Thanks for the info.

Thanks for the info.

The lottery works like all of the other charters. No special preferences are given to SN children. However, Bridges is still pretty easy to get into--while it's been around for 7 years, this was the first year for kindergarten.

Since this was the first expansion year, I think a lot of people didn't understand the long term potential of Bridges. Plus, now that the permanent home will most likely be at Sharpe Health (once it closes in 2014), a lot of CH/Petworth families will be clamouring for a slot. This may be the last "easy" lottery for Bridges.

Thanks PP. I will go to the open house, but can you explain to me how it works -- is it a lottery like the other charters? I have a SN child with an IEP

Because Bridges devotes an amazing number of its resources to sn personnel: 3 sn floating teachers, speech therapist, ell teacher, social worker, etc.--the list goes on. They "walk the walk" when it comes to implementing an inclusion model.

Bridges is great at meeting all students needs. Several classrooms are for native Spanish speakers. One teacher is a native Spanish speaker and every other day, the primary activities are conducted in Spanish. My english speaking ps3 is picking up quite a bit of Spanish (along with an immeasurable amount of compassion for her sn classmates).

I guerss im still confused about how Bridges is different than a typical public school where a SN kid would have an IEP

not only that, but inclusion is not the answer for every kid! Schools (including charters) are supposed to provide a continuum of services to meet the needs of individual kids. for some kids the general classroom is not the least restrictive environment. it is maddening (and illegal) to hear schools say "oh, we're a full inclusion school"

"inclusion" may be the purported norm, but many SN kids are left without the support necessary to make their experience a successful one.

Anonymous wrote:What exactly is the inclusion model, and how is that different than what happens for sn kids in a typical public school?

That's a good question. Isn't inclusion for SN the norm for public schools?

What exactly is the inclusion model, and how is that different than what happens for sn kids in a typical public school?

Bridges will eventually go up to 6th but for 2013-2014, they will be ps3-1st. You have to fax or mail your application in, but it's well worth the extra time. We have a "regular" child who is gifted, thriving and learning compassion from her sn classmates. Can't say enough about how wonderful the inclusion model is and the schools amazing resources for all kids.

What grades does the school go up to? Also, is it an in-house lottery or is there a website similar to DCPS to apply?

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP,

thanks for the info. Just curious, is there a certain number of slots reserved for SN kids? or do all play the lottery? My son is scheduled to be evaluated soon and we are trying to figure out what the best place for him might be next year.

There is 1 lottery - spaces are not "reserved" or set aside to be filled with SN children.

Hi OP,

thanks for the info. Just curious, is there a certain number of slots reserved for SN kids? or do all play the lottery? My son is scheduled to be evaluated soon and we are trying to figure out what the best place for him might be next year.

As a current parent sending their DC here, I highly recommend Bridges. Amazing for both SN and neurotypical children, but is your child has any SN, you should strongly consider.

Information / Open House Sessions
To learn more about the school attend one of our Information / Open House Sessions. Limit of 20 people per session. To register call (202) 545-0515.
INFORMATION / OPEN HOUSE SESSIONS WILL BE HELD ON THE FOLLOWING THURSDAYS:
• February 7 & 21 from 9:30 am - 10:30 am
• March 7 & 14 from 9:30 am - 10:30 am