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Milestones

September 1997: BIA is established as a private college preparatory school on the campus of the University of Bridgeport (UB) (www.bridgeport.edu).

December 3, 1997: Approval is given by the Connecticut State Board of Education to operate a residential dormitory for high school students.

June 21, 2001: Approval as a nonpublic school is Connecticut State Department of Education.

December 29, 2001: Approval is obtained from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service to issue I-20 forms, allowing international students to obtain an F-1 nonimmigrant student visas.

2002:

  • The character education initiative is launched to teach values through presentations and discussions conducted by teachers, students, and guest speakers.
  • A community service requirement of 75 hours is added to the school curriculum.
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) program is established to prepare international students to successfully participate in regular high school classes and to prepare for college in America.

Summer, 2005: Summer Intensive or ESL program is established for students from other nations.

March 15. 2007: BIA is granted accreditation for ten years by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

August 20, 2007: BIA relocates to a new office and classroom building, the Seaside Institute, at 285 Lafayette Street. With ample room for expansion, the new facility includes major upgrades to classrooms, science labs, computer labs, and technology systems. A dormitory is constructed in Seaside Institute building, as well as in Seaview House.

March 2007: Approval of the Academy by the Connecticut State Department of Education is renewed.

August 2010: Art and digital design studio added to accommodate the newly formed Connecticut Academy of Art and Design.

Summer, 2013: Expansion of the main facility at Seaside Institute approved by the BIA Board of Directors.

2016: BIA is granted re-accreditation for ten years by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).