Education and Training

Public Schools

Bridgewater residents are fortunate to enjoy an excellent public education system, with both an English and French school board.

South Shore Regional Centre for Education (SSRCE)
The english school board in Lunenburg County is called The South Shore Regional Centre for Education (SSRCE). The SSRCE is responsible for 26 schools in Bridgewater and throughout the county. For a list of the schools in the SSRCE and their contact information, visit their website.

Within Town Limits
Children living within the Bridgewater Town limits can attend Bridgewater Elementary School (Grades Primary-4), Bridgewater Junior High School (Grades 5-9) and Park View Education Centre (Grades 10-12). Bridgewater Elementary, Junior High and Park View all offer french immersion programs as well.

Conseil Scholaire Acadeien Provincial (CSAP)
The French school board, Conseil Scholaire Acadeien Provincial (CSAP) operates across the whole province. They have one school just outside of Bridgewater in Cookville, which is the Centre Scolaire de le Rive-Sud (Maternelle à 12 + service Grandir en français). Here is a map of their other institutions. 

Where is my nearest school?
The “Catchment Area Map” is a helpful tool that shows the geographic boundary of each school in the SSRCE school board. Alternatively, you can use the area calculator tool and enter your specific address to determine your nearest public school.

Verge House
The SSRCE also operates Verge House, a post-high school program that delivers individualized programs to students with exceptionalities, 17/18-21 years old. It provides students with skills training that can optimize independence, promote community integration and social connections and overall empower them to become active members of their communities.

Private School 

South Shore Waldorf School 
Bridgewater is also located just 15 minutes from a Waldorf school, in the community of Blockhouse. This is the only Waldorf school in Atlantic Canada!

Adult Education 

Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Bridgewater is also home the Nova Scotia Community College’s Lunenburg Campus. Situated near the LaHave River, Lunenburg Campus in Bridgewater offers an inviting learning environment, and the college offers Advanced Education and Job Training in the trades, technical, technological and applied art fields. The Lunenburg Campus has a range of programs, including unique offerings like Diesel Repair - Industrial and Marine and Natural Resources Environmental Technology (NRET). Amenities at the College Include:

• • On-site academic, career and personal counselling supports
  • Library services and computer labs
  • Full-service cafeteria
  • YMCA fitness centre
  • Bookstore
  • YMCA child care centre
  • Student Association events and activities

ALO - Adult Learning Opportunities
The ALO program at the local Employment Works office are available at no cost to adults 18 and older who are no longer attending school. Work towards your GED, improve your skills, and reach employment or personal goals at the Adult Learning Opportunities Classes. Learning is offered in a friendly, nonjudgmental, and safe environment. Smaller groups and one-to-one teaching allow our instructors to give each learner all the time they need to be successful. You can start any time and attend when you are able from September to June. ALO's vision for Lunenburg County residents is strong literacy, an empowered community and enhanced quality of life through lifelong learning.

Other Resources in Bridgewater

South Shore Public Libraries - Margaret Hennigar Branch 
South Shore Public Libraries is a vital service in the community, sharing a robust collection and innovative technology that inspires lifelong learning and literacy in a positive, welcoming environment.

DesBrisay Museum Research Centre
The Research Library at the DesBrisay Museum provides access to historical and photographic records about the community, with a focus on Bridgewater’s history. Items available include:
Bridgewater business records, photographs, postcards, original documents, local architecture, early maps, historic fire and police department records, biographies, community histories, local churches, local schools, family histories, books about Bridgewater and/or written by local authors, and more. Learn more below.

Outside of Bridgewater

South Shore Work Activities Program (SSWAP) 
SSWAP is a free 26-week program where participants can receive in-house instruction combined with on-the-job training with local and regional businesses partners. The program assists adults to get employed and stay employed. Participants will receive in-house instruction and counselling at our location, plus on-the-job training with real employers, and receive certifications in FoodSafe, Emergency First Aid, CPR and WHMIS. No car? No problem. SSWAP can help with transportation!

The Town of Luneburg has put together a great list on their webpage which lists other local educational resources, including learning opportunties for older adults, english language courses and more!