BIA has moved to new school building

On August 21, 2007, BIA moved to a new location adjacent to the University of Bridgeport and close to the Long Island Sound. Known as the Seaside Institute Building, the completely renovated facility houses a state-of-the-art learning environment for BIA students. Just inside the main entrance are new classrooms, computer labs, science classroom and lab, school nurse's office, school administration, conference room, student lounge, restrooms, lunchroom, and a multipurpose assembly room. Bridgeport Hope School, an independent primary school (kindergarten through eighth grade) occupies the first floor of the building with a separate entrance.

History of the Building:

In 1886, Mrs. Warner established the Seaside Institute as a boarding school for young women who worked in the Warnco factory co-owned by her husband and located across the street. Later, the building housed a newspaper operation, and during the late 1980s, a developer constructed thirty condos within its walls. When BIA’s ten-year lease of the University of Bridgeport’s Cooper Hall ended, the academy decided to relocate to the Seaside Institute building, which it had owned since 2000. After two years of raising funds and renovating the facility, BIA moved to its new location in August 2007. While the building retains many of the pleasant features of its original design, including high ceilings and ten-foot high windows, it houses the latest in classrooms, science and computer labs, and technology systems.

What are some advantages of the new school building? What science classroom and lab facilities are available? What technology is incorporated into the new building? Is future expansion possible? Will BIA students continue to use University of Bridgeport facilities? What are some advantages of the new school building? The school’s renovated 19th century building near the beautiful Long Island Sound, Seaside Park, and the University of Bridgeport, provides students with a stimulating learning environment. BIA’s co-location with Bridgeport Hope School, an elementary/middle school, provides opportunities for BIA students to serve as mentors. Some families have children enrolled at both schools, and Bridgeport Hope has produced excellent students for BIA. What science classroom and lab facilities are available? The science room includes up-to-date laboratory and storage areas that provide teachers with maximum flexibility in helping students to conduct complex experiments. The school is committed to continuous improvement in the science department through ongoing provision of the latest laboratory equipment. What new technology is incorporated into the new building? The entire school is a multi-media facility with Internet access in every office and classroom. DVD-Video equipment supports video streaming in screens with stereo sound speakers, and the building is hard-wired as well as being wireless. Of two computer labs, one is used for classes, another for individual use. Each computer lab has 15-20 new computers with 19-inch flat panel monitors, and students have access to all available labs during school hours. The new building was constructed with ample capacity for upgrading its technology systems. The English, Science, and Social Studies classrooms are equipped with SmartBoards. Is future expansion possible? The current school facility can accommodate up to 110 students, and there is room to expand assembly and classroom space by converting existing apartments within the building. BIA currently has ten classrooms, including two computer labs, two ESL tutorial rooms, and an assembly room. Designed to enhance learning, each classroom has a welcoming atmosphere and spacious environment for books and art work. Will BIA students continue to use University of Bridgeport facilities? The new school building is located adjacent to the east side of the Bridgeport University campus, making it a short walk to university facilities shared by BIA students. These include the Marina Cafeteria, Wheeler Recreation Center, and the university library.

    

Location