What does Bridgewood Junior High represent?

Bridgewood Junior High is a symbol of an alternative life for Iris in which she is respected and understood by those around her and can freely communicate. At her school now, the only other Deaf person is an interpreter whose job is to help her; some of her peers try to learn how to sign, but frustrate Iris because they cannot do it well most of the time. However, Bridgewood has a robust Deaf population, along with teachers who are Deaf themselves, and her best friend Wendell will be attending there soon. Ultimately, her mother decides to let her go the next year, and the novel ends with Iris excited at her new opportunities.