The Next Step Public Charter School

Bridges Public Charter School is an inclusive, tuition-free elementary public charter school in Northeast Washington, DC, dedicated to educating children with and without special needs together from Pre-K3 through Grade 5. Bridges is recognized for its dedicated continuum of special education services, featuring both integrated co-teaching classrooms and small, self-contained high-level support classrooms for children with autism and developmental delays. Classrooms feature low student-to-adult ratios, sensory-adapted learning spaces, embedded speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and individualized positive behavior interventions, ensuring every child achieves both academic milestones and social belonging.

The Episcopal Center for Children (ECC) is a therapeutic day school dedicated to serving children with special needs, including those coping with emotional and behavioral challenges. Founded in 1894, ECC has a long-standing mission to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for children from Pre-K through Grade 5, focusing on their unique educational and therapeutic needs. ECC offers a range of specialized programs and services designed to support the development of children with diverse learning requirements. Key offerings include individualized education plans, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills groups. The After School Enrichment Program provides additional support and engagement for students, ensuring they have access to enriching activities that promote learning and social interaction. The school employs evidence-based methodologies, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and the Orton-Gillingham approach, to tailor educational experiences to each child's needs. What sets ECC apart is its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment, with a low student-teacher ratio that fosters personalized attention and support. The campus is equipped with specialized technology to enhance learning, and the school emphasizes community integration and vocational training opportunities. As ECC transitions into a grant-making program in the future, it remains dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of families with children facing special challenges.

Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (KDES) operates on the historic campus of Gallaudet University under the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center. As a federally mandated demonstration school, KDES provides comprehensive, tuition-free education to deaf and hard-of-hearing students from birth through Grade 8. The school utilizes an American Sign Language (ASL) and English bilingual framework, fostering rich language acquisition, cognitive development, and literacy. Interdisciplinary support teams including certified teachers of the deaf, speech-language specialists, audiologists, and occupational therapists collaborate to deliver personalized educational programs tailored to each student's communication and developmental profile.