Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School opened its doors in Northwest D.C. in the late 1990s — and on Thursday it rolls out the royal welcome mat, literally.
Britain’s Prince Charles is scheduled to visit the school, where international flavor and a global mission are part and parcel of its academic schooling.
The school and its student body reflect the dedication and success of their namesake.
Carlos Manuel Rosario had been to Africa, France and Germany before he began calling the District home in the early 1950s, helping to establish the Columbia Heights/Adams Morgan area as vibrant communities for immigrants decades ahead of D.C. home rule.
A native of Puerto Rico and an Army veteran, Rosario had seen and heard much abroad, leading him to do for D.C. Spanish-speakers what needed to be done: bilingual education, a cultural celebration of Hispanic American heritage, a clinic and job-training programs, among other things.
Rosario’s foresight is reflected today at the charter school, where teens and adults from more than 80 nations earn GEDs, and become fluent in speaking, reading and writing English. They are prepared for the job market, higher education and to become U.S. citizens.
• Deborah Simmons can be reached at dsimmons@washingtontimes.com.
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