fbpx

Postgraduate Program

The Postgraduate Program of Bridgeport International Academy offers high-school graduates the exceptional opportunity of an extra year to prepare themselves for success in college and to bolster their candidacy to apply to the colleges of their choice.

Start Application
pg-cover

College Preparation

Many students seek a PG year in order to prepare academically and socially for college. At BIA, students can take up to four college courses during their PG year—immersing them in the college experience within the supportive BIA environment and earning credits that they can transfer later to their college. Moreover, BIA is located adjacent to the seaside campus of the University of Bridgeport and thus BIA postgraduate students already are able to experience college life, utilizing the university’s many facilities, such as the library, cafeteria, recreation center, chemistry lab, and theatre. Within BIA’s college preparatory environment, students can improve the academic and social skills needed for success at college, making the transition a smooth one.

College Applications

Many students seek a PG year in order to enhance their credentials to apply to their preferred colleges. For all postgraduate students, the program offers close, one-on-one advising on college applications, preparation for standardized tests, and an additional year to bolster one’s profile with better grades, an enhanced resume, and a record demonstrating that one is prepared for college. Creating a stronger transcript bolstered with college courses allows students to demonstrate their ability to do college-level work and BIA’s small size allows teachers to know students well, providing excellent recommendations and counseling for each student.

Creative Arts Portfolio

For students in the creative arts (digital arts, fine arts, drama), the BIA PG program allows them to build their portfolio prior to applying to college. Film projects, a full-service art studio and digital arts studio is available for them to use. Niche.com rates BIA the number one high school for the arts in Connecticut.

International Students' English Proficiency

For students from other nations, the BIA PG Program allows them to enhance their English proficiency and spend one year in an American high school before college. BIA offers English Language Learner (ELL) classes, as well as challenging mainstream English classes, according to the student’s level of proficiency. And for some universities, a grade of C or better in a BIA English mainstream course is enough to waive the TOEFL requirement in applying to college.

BIA offers a full-year program of study that leads to a Postgraduate Diploma. Students may also pursue a one-semester program of study that leads to a Postgraduate Certificate of Completion.

PGs take five courses each term, for a total of 2 and 1/2 credit hours per semester or 5 credit hours per academic year. As students, they engage fully in the life of the school and take part in the PE, Character Education, and Activity classes, as well as Global Study Week, a special project-based week of study in the Spring Semester.

For those with sufficient English proficiency, the taking of a minimum of one college course is a requirement as part of the five required courses to receive a Diploma. Students receive one full credit for a one-semester college course.

Each PG’s specific class schedule is designed to match student interest, academic proficiency, and career goals and is based on a review of transcripts, placement tests, and discussion with the Academic Dean.

For all students, boarding on campus is a requirement. BIA has a one-year boarding requirement; therefore all PG students live on campus. An exception to this requirement is if a PG student has immediate family members living locally; in that case, the PG student may live with their immediate family.

PGs walk at graduation and are considered BIA alumni.

Applicants are to submit an Application for Admission, Student Questionnaire, high-school transcript(s), a writing sample, and two recommendations. Students must have completed high school, or its equivalent, by the time of enrollment in the Postgraduate Program.