Bridge Campus Plans

The District is exploring options to support student learning during construction at Glenridge Elementary School, including a potential partnership with Washington University to use space at the former Fontbonne University site. District leaders are working with the City of Clayton and have toured the site multiple times to evaluate its viability as an elementary swing space.

During the Feb. 4 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Nisha Patel shared an update on this work. Watch the meeting to learn more.

Additional information was presented during the Feb. 19 Board meeting.

The Bridge Campus would feature modular classroom buildings connected by hallways and secured with perimeter fencing. Students would also have access to an outdoor play area located near the classroom buildings for recess and other outdoor activities.

In addition to the modular classrooms, the Dunham Student Activity Center will provide a central gathering space where the school community can continue to come together and connect, just as they do in their current school. The facility includes a college-sized gymnasium that can accommodate indoor recess, physical education classes and school events, along with a cafeteria and dining area where students can enjoy breakfast and lunch together. The space will also support assemblies, celebrations and other school activities, helping maintain the sense of connection and community that is central to the school experience.

If this location moves forward, the District plans to hire additional campus supervisors to help manage the site and maintain a safe environment for students and staff.

The District is exploring transportation options for students who may not be able to walk to the Bridge Campus. Those details are still being developed and will be shared with families once they are finalized.

The District expects the daily school schedule to remain similar to the current Glenridge schedule. If any adjustments are needed to support transportation or operations at the Bridge Campus, those details will be shared with families well in advance.

The District hopes to finalize an agreement with Washington University in the near future and begin preparing the Bridge Campus shortly after the April 7 election. Due to the scope of construction planned at Glenridge Elementary, the District expects to spend approximately 15 months preparing the site before relocating the school, ensuring it is safe, functional and ready to welcome students and staff for the 2027–28 school year.

Although construction at Glenridge is estimated to take about 18 months, the District plans to utilize the Bridge Campus for two full academic years to maintain continuity of learning for students. This approach avoids a mid-year transition and gives teachers and staff time to fully prepare for students’ return to the building.

Based on the current timeline, Glenridge is expected to reopen in time to celebrate the school’s 100th anniversary during the 2029–30 school year.

Yes. While the Bridge Campus will be a temporary location, it will be set up so the Glenridge school community can remain together. Students will continue learning with their teachers and classmates, and school traditions and activities will continue while the new building is completed.

While Prop O includes funding for renovations at Glenridge, the District’s long-term facilities plan calls for improvements at all three elementary schools over the next decade. Once Glenridge is renovated, the next priority would be Meramec Elementary, followed by Captain Elementary.

If voters approve Prop O, the District’s Bridge Campus will be used to support Glenridge students during construction, with the possibility of continuing to use the space for other schools in the future if additional bonds are approved by voters.

The District will continue sharing updates with families as plans move forward, including when a formal agreement has been finalized.