Providence unveils newly constructed Achievement First High School

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Providence city and educational leaders cut the ribbon at the newly constructed Achievement First High School on Friday morning.

It was a morning full of celebration in Providence to mark the completion of the new high school, including tours of the school, performances from Providence High School cheerleaders, as well as speaking portions from school principal Aja Davis, representatives from Achievement First, RIDE deputy commissioner Lisa Odom-Villela, and Providence Mayor Brett Smiley.

“Their test results have been good, the culture here is unique, and it’s an important option for families in Providence,” Smiley said.

The new building, located on Elmwood Avenue, in a former car dealership includes state-of-the-art modern classrooms, a new gymnasium, and spacious multipurpose areas where students will be able to work in, all of it of course in the Providence red, white, and black school colors.

The massive 75,000-square-foot building will be able to house up to 700 high school students from grades 9-12, and was secured through a $70 million bond.

This school is the first four-year Achievement First high school located in Rhode Island, with other schools in the state ranging from elementary school up to grade 10, as the education group works to reimagine high school for its students through an engaging learning process and labs.

The strategy has been paying off in the 10 years since achievement first was established in 2013, with students regularly scoring above statewide averages in RICAS testing.

According to RICAS results from the 2021-22 school year, 21% of Achievement First students met or exceeded expectations, versus a 16% total in the rest of the state.