PPSD and officials break ground on new middle school

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Providence Public School District and city officials broke ground on the new Frank D. Spaziano Middle School on Monday.

PPSD said the new school will offer “cutting-edge learning environments” in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math education, as well as include classrooms and spaces dedicated to special education and modern technology integration.

The project will modify the existing Spaziano Elementary School and Annex into a new school that teaches preschool through eighth grade.

“The new middle school campus will allow students to remain in the same dual-language environment as they transition from elementary to middle school, fostering academic consistency and a sense of community,” said PPSD.

The new middle school is part of PPSD’s Phase III projects which was approved in May 2022, dedicating $146 million in funds to education in Providence.

The budget for the new middle school is $34.5 million.

PPSD said that Frank D. Spaziano Middle School is also part of the district’s plan to raise the percentage of Providence students learning in high-quality facilities to jump from 5% to 100% by 2030.

“Providence students deserve the best, and this new Middle School campus will help unlock their potential while ensuring they have the tools to succeed in today’s world,” PPSD Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez said. “We’re proud to be making progress in our mission to offer 100% of Providence access to a new or like new school to learn and thrive in.”