Programs for Kids

2024 - 2025 Academic Calendar. 

• Fall Semester: 9 - December 1 (12 weeks)

• Winter Semester: January 6 - March 30 (12 weeks)

• Spring Semester: April 7 - June 29 (12 weeks)

• Summer Session: July and August (8 weeks)

In business since 2001, Bridgeview program is based on the time-tested methods developed by the Russian schools for artistically gifted children, and adapted for today's environment. Students accomplish a series of assignments in a specific progression, fr om easier to more complex ones. The general progression is from still life to portrait to human figure. Design-oriented and creative assignments are also part of the program.

Students gain mastery of different media including acrylic paints, watercolors, pencil, charcoal and pastels, oils and sometimes clay for our younger kids.

Bridgeview School is different. Our atmosphere is informal, but serious. While we make sure that the assignments are interesting to the children, we also teach them specific lessons, whether it is proportions or perspective or color theory or spatial design. Many of our instructors, in addition to their classical training and in-depth knowledge of art history, also have experience in theater and costume design. Therefore, it is not unusual for our students to paint a Picasso-inspired cubist guitar or a theatrical mask made specifically for a still life setup by one of our teachers.

We also help with portfolio preparation for high schools and colleges. Almost all of our students successfully pass auditions to LaGuardia, Bayside, Frank Sinatra and Art and Design High Schools. Bridgeview students get accepted to the best colleges in the US and abroad and usually receive generous, often full scholarships by colleges and universities. Our students consistently receive awards and many have been featured by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The following Bridgeview instructors work with our children and youth: Boris Kulikov, Leo Kundas, Teodora Todorova, Sasha Budaev, Lena Romanova, Leonid Shoshensky, Varvara Agabekova.

School Policies (Please read before enrolling).

All of Bridgeview teachers were trained in Russia and Eastern Europe, wh ere only those who showed exceptional talent at an early age were allowed to pursue professional art careers, just like in music or sports. As a result, they possess almost every skill imaginable, they are versatile in the visual language and are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to artistic styles, media or art history. These artists are world-known painters, sculptors, theater and costume designers and book illustrators. Many have work in museum collections. They are also exceptional educators because they are passionate about art and they like working with children.

After being in business since 2001, we are not looking to expand our programs, and can only take a certain number of talented and highly motivated students. Our groups are kept intentionally small to allow for a highly individualized approach and due to the fact that on average students stays with us for 5-6 years (many from elementary school until college & even after college).

Bridgeview is like family, wh ere every student is given a lot of individual attention based on his or her unique abilities (some are better with color, some with design, some with imagination and etc.)

Bridgeview classes are long, 2-3 hours in small groups of 6-8 kids with professional grade materials (included in tuition). 

Having said all that, and space permitting, we are happy to accept new students. We accept everyone who is eager to learn, regardless of their skill level. Groups are arranged by age and not by beginner/advanced level since we work individually with each student.

• Tuition fees are firm and not negotiable. We do not provide discounts/payment plans/scholarships. Tuition is paid in full upfront to secure your spot in class. 
• Every registration period starts with early Priority Registration for our returning students only. New students may join after Priority registration is finished and if space is available. There is no "squeezing in", as our teachers are independent contractors and determine their class size.
• We accept students of ages 8 and up only, due to the complexity, maturity requirements and longer than average class time. No exceptions. For the younger ages we routinely ask for proof of age documents.
• On time arrival and pick up of children is a must. If parents or students consistently abuse this policy, Bridgeview might not re-enroll the student for the next semester.
• One make-up for a missed class per semester is allowed provided it is arranged in advance with the school director via email. College Portfolio students may have more make-ups as they attend with adults.
• Make-ups are only offered as a courtesy, and might not fit your schedule, so you have to be flexible. They are not guaranteed, only space permitting.
• There is no transfer of make-ups to the next semester or tuition credits for missed classes.
• We reserve the right to expel or deny enrollment to students who are disruptive or behave badly. 
• If your child has a learning disability or any other health issue, please let us know in advance. We are not certified to work with severely disabled students. 
• Visiting the school or observing a class is possible provided you made an appointment.
• Parents are welcome in the classroom during drop-off and pick-up. Under no circumstances can parents/siblings/friends stay in the classroom during class. Waiting area is available for all.
• Students may cancel enrollment one month before class. If the class is listed as full, no cancellation will be granted. If cancellation occurs within these parameters, tuition refund will be provided minus $50 cancellation fee. There are no cancellations once the classes begin. 
• Most of our groups get full one month before the semester begins. Once the group is closed, its status is posted online. 
• No Recommendation Letters. As an exception to the rule we may provide a letter for college but only if a student has been with us for a minimum of 4 years and has demonstrated exceptional talent and hard work.
• Trial class before enrolling is possible for a $60 fee, provided that we can accommodate an extra student.  Such trial class has to be requested by email only and needs to be paid at least one week in advance.
• For ages 10 and under we prefer not to have siblings or close friends in the same group since it often is disruptive to the class. Sometimes we may be able to accommodate you by signing the siblings up for the same time slot but in separate groups.