Central Falls Celebrates Grand Opening of New High School, Marking Historic Investment in Students and Future
CENTRAL FALLS, RI–Students, families, educators, city leaders, and state and federal officials gathered today to celebrate the grand opening of the new Central Falls High School, marking a historic investment in the city’s future.
Nearly a century after the opening of the city’s original high school, the new state-of-the-art facility at 10 Higginson Avenue officially opened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by hundreds of community members and leaders.
The new school, designed to serve approximately 750 students, features modern classrooms, science labs, Career and Technical Education spaces, a professional auditorium, a rooftop classroom, a student-run café, a robotics lab, and the first mock courtroom in any high school in Rhode Island.
The project was made possible through years of collaboration and advocacy, enabling state legislation, strong local voter support, and partnership across all levels of government.
Nearly 100 years after the original high school opened in 1927 and less than two years after the project’s official groundbreaking, today’s ribbon cutting marks the beginning of a new era for Central Falls students and their futures. Students officially began classes in the new CFHS on Tuesday, March 3.
What the community, leaders, and partners are saying:
Mayor Maria Rivera: “The smallest city in Rhode Island made one of the boldest investments in our future. As a proud Central Falls High School graduate, this moment is so personal to me. I remember what our crumbling old school felt like, and I remember thinking our students deserved better. Today, we kept that promise. This school sends a powerful message: our students are worth investment, they deserve opportunities, and they belong in incredible learning spaces like their peers across the state.”
Governor Dan McKee: “Today’s grand opening sends a strong message to students in Central Falls and across Rhode Island that we are committed to their success. By making historic investments in school buildings throughout the state, my administration is working to ensure our communities have the 21st-century learning environments they deserve.”
Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi: “This beautiful new school is the result of our community’s commitment to our children and ensuring that all Rhode Island students can succeed. I was proud to support the school bond authorized by the General Assembly, which made construction of the new Central Falls High School possible. This is an investment not just in the building, but in the future of every student who will walk through its doors.”
U.S Representative Seth Magaziner: “Every child deserves to go to a school that is warm, safe, and equipped for 21st century learning. When I was state treasurer, I was proud to work with Mayor Rivera and the General Assembly to pass the funding needed to build the new Central Falls High School and I am so excited to see what all of the bright young people who pass through its doors will go on to do. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who made this day a reality.”
U.S. Representative Gabe Amo: “This new high school marks a historic investment in the future of Central Falls, and most importantly, in the potential of its young people. By creating a modern, inspiring space for learning, we are expanding opportunities for every student who walks through these doors. I’m grateful to Mayor Rivera for her leadership and vision in turning this long-awaited dream into a place where students will thrive.”
U.S. Senator Jack Reed: “Today is a great day in Central Falls! The completion of this brand new high school ushers in new opportunities and brighter futures for students, teachers, and community members alike. Schools are at the center of our communities, and students learn more and have better educational outcomes when their classrooms are welcoming, modern, and safe. Kudos to Mayor Rivera for her leadership and vision for making this great new facility a reality.”
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: “Kids learn best when their classrooms are bright and comfortable. Bravo to Mayor Rivera for completing construction of this state-of-the-art high school and helping the next generation of Central Falls students succeed.”
Senator Jonathon Acosta: “For decades, the youth of Central Falls have been educated in decaying facilities. Despite these obstacles, many of them have achieved greatness. This new building is an investment that matches the potential of our students with the tools they need to maximize it for our collective benefit.”
Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Angelica Infante-Green: “The completion of the new, 21st-century Central Falls High School marks a momentous milestone that reflects what is possible when we prioritize our students,” said Commissioner Infante-Green. “Equipped with modern amenities designed to elevate the teaching and learning experience for all, this state-of-the-art space will inspire and prepare our students to excel. I am deeply grateful to voters for supporting the $144 million bond that made this project possible, as well as to our local, state, and federal stakeholders for their unified commitment to delivering the facility the Central Falls community deserves.”
Superintendent Stephanie Downey-Toledo, Central Falls Schools: “The new Central Falls High School is more than a structure; it is a promise kept. It is a state-of-the-art workshop for our creators, a world-class laboratory for our scientists, and a sanctuary for our thinkers. Within these walls, we are doing more than teaching lessons—we are building bright futures and providing the tools necessary for every student to carve their own path.”
