Bridges PCS

At a Glance

Bridges Public Charter School serves early childhood and elementary students in grades PK3 through 5 in the Fort Totten neighborhood of Ward 5. As a public charter school, Bridges is tuition-free and open to all DC residents through the My School DC lottery system. The school's mission centers on inclusive education, emphasizing a developmentally appropriate approach that welcomes all students and their families into a learning community designed to build foundations for lifelong academic growth.

Bridges PCS distinguishes itself through its commitment to serving students with varying learning needs, including those who require high-level special education services. Families seeking an elementary school that prioritizes inclusive practices and individualized student development will find Bridges' student-centered philosophy particularly relevant to their search.

What Parents Should Know

As a DC public charter school, Bridges PCS participates in the My School DC common lottery system, which means families apply through the centralized enrollment process rather than directly to the school. The application window typically opens in the winter for the following school year, and families can list Bridges among their school choices based on their priorities and preferences.

Bridges offers an additional lottery preference specifically for students who qualify for high-level special education services. This preference increases the likelihood of admission for students who would benefit from these specialized classrooms. Families who believe their child may qualify for this preference should review the eligibility criteria on the school's website or contact the school directly to understand whether this pathway applies to their situation.

The school's grade configuration—serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade—means families will need to identify a middle school option as their child completes elementary school. This transition typically happens after fifth grade, requiring parents to participate in the My School DC lottery again when their child is ready for sixth grade. Planning ahead for this transition is an important consideration for families enrolling younger students.

Located in the Fort Totten neighborhood of Northeast DC, Bridges sits in a residential area of Ward 5 with access to Metro transit options nearby. The school's location and early childhood through elementary grade span make it particularly relevant for families living in or around Fort Totten, Brookland, and surrounding Northeast neighborhoods.

Programs and Approach

Bridges PCS grounds its educational philosophy in developmentally appropriate practice, meaning instruction and classroom environments are designed to match where children are in their growth—academically, socially, and emotionally. This approach recognizes that children develop at different rates and benefit from learning experiences tailored to their individual readiness levels.

The school emphasizes family-centered education, positioning families as essential partners in their children's learning journey. This collaborative approach typically involves regular communication between teachers and parents, opportunities for family involvement in school activities, and recognition that what happens at home and at school are interconnected parts of a child's educational experience.

Bridges' inclusive model means the school actively works to create learning environments where students with diverse abilities and needs learn together. For families of students with disabilities or specialized learning needs, this commitment to inclusion—combined with the availability of high-level special education services—represents a key feature of the school's identity and approach.

As with all DC public charter schools, admission to Bridges PCS is determined through a random lottery if applications exceed available seats. Families cannot improve their admission chances through interviews, testing, or other selective measures, with the exception of qualifying preferences such as sibling enrollment or the high-level special education preference mentioned above.

Visiting and Contact

Bridges Public Charter School is located at 100 Gallatin Street NE in the Fort Totten neighborhood. Families interested in learning more about the school's programs, visiting the campus, or understanding the application process should visit the school's website at http://www.bridgespcs.org/ or call 202-545-0515 for current information and tour availability.