The Providence Public School Department is the administrative force behind the primary public school district of Providence, Rhode Island. As of July 2022, it serves about 21,700 students in pre-K through 12th grade. It has 21 elementary schools, seven middle schools and nine high schools, along with two public charter schools. The Providence Public School District includes magnet schools at the middle and high school level, Nathanael Greene and Classical respectively. There are two separate centers for students with special needs. Two public charter schools, Time Squared Academy High School (K–12) and Textron Chamber of Commerce (9–12), are funded by GTECH Corporation and Textron respectively. Overall, the public high school graduation rate is 74%, which is below the statewide rate of 84% and the national average of 87%. Providence Public Schools rank third when compared to public schools in New England. Worcester Public and Boston Public are ranked 1st and 2nd.

Vision and mission

Vision The Providence Public School District will be a national leader in educating urban youth. Mission The Providence Public School District will prepare all students to succeed in the nation’s colleges and universities, and in their chosen professions.

History

Providence civic leader John Howland established a system of free public education by means of the School Act in 1828. During the 1830s and 1840s, that system grew and prospered, especially in Providence, owing to the exertions of Samuel Bridgham, Nathan Bishop, and Thomas Wilson Dorr. Education specialist Henry Barnard was recruited as the first state commissioner of education until 1849, with the aim of bringing the other towns to the high educational level which had been achieved by Providence. Barnard observed that "the city of Providence has already gained to itself an extended reputation and made itself a bright example to many other cities."

List of schools

Elementary schools

As of the 2022-2023 school year

Middle schools

As of the 2022–2023 school year

High schools

As of the 2022-2023 school year

Charter schools

Centers servicing students with significant disabilities

Former schools

Transition Programs

Special Education Students are 18-25 ages students some are disabilities on IEP/504 Plan

Student achievement

Not Making Adequate Yearly Progress

According to the 2010–2011 AYP Summary Reports 50% of schools in the district are making Adequate Yearly Progress. The district received the AYP Status of Not Making Adequate Yearly Progress for Elementary, Middle, and High Schools.

NECAP results

District NECAP results for 2015–16 were significantly below state averages.

Graduation rates

Four-year graduation rate (students entering grade 9 in 2009–2010) (as reported by the Rhode Island Department of Education) Five-year graduation rate (students entering grade 9 in 2008–2009) (as reported by the Rhode Island Department of Education) Historic graduation rate data (as reported by the district)

Population

2010–2011 school year

District data from 2010–2011 school year

Demographics

Free and reduced lunches

Universal Free Lunch Program in all middle and high schools.

Special populations

Special Education As of June 2022, 4,615 students in the district, ages 3–25, were identified as having disabilities. Language programs 994 (19%) - Exited students being monitored 5,344 - Total with monitoring & ENE

Staff: 3,242

Teacher and administrator demographics from 2005–06

Teaching staff demographics

Administrator demographics

Population changes over time

====Student population data ====

Changes in demographics

Finances

Bus Budget

FY 22-23 Bus Budget: $335.5M

Budget

FY 19-20 Budget: $395,628,201

Per-pupil spending

FY 17-18 spending per pupil: $15,305