From the Desk of Foundation Board President, Paul Karger

Paul Karger was one of the core founders of Bridge Boston Charter School back in 2011. He’s served on our Foundation Board since its beginning in 2011, has hosted multiple fundraising events, and continues to invite new faces to our Bridge community every year. We’re so grateful for Paul’s time and dedication to Bridge Boston and our mission.

Today, Paul is the Co-Founder & Managing Partner of TwinFocus, LLC, an advisory firm for high net worth clients. He describes founding Bridge Boston as one of his greatest personal accomplishments. Read on to hear Paul’s reflections on Bridge’s 15th Birthday.

As I reflect on Bridge Boston’s 15-year milestone, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and pride. When we founded the school, our vision was rooted in a simple but profound belief: that every child, regardless of zip code, deserves an excellent education and a community that nurtures their full potential. Seeing that vision not only endure but flourish over a decade and a half is humbling.

From the very beginning, we believed in the power of public-private partnerships, effectively leveraging the strengths of the public charter school framework while bringing in the resources, creativity, and commitment of private partners. This partnership model has enabled Bridge Boston to address not just academics, but the broader social and emotional needs of our students and their families.

The evolution of the school has been extraordinary. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Bridge grow from a small group of about 40 four- and five-year-olds learning in the rented basement of a church in Jamaica Plain to a vibrant, purpose-built school building that now serves 335 students with the support of over 110 dedicated staff members. This transformation reflects the dedication of our entire community and the shared belief in what is possible when we invest in children.

We expected strong academics and innovative programming, but what has been most inspiring, and perhaps less predictable, has been the depth of community that has grown around Bridge. From teachers and staff who go above and beyond, to families who are deeply engaged, to donors and civic leaders who continue to invest in our mission, this network of support has become one of Bridge’s defining strengths.

Of all that we’ve accomplished, I am especially proud that we were able to build and own our permanent home. Establishing a facility that is purpose-built for learning and for supporting the full needs of our students and families has been transformative. It stands as a lasting symbol of stability and commitment to the community we serve.

When I think about Bridge Boston today, I am most proud of the resilience of our students and the impact the school has had on their lives. Many of our earliest students are now thriving in high school, college, and beyond—proof that the opportunities provided at Bridge can change the trajectory of a child’s future.

As we celebrate 15 years, I’m inspired by what we’ve achieved together and even more excited for what lies ahead. The next chapter will be about sustaining and scaling this model so that even more children and families can benefit from the kind of holistic, community-driven education that Bridge Boston represents.

We’re grateful for the hard work and dedication of the members of the Bridge Boston community. Without them, our history would be completely different. Thank you, Paul, for serving as a leader for the Bridge Boston Foundation Board and our community.