Average
#1734 of 2,102 schools in WI
Bridges Virtual Academy
School · Merrill Area School District
1201 N Sales St, Merrill, WI 54452
Enrollment
697
Student-Teacher
18.3:1
Score
5.1
Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
697
Student-Teacher
18.3:1
Score
5.1
Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Merrill
#5 of 6
public schools
Wisconsin schools
#89 of 117
In district
#5 of 6
Merrill Area School District
About Bridges Virtual Academy
Bridges Virtual Academy in Merrill, Wisconsin offers a unique educational experience for students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. As a charter school located on N Sales St, it serves 697 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 18.3:1, ensuring personalized attention. The academy has 38 full-time equivalent teachers who work diligently to support the diverse needs of its student body.
Academically, Bridges Virtual Academy focuses on continuous improvement and development. With a MySchoolScout rating of 5.2 out of 10 and ranking at #1188 among Wisconsin's 2112 schools (44th percentile), it demonstrates areas for growth in academic performance. Specifically, 41% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, while 28% meet proficiency standards in math.
Located in a small town setting, Bridges Virtual Academy benefits from the close-knit community that supports its educational mission. The school's commitment to providing a flexible and personalized learning environment makes it a distinctive choice for families seeking an alternative to traditional schooling options.
What Parents Should Know
Bridges Virtual Academy 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.
Bridges Virtual Academy is a virtual school, meaning instruction is delivered primarily online. Virtual schools offer flexibility but require strong self-discipline and a reliable home learning environment. Parents should consider whether their child thrives with independent, technology-based learning and ask about the school's approach to student engagement and support.
Score Breakdown
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Bridges Virtual Academy — Students at Bridges Virtual Academy score 47% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 55%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
7.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores WI FORWARD (2024-25)
Based on 14 test records from WI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 2.8/10.
How Bridges Virtual Academy Compares
See how Bridges Virtual Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
1201 N Sales St, Merrill, WI 54452
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Bridges Virtual Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. Kate Goodrich Elementary (rated 7.6/10, 1.8 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is NTC CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (rated 7.0/10, 1.2 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Thomas Jefferson Elementary (rated 7.0/10, 14.5 miles away, in nearby Wausau), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Merrill, see our Merrill schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Merrill High Merrill | 0.0 mi | 4.4 |
| ST FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC SCHOOL Merrill | 0.2 mi | 6.8 |
| Washington Elementary Merrill | 0.4 mi | 6.1 |
| ST JOHN LUTHERAN SCHOOL Merrill | 0.8 mi | 3.9 |
| NTC CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Merrill | 1.2 mi | 7.0 |
| Merrill Adult Diploma Academy Merrill | 0.9 mi | — |
| Prairie River Middle Merrill | 1.5 mi | 5.9 |
| Kate Goodrich Elementary Merrill | 1.8 mi | 7.6 |
| TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Merrill | 2.0 mi | 5.4 |
| Pine River School for Young Learners (PRSYL) Merrill | 2.0 mi | 5.4 |
| Lincoln Hills School Irma | 9.5 mi | 4.6 |
| Copper Lake School Irma | 9.5 mi | — |
| Maine Elementary Wausau | 11.4 mi | 6.8 |
| Riverview Elementary Wausau | 13.3 mi | 5.1 |
| MOUNTAIN VIEW MONTESSORI Wausau | 14.4 mi | — |
| Thomas Jefferson Elementary Wausau | 14.5 mi | 7.0 |
| West High Wausau | 14.9 mi | 6.5 |
| Horace Mann Middle Wausau | 14.7 mi | 6.9 |
| Wausau Area Montessori Charter School Wausau | 14.7 mi | 6.3 |
| Maple Grove School Athens | 11.7 mi | 6.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 54452 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$65,522
Median Home Value
$162,500
Median Rent
$777/mo
Population
18,949
College Educated
19.3%
Homeownership
76.5%
Avg Commute
21.1 min
Poverty Rate
12.1%
Median Age
47.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Bridges Virtual Academy has a median household income of $65,522. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $162,500, with a median rent of $777/month. The area has a poverty rate of 12.1%. The average commute for residents is 21 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 |
|---|---|
| REGIS CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Eau Claire, WI | 5.0 |
| CHRISTIAN LIFE SCHOOL Kenosha, WI | 5.2 |
| ST MARYS SPRINGS ACADEMY Fond Du Lac, WI | 5.2 |
| Wisconsin Connections Academy Appleton, WI | 4.8 |
| VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Oshkosh, WI | 5.9 |
| Johnson Creek Public School Johnson Creek, WI | 6.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bridges Virtual Academy
What grades does Bridges Virtual Academy serve?
Bridges Virtual Academy serves students in grades Pre-K through 12th.
How many students attend Bridges Virtual Academy?
Bridges Virtual Academy has an enrollment of approximately 697 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Bridges Virtual Academy?
The student-teacher ratio at Bridges Virtual Academy is 18.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Bridges Virtual Academy rank in WI?
Bridges Virtual Academy is ranked #1734 out of 2,102 schools in WI.
What is Bridges Virtual Academy's MySchoolScout rating?
Bridges Virtual Academy has a composite rating of 5.1 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.
What are the test scores at Bridges Virtual Academy?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Bridges Virtual Academy has 27.7% math proficiency and 40.8% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Bridges Virtual Academy a charter school?
Yes, Bridges Virtual Academy is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Bridges Virtual Academy a Title I school?
No, Bridges Virtual Academy is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Bridges Virtual Academy?
7.7% of students at Bridges Virtual Academy qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (2,620/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Merrill). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 12th
- Enrollment
- 697
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.3:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 38
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 7.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Town
- County
- Lincoln County
- Phone
- (715) 536-9593
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Merrill Area School District- District Enrollment
- 2,798
- Schools in District
- 7
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,547
- District Rank
- #5 of 6
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 methodologyRelated reading
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