The Providence Public School Department is the administrative force behind the primary public school district of Providence, Rhode Island. As of February 2011, it serves 23,561 students in 43 schools, 3 annexes, 2 charter schools, and 1 center servicing students with disabilities.
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
Centers servicing students with significant disabilities
- Harold A. Birch Vocational Program
- Zollar Community School rebuild
Student achievement
Not Making Adequate Yearly Progress
According to the 2010â€"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 2015â€"16 were significantly below state averages.
Graduation rates
Four-year graduation rate (students entering grade 9 in 2009â€"2010) (as reported by the Rhode Island Department of Education)
Five-year graduation rate (students entering grade 9 in 2008â€"2009) (as reported by the Rhode Island Department of Education)
Historic graduation rate data (as reported by the district)
Population
2010â€"2011 school year
District data from 2010â€"2011 school year
Demographics
- 14,715 or 63% Hispanic
- 4,521 or 19% Black
- 2,175 or 9% White
- 1,237 or 5% Asian
- 676 or 3% Multi-racial
- 215 or 1% Native American
Free and reduced lunches
- Elementary: 82% free, 6% reduced, 4% paid
- Middle: 83% free, 6% reduced, 5% paid
- High: 74% free, 8% reduced, 7% paid
Universal Free Lunch Program in all middle and high schools.
Special populations
Special Education
As of January 2011, 4,572 students in the district, ages 3â€"21, were identified as having disabilities.
Language programs
995 (19%) - Exited students being monitored
5,232 - Total with monitoring & ENE
Staff: 3,242
Teacher and administrator demographics from 2005â€"06
Teaching staff demographics
- 82% White
- 7.6% Black
- 8.8% Hispanic
- 1.2% Asian / Pacific Islander
- 0.4% American Indian
- 27% Male | 73% Female
Administrator demographics
- 62% White
- 24% Black
- 12% Hispanic
- 2% Asian / Pacific Islander
- 0% American Indian
- 48% Male | 52% Female
Population changes over time
Student population data
District data from 2010â€"2011 school year
Changes in demographics
Finances
Budget
FY 19-20 Budget: $395,628,201
Per-pupil spending
FY 17-18 spending per pupil: $15,305
References
External links
- Providence Public School District
- Johnson, Bailey. (2011, February 23). "Providence, RI School District: All Teachers Are Fired," CBS News
- Sardelli, Melissa, and Tim O'Coin. (2011, March 29). "Prov. Supt. Tom Brady stepping down: Will resign July 15," FoxProvidence.com.
