Providence Public Schools Launches School Choice Process for 2026-27 Academic Year
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Providence Public School District (PPSD) has officially launched its school choice process for the 2026-27 school year, giving families of current fifth and eighth-grade students the opportunity to indicate their top four preferences for middle and high school placement. The school choice form was sent to parents through ParentSquare, and families must submit their selections by February 20, 2026. This is a chance for families of rising sixth graders, and ninth graders to explore the exciting school options available for the 2026-2027 academic year, including the District’s five growing PreK-8 schools, six choice high schools, and an expanding Dual Language program at the high school level.
Following the District’s school assignment policy, PPSD uses a lottery system to ensure equitable placement while also prioritizing certain factors such as sibling attendance and proximity to schools. Placement announcements will be made in late March via ParentSquare, the Skyward family portal, and US mail.
“From 5‑star Pre‑K to innovative Career and Technical Education and expanded dual language programs, the State has worked closely with Providence Public Schools to expand access to high‑quality learning opportunities across the capital city,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante‑Green. “These exciting programs promote academic excellence and are intentionally designed around students’ interests, strengths, and aspirations. I encourage families to explore the wide range of incredible programs available to support students’ lifelong success.”
“Education is not one-size-fits-all, and our school choice period is designed to empower students to take ownership of their future,” said PPSD Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. “Whether a child is drawn to STEM, the arts, or career and technical education, we have a program ready to help them thrive. We invite all rising sixth and ninth grade students to discover the environment that best aligns with their goals.”
Families are encouraged to carefully review available school options and programs, such as:
PreK-8 and Middle Schools: PPSD offers ten options for rising sixth grade students with five traditional middle schools and five PreK-8 schools highlighting opportunities for families to choose a school that best meets their needs.
Redesign Schools: The five redesign schools, which include 1 middle school and 4 high schools, offer school options that meet student and family interests and prepare students for success in their postsecondary careers.
Dual Language Program: Hope High School and Spaziano PK-8 School offer a Spanish Dual Language program open to current dual language students and any student who is not enrolled in a Dual Language program but has a home language of Spanish and is interested in the program.
Important Notes:
● Families must submit their school choice forms by February 20, 2026, to be eligible for the lottery.
● Placement preference is given to students with siblings in a selected school and to neighborhood students who live within 1.5 miles of a school.
● Schools with specific admissions processes, such as Classical High School and PCTA, will continue to follow their unique application protocols. Families should still complete the school choice form if they plan to enroll in other PPSD schools.
For assistance with the school choice form, families may contact their students’ current school. Translation support is available upon request. Families can also contact the PPSD Registration Department at 401-456-9297 or inforeg@ppsd.org with additional questions.
