Two Rivers Public Charter School

Two Rivers Public Charter School was founded by more than three dozen parents from the Capitol Hill neighborhood who wanted a higher quality of education than what was being offered in their neighborhood. The teaching style they were interested in was Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound, an educational model that emphasizes interactive, hands-on, project-based learning. The problem was that only one school in the city offered that program and it was on the other side of town. After many late nights, fueled by coffee and a passion for offering a higher quality education for their kids and others; the school received its charter in 2003 and opened its doors to 150 elementary students in 2004. Two Rivers’ mission is 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.

Initially, Two Rivers leased space in a public junior high school. Classes were formed in the gym, hallways, and some old classrooms of the leased school building. The leased school was literally divided in half, shared by both Two Rivers and the junior high school.  Spanish classes were held in “Spanish Alley,” a space in the hall surrounded by offices and separated by a curtain.  The principal recalls hearing drums from the Spanish class as she sat in her office.

In 2006 Self-Help provided this ambitious start-up with $7.55 million in financing to purchase its own building. The new location allowed the school to grow from 150 to 355 students, with a waiting list of over 1,000 students from around the city for only 38 slots. By fall of 2009, Two Rivers will be opening the doors of its recently built middle school located directly across the street from the Elementary School.

Supported with financing from Self-Help, Two Rivers serves a diverse population in a safe, fun, and inspiring environment. The school employs over 50 teachers and staff. It also provides students from various income levels a high-quality education and a better chance to succeed in life. As of October 2008, the student population was 55% African- American, 33% White, 8% Hispanic, and 3% Asian. The teacher population is as diverse as the students. 15% of the students are Special Education students and 30% receive free or reduced price lunches. 

So what do the students and parents think about the school? Tiara “loves the diversity and her teachers.” James says he “likes the freedom to go to different classes and that they are always learning different things.” When asked, what is different about this school than their previous school James said, “My old school was not as nice and did not have a great learning environment compared to Two Rivers.” A parent told the principal that “this school makes me want to do better for me and my family.”