At a glance
Reported students
674
NCES CCD 2024–25
Teachers (FTE)
39
NCES CCD 2024–25
Student–teacher ratio
17.3:1
Calculated; not a class-size measure
Grades served
PK–12
NCES preliminary directory 2025–26
School benchmarks
Wisconsin other enrollment
93rd percentile
Compared with 146 same-level schools reporting enrollment.
District median enrollment
337
Bridges Virtual Academy: 674 reported students.
State peer staffing position
43rd percentile
17.3:1 reported; state peer median 21.5:1. Ratio is not class size.
Historical enrollment and staffing · CRDC 2021–22
These older figures are kept separate from 2024–25 statistics and benchmarks. Differences between years can reflect changes in enrollment, staffing, or reporting scope.
- Students
- 831
- Teachers (FTE)
- 43
- Student–teacher ratio
- 19.3:1
What the reported data says about Bridges Virtual Academy
Bridges Virtual Academy is a public combined / other school serving grades PK–12 in Merrill. It is one of 7 current school records connected to Merrill Area School District. NCES reports 674 students for 2024–25.
Among 146 combined / other schools in Wisconsin with comparable records, this school is larger than the reported median of 132.5 students. Its enrollment is at approximately the 93rd percentile for that peer group. Size describes the campus, not instructional quality.
The reported student–teacher ratio is 17.3:1, below the Wisconsin median of 21.5:1 for the same school level. This ratio uses total enrollment and teacher FTE; it is not an average classroom headcount and can be affected by special programs or part-time staffing.
The largest reported race and ethnicity groups are White (80.9%) and Hispanic or Latino (8.2%). English learners represent 0.1% of enrollment. Students served under IDEA represent 8.7%. These figures help families understand who the school serves; they are not rating inputs.
The 2021–22 civil-rights collection reports computer science. Program availability changes, so families should confirm the current catalog and participation rules directly with the school.
Questions worth asking Bridges Virtual Academy
- 1How do the reported 17.3:1 student–teacher ratio and 39 teacher FTE translate into actual class sizes by grade?
- 2Have the reported academic programs changed since the 2021–22 CRDC collection?
- 3What counseling support is available today? The school reported 0 counselor FTE in 2021–22.
- 4What meal assistance, transportation, after-school, and family-support services are currently available?
Enrollment needs
- English learners
- 0.1%
- Students with disabilities
- 8.7%
- Free/reduced-price lunch
- 10.8%
- Lunch program
- No
Reported support staff
- Counselors (FTE)
- 0
- Nurses (FTE)
- 0
- Psychologists (FTE)
- 0
- Social workers (FTE)
- 0
CRDC 2021–22 full-time-equivalent counts; verify current assignments with the school.
Student demographics
Race and ethnicity share of reported enrollment
- White80.9%
- Hispanic8.2%
- Black2.1%
- Asian1.9%
- American Indian / Alaska Native0%
- Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander0.1%
- Multiracial6.8%
Race/ethnicity: NCES CCD 2024–25. English learner and disability context: CRDC 2021–22. Lunch eligibility: NCES CCD 2024–25. Privacy rules can produce missing values.
Programs reported by the school
AP student enrollment
No students enrolled reported
Gifted and talented
Not reported as offered
Computer science
Offered
CRDC 2021–22: the AP flag records student enrollment; gifted and computer-science fields describe reported programs/classes. Confirm current courses and eligibility with the school.
Other schools in Merrill Area School District
Start with campuses at the same school level or with similar reported enrollment.
Pine River School for Young Learners (PRSYL)
Other · Grades PK–PK
124 reported students
Merrill High
High · Grades 09–12
756 reported students
Prairie River Middle
Middle · Grades 05–08
507 reported students
Kate Goodrich Elementary
Elementary · Grades KG–02
337 reported students
Washington Elementary
Elementary · Grades 03–04
257 reported students
Merrill Adult Diploma Academy
High · Grades 11–12
31 reported students
Public schools near Bridges Virtual Academy
Closest campuses by straight-line distance between NCES geocodes, favoring the same school level. Distance is not drive time or an attendance assignment.
| School | Grades | Students | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrill High High · Merrill Area School District | 09–12 | 756 | under 0.1 mi |
| Washington Elementary Elementary · Merrill Area School District | 03–04 | 257 | 0.4 mi |
| Merrill Adult Diploma Academy High · Charter · Merrill Area School District | 11–12 | 31 | 0.9 mi |
| Prairie River Middle Middle · Merrill Area School District | 05–08 | 507 | 1.5 mi |
| Kate Goodrich Elementary Elementary · Merrill Area School District | KG–02 | 337 | 1.8 mi |
| Pine River School for Young Learners (PRSYL) Other · Merrill Area School District | PK–PK | 124 | 2 mi |
Frequently asked questions about Bridges Virtual Academy
What grades does Bridges Virtual Academy serve?
Bridges Virtual Academy reports grades PK–12 in the NCES 2025–26 preliminary directory. It is classified as a school in Merrill Area School District.
How many students attend Bridges Virtual Academy?
Bridges Virtual Academy reported 674 students in the NCES 2024–25 membership file. That places it near the 93rd percentile among 146 Wisconsin combined or other schools reporting enrollment. The 2021–22 civil-rights collection recorded 831 students.
What is the student–teacher ratio at Bridges Virtual Academy?
The calculated ratio is 17.3:1, based on 674 students and 39 full-time-equivalent classroom teachers in 2024–25. The Wisconsin median for the same school level is 21.5:1. A ratio is not the same as average class size.
Is Bridges Virtual Academy a public, charter, or magnet school?
Bridges Virtual Academy is a public school operating as a charter school. It is identified as a virtual school. Admission can involve an application or lottery, so check enrollment windows with the school.
What share of Bridges Virtual Academy students qualify for free or reduced-price meals?
10.8% of students were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch in 2024–25. This describes the students served and is not a quality measure.
Which school district is Bridges Virtual Academy in?
Bridges Virtual Academy is part of Merrill Area School District, based in Merrill, WI, which operates 7 current schools. Confirm attendance zones and enrollment rules with the district.
What public schools are near Bridges Virtual Academy?
The closest public schools by straight-line distance include Merrill High (under 0.1 mi), Washington Elementary (0.4 mi), Merrill Adult Diploma Academy (0.9 mi). Distance does not determine eligibility; attendance boundaries and program rules do.