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Providence Schools Forward

From Hope to Results

Over seven years, the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), Providence Public School District (PPSD), and the entire Providence community worked together to drive systemwide, fundamental change to a school system in crisis. As PPSD looks forward, it is important to reflect on the changes made, how those changes occurred, what remains to be done, and how the work of improving Providence Public Schools can continue. To learn more, read “From Hope to Results: Inside the Transformation of Providence Public Schools” by clicking the link below.

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Providence Schools Forward

This multimedia project tells the story of transformation in the Providence Public Schools– what has taken shape and what is still to come. We are telling this story to build understanding, deepen connection, and bolster support for continued progress.

At the center are the people who made it possible. Educators who stayed and stretched, even when the work was hard. School leaders who created stability and direction. Students and families who spoke up, stayed engaged, and helped shape what came next.

This is a living story of a community that cares deeply about its schools and is working, together, to create something better for the next generation.

Our Why

In 2019, the Providence Public Schools were in crisis and the state was asked to intervene. A thorough evaluation of the district documented indisputable concerns: chronic underperformance, unsafe and deteriorating buildings, inconsistent curriculum, ineffective central-office practices, and systemic inequities that created barriers to the academic success of the district’s historically underserved students. The resulting report, released by Johns Hopkins University, opened the door to a new chapter for the district’s schools grounded in honesty, responsibility, and hope.

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A female student is seated at a table with a notebook in front of her. A female educator is leaned over the notebook and writing on it.

Excellence in Learning:
Thriving Students

A male teacher and a female teacher are sitting at a table with their laptops open in front of them. The female teacher is turned and smiling at the male teacher while he smiles and looks at something off camera.

Inspirational Educators:
World Class Talent

Engaged Community

Future-Ready Schools:
Efficient District Systems

A woman is handing a young female student a pencil. The student is looking down at the pencil.

About PPSD

The Providence Public School District (PPSD) serves approximately 19,403 students in grades PK-12. More than 3,600 educators and staff work across the district’s 37 schools to support student learning every day.

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