Redesigned spaces welcome Providence students back to start school year

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — It’s back to school today for students across the Providence Public School District.

But for some, the first day comes with a big change, as a number of newly redesigned schools welcome students into upgraded spaces.

We caught up with Providence education leaders to find out what parents can expect as the new school year gets underway.

More progress has been made in Providence Public School District’s efforts to redesign and re-construct its public schools.

Wednesday, students attended Harry Kizirian and Frank D. Spaziano elementary schools for the first time.

The new pre-K through eighth grade schools will be home to more than 1,000 eager pupils.

And, as the Providence school district sees an increase in multi-lingual students, both schools are offering dual-language programming.

“We’ve been working on expanding our dual and bilingual programs throughout the district,” said Acting Superintendent Dr. Paula Dillon.

The district more than doubled its pre-K program capacity from 417 seats in 2020 to more than 900 seats now.

Five new redesigned schools opened last year, including one middle school and four high schools.

Based on the data from the first five redesigned schools, the newly open schools are increasing on-track graduation rates and test scores.

RIDE Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green says enhancing curriculum across the board is a main goal of this school year.

“We’re really working on reading and math. We had a big math initiative. So it’s all about math matters,” said Infante-Green.

Some students are starting off the year in temporary spaces as they await the opening of their re-designed school, including Frank D. Spaziano Middle School, which will house the older students in the pre-K through eighth grade program.

Mayor Brett Smiley says there’s a lot of change, but it’s good change.

“A lot of our students are in swing spaces this year. So if you’re a parent of one of our students, give them a little extra grace and patience. It might be a little unfamiliar to them,” said Mayor Smiley.

Each redesign school will have a phase-in process through 2027.