About Bridges
At The Bridges Academy, we cultivate a warm, inclusive environment where students aged 2 through Grade 8 experience a joyful and challenging education under one roof. Rooted in strong values and community resilience, our school empowers
young learners to develop confidence, character, and a lifelong love of learning. With small class sizes, dedicated teachers, innovative programs, and meaningful partnerships, we offer a whole-child approach that supports academic excellence and social-emotional
growth. Research supports the K–8 model as developmentally ideal, allowing our students to form lasting relationships, thrive through fewer transitions, and discover leadership opportunities from their earliest years through adolescence.
Welcome to
The Bridges Academy.
A nurturing, academically rigorous school for Toddlers through Grade 8.
On behalf of our students, faculty, staff, administration, and Board of Trustees, we extend a warm welcome. Our school is a true “school family,” where students are known as individuals, supported by caring teachers, and strengthened by engaged families.
a fully accredited member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools, we offer diverse opportunities for all learners—from plays, soccer, and chess tournaments to science experiments, engineering projects, and greenhouse planting. With robust language programs in Mandarin, Spanish, and French, and a strong foundation in literacy, science, and math, we help students discover their passions while developing Character, Confidence, and Knowledge for success in a global world.
Our graduates leave 8th grade ready to make a positive impact in high school, college, and beyond. The best way to begin that journey is to visit and experience our close-knit, vibrant community for yourself.
Stephen E. Rubenacker - Head of School
School Founded in 2013
Independent, Co-ed, Non-denominational
West Islip, Long Island, NY
Over 245 Students
The Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning
Our Core Values
Our community is built on a shared foundation of principles that guide every interaction, decision, and lesson. These five core values shape who we are and who our students become.
Character
Acting with integrity, kindness, and empathy
Confidence
Finding and using your voice with courage and clarity
Knowledge
Exploring big ideas through inquiry, dialogue, and discovery
Innovation
Embracing technology and creative thinking to solve real problems
Community
Building meaningful relationships across students, staff, families, and alumni
Our History
Parents Rally to Save School
Rooted in resilience. Growing with purpose.
When a beloved local school closed in 2012, families and educators came together with a shared vision: create a nurturing, forward-thinking academic home. In 2013, The Bridges Academy opened its doors with over 150 students. Today, we proudly serve 250+ learners from 26+ districts—still guided by that same spirit of community, innovation, and care.
In concert with our Board of Trustees, our administrative team works in partnership with our teachers and families—all united around the common goal of building the finest school on Long Island.
Stephen Rubenacker
Head of School
Patricia Blackler
Assistant Head of School
Karen Smith
Director of Finance
Learn More
Learn more about our Head of School Stephen Edward Rubenacker.
Why Choosing a Private School might be right for your family.
Learn more about our admissions process and schedule a tour.
Explore our media page where you can watch school events, plays, and days of learning.