Our Mission & Philosophy
The Oak Bridge Mission
Oak Bridge Academy provides educational programming and clinical services to support children with ASD, emphasizing behavioural flexibility to help them learn and grow. We offer high teacher-to-student ratios and evidence-based, values-driven support that focuses on positive behaviour change, honours lived experience, partners with families, and equips students to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.
The Oak Bridge Approach
I AM AWARE, I AM CALM, I KNOW MY GOALS,
I AM READY TO LEARN, I CAN DO ANYTHING,
MY THOUGHTS ARE CLEAR, I ACCEPT MY FEELINGS
The Oak Bridge Philosophy
Oak Bridge Academy is an alternative school grounded in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), a scientifically validated approach to understanding learning and behaviour, using core principles such as contingency management, goal setting, self-control, mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Training to build resilient, flexible learners.
1. Contingency Management:
Contingency Management focuses on what happens before and after a behaviour. Using strong, positive antecedent strategies and positive reinforcement increases the likelihood that desired behaviours will occur again.
2. Goal Setting:
Students and caregivers work together to set short- and long-term goals guided by the student’s values. Achieving goals builds motivation and encourages continued progress.
3. Self-Control:
Self-control involves teaching skills that support behavioural flexibility. Students learn to manage thoughts and emotions and take goal-driven actions rather than impulsive ones.
4. Mindfulness:
Mindfulness helps students stay present and respond more intentionally to emotions. It builds self-awareness, self-acceptance, and reduces automatic reactions.
5. Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT):
ACT helps students build meaningful lives by increasing psychological flexibility. Its core processes include being present, stepping back from thoughts, accepting emotions, understanding the observing self, clarifying values, and taking committed, values-based action.
Oak Bridge Academy focuses on building behavioural flexibility through Acceptance and Commitment Training, helping students stay present, act in line with their values, and respond flexibly to challenges. Our staff work intentionally to develop key skills including initiation, organization, collaboration, interpersonal skills, self-regulation, and responsibility—skills that support lasting success in school and throughout life.
