Skip to main content

Average

#1422 of 3,190 schools in MI

Top 45% in state

Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan

High School · Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan

499 WEST MAIN ST, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Charter Estimated Score

Estimated academic score. This school does not have standardized test data. Based on 10 schools in BENTON HARBOR. Learn more

Enrollment

121

Student-Teacher

12.1:1

Score

6.5

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Benton Harbor

#8 of 12

public schools

Michigan high schools

#284 of 812

School environment

8.2 / 10

Very strong

About Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan

Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan serves 121 students in grades 9-12 as a charter high school in Benton Harbor. With just 10 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains an intimate 12.1:1 student-teacher ratio that allows for personalized attention and close mentorship opportunities. The school has earned recognition for its performance, ranking #312 out of 3,204 Michigan high schools and placing in the 90th percentile statewide with a solid 7.3 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating.

This strong showing demonstrates the school's commitment to academic excellence despite serving a community facing economic challenges. Bridge Academy operates in the 49022 ZIP code area, where the median household income is $36,647 and about one-third of residents live below the poverty line. The school's success in this environment speaks to its dedication to providing quality educational opportunities for students who may face additional obstacles outside the classroom.

As a charter school, Bridge Academy has the flexibility to implement innovative teaching approaches and specialized programs tailored to its student body's needs. The school's small size fosters a tight-knit community atmosphere where students and staff know each other well. Located on West Main Street in this small suburban area of Berrien County, Bridge Academy stands as an important educational resource for families in the greater Benton Harbor community.

What Parents Should Know

With an enrollment of 121 students, Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.

Score Breakdown

Partial Profile · 3/4 metrics
Student ProgressNot Available

Requires 2+ years of test data

Academics3.9Fair29%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.·Area estimate · Based on 10 schools in BENTON HARBOR
College Readiness7.1Very Good43%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.2Excellent29%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$10,333

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

85.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Component weights adjusted due to data availability.

Test Scores

Test score data not yet available for this school.

How Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan Compares

See how Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.5/10
56th percentile in MI
Academic
3.9/10
3.9/10
Environment
8.2/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
85%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
10 teachers

Location

499 WEST MAIN ST, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan may also want to explore other high schools in the area. LAKE MICHIGAN CATHOLIC MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL (rated 7.9/10, 0.8 miles away, in nearby Saint Joseph), which scores notably higher. Another option is St Joseph High School (rated 7.0/10, 2.2 miles away, in nearby Saint Joseph), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Benton Harbor High School (rated 6.7/10, 0.9 miles away), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Benton Harbor, see our Benton Harbor schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 5.0 mi
School Distance Rating
Benton Harbor Charter School Academy Benton Harbor 0.3 mi 5.4
Mildred C Wells Preparatory Academy Benton Harbor 0.3 mi 5.1
LAKE MICHIGAN CATHOLIC MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL Saint Joseph 0.8 mi 7.9
Benton Harbor High School Benton Harbor 0.9 mi 6.7
RIVER OF LIFE SCHOOL Benton Harbor 0.8 mi 5.6
TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Saint Joseph 1.0 mi 7.1
Career and Alternative Pathways to Education Center Benton Harbor 1.1 mi 7.6
Lincoln School Saint Joseph 1.6 mi 4.5
Martin Luther King Jr Elementary Benton Harbor 1.3 mi 6.6
Discovery Enrichment Center Benton Harbor 1.3 mi 6.5
Fair Plain Middle School Benton Harbor 2.0 mi 6.2
St Joseph High School Saint Joseph 2.2 mi 7.0
Fair Plain East Elementary Benton Harbor 2.6 mi 6.9
BROOKVIEW MONTESSORI SCHOOL Benton Harbor 3.3 mi 8.8
LAKE MICHIGAN CATH. ELEM. SCHOOL Saint Joseph 3.8 mi 7.6
Brown School Saint Joseph 3.8 mi 4.8
Upton Middle School Saint Joseph 4.5 mi 5.8
Lighthouse Education Center Saint Joseph 4.8 mi 6.1
Clarke School Saint Joseph 4.9 mi 3.1
GRACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL Saint Joseph 5.0 mi 5.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 49022 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$39,859

Median Home Value

$140,500

Median Rent

$797/mo

Population

29,796

College Educated

18%

Homeownership

58.4%

Avg Commute

18.7 min

Poverty Rate

31.7%

Median Age

37.9

Community Profile

The community surrounding Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan has a median household income of $39,859. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $140,500, with a median rent of $797/month. The area has a poverty rate of 31.7%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
CA Alternative EdAtlantis Flint, MI 6.5
Chippewa Valley Adult and Mohegan Alt Educ Clinton Twp, MI 6.5
FlexTech High School Brighton, MI 6.5
Kalamazoo Innovative Learning Program Kalamazoo, MI 6.5
Mackinaw High School Saginaw, MI 6.5
Mosaic School Remus, MI 6.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan

What grades does Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan serve?

Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan?

Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan has an enrollment of approximately 121 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan?

The student-teacher ratio at Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan is 12.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan rank in MI?

Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan is ranked #1422 out of 3,190 schools in MI.

What is Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan's MySchoolScout rating?

Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan has a composite rating of 6.5 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

Is Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan a charter school?

Yes, Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.

Is Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan a Title I school?

No, Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan?

85.1% of students at Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

City Safety
High (7,440/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Benton Harbor). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
121
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
10
Free/Reduced Lunch
85.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Small Suburb
County
Berrien County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Bridge Academy of Southwest Michigan
District Enrollment
121
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,337
District Rank
#1 of 1

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

Related reading

Get school insights in your inbox

New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.