Our decision has been reaffirmed every day.
By: Dave Donoghue, Bridgedale Dad
(We asked Bridgedale dad Dave Donoghue about why he sent his son Charlie to Bridgedale Academy and about Charlie's experiences at Bridgedale. Here are Dave's responses to our questions.)
What motivated you to look at Bridgedale as an academic alternative for Charlie?
We first learned about Bridgedale when I saw a poster about Bridgedale at an ice rink before one of Charlie’s hockey games. My wife had been looking for a classical education. The idea of combining a classical education model, an all-boy environment and excellent hockey training was very appealing to us and to Charlie.
What factors went into your decision and was there any particular deciding factor?
We had some doubts coming into it. Would a hockey school be able to or interested in the sort of rigorous education we believe is critical for our children? Would the other families put education first and hockey second? Bridgedale dispelled those doubts. We quickly saw that the Bridgedale teachers and athletic instructors cared about educating and growing young men first from the top down.
Hockey is of course an important part of the education, but just like algebra and grammar, hockey is one more tool that develops thoughtful, intelligent young men who are leaders in the classroom, on the ice and in their communities. And in order to accomplish its mission Bridgedale has built an unparalleled team of teachers. To a person, the teachers have strong command of their subject and an excellent ability to handle middle school boys firmly, but with an impressive kindness and generosity.
