Bridge View/Challenger Schools

Most of the teachers are lazy and don't teach classes. They give students individual assignments each period, and then spend that time reading books or playing around on their computers. The students work on their own. There are a few good teachers there who really work, but most of them don't. The principal doesn't seem to be doing anything about this.

There are some teachers there with real anger issues that they take out on their students for minor or imaginary infractions. Someone needs to do something about this. In addition, some of the teachers seem to have no idea how to deal with their students disabilities.

Well I been out of that school 2 years now and this school is vary bad place for students. They say its a special education school but sadly the teachers do not seem to care of the students special needs A student who had a serious disability and had a bad habit that she can't help allays got in trouble for....they were kinda making fun and teasing her and this school makes you ashamed of your disability so the school is not a good place a special needs. Student are even better of at a public school in a bad neighborhood compared to this place. -James. O
--Submitted by a student

Would like to see a better forum for student's to transfer to a mainstream environment. There appears to be little support for this. There is minimal preparation for students to move foward and that leaves the student "stuck" in this environment with little opportunity for the future.
--Submitted by a parent

as a current student. The 'tours' make everything seem happy and go lucky. But in reality, things aren't what they seem to be. The teachers are nice, but the small gym sizes and class sizes leave no time for interaction, whatsoever.
--Submitted by a student

My daughter will begin her senior year in the fall. I am so excited for her. SHe started attending Bridgeview mid year of her freshman year. What a differance they have made. She went from failing and hating to school to A/B and enjoying school. The sttaff are wonderful caring people that take care of the whole family. I don't know where she would be without Bridgeview.
--Submitted by a parent

I have nothing but good things to say about Challenger. My daughter spent quite some time in other school settings and did not succeed. When she started attending Challenger she felt like she finally fit somewhere. The low class numbers and the availabilty of the therapists really help her to be able to handle a school day. The continuous calendar is beneficial to her, as she does not do well with 'vacations' from school. The principal is fantastic and the staff take all of my parental concerns seriously. I know that after being here, she has a much better chance at leading a productful adulthood.
--Submitted by a parent

As a past student, who was refused services after two years of attending Bridgeview, I believe it lacks emotional needs and support for those who need it most.
--Submitted by a student

My son has Asperger's Syndrome, and public schools intimidated him to the point that he could not think. Having no friends, he was an easy target for people who would take advantage of his naivety. In the small-school setting at Challenger, and being with others who 'think differently,' my son has blossomed. His intelligence shows - he has a B+/A- average - and he has friends who 'get him.' The faculty is terrific, especially the principal. I am grateful for all the people who work with special-needs children in Lake County that helped my son find Challenger. You DO make a difference. Thank you.
--Submitted by a parent

Im not a parent, but I am a graduate of Challenger. Going to that school was what turned my life around. The teachers there are great, and are trained to deal with kids who need extra help. And the therapist are amazing! Especially mine, I still see her today. Overall, this school can offer so much to parents that are looking for a school for their child to go to when they are not able to attent 'reguar' school for emothional or behavioral problems. With low numbers of kids in each class, the children are able to get tons of 1 on 1 attention from the teachers.
--Submitted by Jennifer, a former student