Future Student
We are currently accepting students onto a waitlist. Our Waitlist policy is as follows:
At the beginning of each quarter, Twin Rivers Charter School staff will determine the enrollment cap, based on a series of factors including, readiness of faculty, building and transportation capacity, and balance of enrollment per class. TRCS will accept students on a phased enrollment up to when the enrollment cap for that trimester has been reached. Once reached, Twin Rivers Charter School will begin putting students on a wait list. Students on this wait list will be eligible for enrollment on a first come, first served basis, with the following exceptions:
- Siblings of students enrolled at the school will be given priority over other students on the wait list.
- Wait listed students who live within the 4J School District boundaries will be given priority over students who reside outside of the district (unless non-district students are on the waitlist as of the end of the prior school year).
All students and their families will be made aware of and updated on their position on the waitlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really free?
Yes. Twin Rivers is a tuition-free public charter school, so there’s no cost to transfer and no cost to attend. No tuition, no fees, and free lunch every day, including on overnight trips. Donations let us provide the outdoor gear students need for the field components, so families don’t have to buy it.
Who can go here?
Any family in the area. As a public charter, we’re open to all students, not zoned to a particular neighborhood or school district. The one thing to keep in mind is that consistent attendance is essential to the program, so the main question is whether the daily commute works for your family.
What grades do you serve?
8th through 12th grade. Right now we have openings in 8th through 10th for next year.
How does my kid get there? Is there a bus?
A few ways. Many students take public transit to the Walnut EmX station, where we run shuttles to the school between 8:00 and 8:40 on school days, and we provide free bus passes to students. Families are also welcome to drop students off, and students with a driver’s license may drive themselves. Just keep in mind we’re a closed campus: once students arrive, they stay on campus for the full school day.
Is it a real high school? Will my kid get a diploma?
Yes. Students earn a traditional Oregon high school diploma. The difference is how they get there: classroom academics in Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, connected to real work in the field.
What’s the school week like?
Students attend Tuesday through Friday. We do require students to maintain 85% attendance, because the hands-on work and field trips are hard to make up.
What are the trips?
We call them SPIKEs: multi-day overnight expeditions where students camp, hike, and do real conservation work in some of Oregon’s most beautiful country, from the coast to the Cascades to the redwoods. They’re a signature part of the experience, not an add-on. We do 4 SPIKES per school year.
Does my kid need to be an experienced outdoors person?
No. Kids come in at all levels. What matters more is curiosity and willingness to work outside in all weather. We teach the skills.
How do we apply, and is there a deadline?
The best first step is simply to reach out and schedule a tour. Come see the school, meet us, and we’ll walk you through the transfer process, which is more straightforward than most families expect.
To find out more or schedule a tour of the school, please call (541) 349-7513 or email Kristin Humphrey at kristinhumphrey@twinriverscharter.org or David Knox at davidknox@twinriverscharter.org, and we will contact you shortly.