Term 1 and Fall Term 2 - while the Spring Semester has only one enrollment period due to state testing regulations. 

Don’t miss your chance to apply—here are the upcoming enrollment dates! 

 

STUDENT APPLICATION

Click the link to access the Bridge Academy application. Both the student and their parent/guardian must complete it together, which will take about 20 minutes.

BRidge Academy Application

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

All students must attend an orientation at the Bridge Academy, with the date to be scheduled by the Bridge Academy staff.

After the drop deadline, students are committed to the Bridge Academy for the remainder of the semester unless released by Bridge Academy staff. 

If a student withdraws from the Bridge Academy by the Drop Deadline, they will return to their School of Origin. 

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

Attendance to the Bridge Academy campus will be based on GPA or grade level equivalent and weekly academic progress. Students will be expected to attend the Bridge Academy campus weekly for participation.

Please refer to the Bridge Academy Eligibility Requirements for full details. 

NOTE: Any student who fails to meet 25% of the attendance requirements (per term) can be referred for truancy and dismissal from the Bridge Academy. 

 

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

The links below provide the mandatory meeting and exam dates.

Please click on the appropriate link to view when high school and/or middle school students are required to report to the Bridge Academy. 

 

High School Mandatory Meetings & Semester Exams

 

MIDDLE School Mandatory Meetings & Semester Exams

 

 

 

Across the nation, thousands of young people face tremendous barriers to thriving in school and in life.

On average, JAG students face 11 obstacles ranging from poverty to past trauma. 

Jobs for America's Graduates is a nationwide program uniquely equipped to tackle these challenges, offering the only all-inclusive support of its kind. Our Specialists teach credit-earning elective classes in high schools, middle schools, and out-of-school programs, providing essential job skills, hands-on experience, and a full year of follow-up to ensure a smooth transition from graduation to employment, military service, or further education.

 

 

 

Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates (JAG), an affiliate of the national model, identifies and supports Alabama’s highest at-risk students by providing educational resources and success strategies.

JAG pairs eligible students with dedicated Educational Specialists who mentor, equip, and empower them to graduate and thrive after high school.

What makes JAG unique is its focus on students who are often overlooked. JAG-eligible students may face up to 33 barriers to success, including challenges like parental incarceration, health issues, homelessness, having a dependent child, or managing a disability.

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTE 

Bridge Academy students in grades 9-12 must participate in the JAG program.  

For questions regarding the Bridge Academy or enrollment information, contact Mr. Andrew McKinney. 

Phone: 205-775-1126 option 2

Email: amckinney@blountboe.net 

 

Directions to the Bridge Academy 

62561 U.S. Highway 231 

Cleveland, AL 35049