Bridges Public Charter School

Programs: Bridges public charter school (the "charter school") was established to provide preschool education and after-care to students in the district of columbia to students with and without special needs. The charter school was incorporated under the laws of the district of columbia in august 2003 and was granted a 15-year charter to operate as a public charter school in the district of columbia under the dc public school reform act of 1995. In march 2012, the charter school was granted approval by the dc public charter school board to expand into an elementary school program, to serve grades pre-k through fifth. The charter school will reach grade level capacity in the 2017-2018 school year with fifth grade. For the 2016-2017 school year, the charter school serviced students in grades pre-k3 through fourth grade. During november 2015, the charter school's legal name was changed from bridges charter school to bridges public charter school. Bridges public charter school is unique in the dc education landscape serving a higher percentage of students with special needs in one school building than all but one other charter school in dc (st. Coletta). Bridges provides a continuum of inclusive learning environments and high- level special education classrooms. The school student population has been consistent since opening to students in 2005: 30%-35% students with special needs, 40+% english as second language learners and 60%-65% students who qualify for free or reduced lunch (low-income). The charter school's activities are funded primarily by the district of columbia's per pupil allocation formula, supplemented with federal funds allocated to the state education agency to be distributed to schools for staff development, special education services, and other eligible expenses.