Margaret Bello

Two Rivers Public Charter School

Two Rivers serves more than 950 preschool through eighth grade students across two campuses in Northeast D.C. Mission: To nurture a diverse group of students to become lifelong, active participants in their own education, develop a sense of self and community, and become responsible and compassionate members of society. History: Two Rivers Public Charter School was founded by an energetic and committed group of Capitol Hill parents and opened its doors in September 2004 serving students in preschool through first grade. The school grew one grade level each year and in 2009, Two Rivers PCS Middle School opened. For several years, Two Rivers was at capacity, educating more than 530 students between the elementary and middle schools. The applications for enrollment climbed to more than 3,000 with fewer than 300 slots available. After being named a Tier One, High Performing school for multiple years by the Public Charter School Board, and consistently having the longest waitlist in the District, the Two Rivers Board of Trustees voted to expand its education program to serve more students in D.C. The school replicated its current program on a new campus at the historic and unoccupied Charles E. Young Elementary School. Two Rivers at Young opened in fall 2015 with 170 preschool through first grade students, mirroring the growth plan of its inaugural school to add one grade level each year.