Bridgeview Preparatory High School

School Mission Statement

Bridgeview Preparatory exists to empower students from all cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds to become critical thinkers, compassionate leaders, and active global citizens. We believe education must honor each student's identity and community knowledge as foundational assets for learning. Through a rigorous, culturally sustaining curriculum and a deeply inclusive community, we strive not merely to close achievement gaps, but to transform the very structures of opportunity, ensuring every student graduates ready to champion equity in their future endeavors.

Student Population

A designated sanctuary school with a student population that is 70% first- or second-generation immigrants, representing over 40 home languages. Our diversity is our greatest strength and the foundation of our educational approach.

Staff Guidelines & Initiatives

Our staff development programs ensure that every educator is equipped to support our diverse student population through culturally responsive practices and community engagement.

• Mandatory Cultural Humility Training: All staff undergo 30+ hours/year of training co-facilitated by community elders and equity specialists.
• Community Home Visits Program: Teachers are compensated for voluntary home visits to build partnerships with families, following family-led agendas.
• Linguistic Equity Policy: Staff communications to parents are always in their home language. School meetings provide live interpretation.
• Identity-Based Affinity Groups: Faculty and staff participate in weekly affinity spaces for reflection and accountability.

School Counseling Program Guidelines

Our counseling program goes beyond traditional college advising to support the holistic development of each student through multiple pathways to success.

• Beyond College-Only Advising: Counselors are evaluated on supporting multiple pathways: 4-year college, 2-year college, trade apprenticeships, and dignified work, with equal resource allocation.
• Trauma-Informed & Advocacy-Based: Counselors are trained in immigration law resources, restorative justice, and mental health first aid. They serve as student advocates in disciplinary meetings.
• Peer Mentoring Pipeline: Counselors oversee a "Near-Peer" mentoring program where alumni (1-2 years out) mentor seniors, providing relatable guidance.
• Family Engagement Specialists: Dedicated staff work with families to navigate educational systems and access community resources.

Pedagogical Standards for Teachers

Our teaching standards emphasize asset-based approaches that build on students' cultural and linguistic strengths while fostering critical consciousness.

Instructional Materials Checklist

Before adoption, all materials must fulfill these criteria to ensure they reflect our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Content authored by diverse voices (not just about them)
• Depicts people of color, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities in non-stereotypical, active roles
• Includes primary sources from marginalized perspectives alongside traditional ones
• Available in multiple formats (audio, digital, print) and adaptable for different reading levels
• Problems/examples use contexts relevant to urban and immigrant experiences
• Language is inclusive and avoids deficit-based framing

Formalized School Curriculum

We organize learning around Interdisciplinary "Justice & Innovation" Clusters that break down traditional subject boundaries and connect learning to real-world issues.

Language Policy

English proficiency is a goal, not a prerequisite for learning. Our policy is "Additive Bilingualism/Multilingualism" that values all languages as assets.