Providence Public Schools to Host Annual School Choice Fair Thursday, December 12 for Current Pre-K, 5th Grade, and 8th Grade Students
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Providence Public School District (PPSD) will host its annual School Choice Fair on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Central High School from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.. This event is a chance for families of rising kindergartners, sixth graders, and ninth graders to explore the exciting school options available for the 2025-2026 academic year, including the District’s 29 Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways and its innovative redesign schools.
“Providence Public Schools’ diverse school options allow families to find the best fit for their child’s unique talents and aspirations,” said Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “RIDE is proud to support PPSD in offering exciting learning opportunities that aim to prepare all students for success in college, career and beyond. PPSD’s School Choice Fair showcases the innovative work happening in Providence to provide every student access to an engaging, high-quality education.”
“The School Choice Fair is an opportunity for Providence families to learn about the incredible programs and pathways we offer to help students excel academically and prepare for the future,” said PPSD Superintendent Dr. Javier Montañez. “From our five redesign schools to our 29 CTE pathways, we are focused on ensuring every Providence student has access to rigorous academics, diverse extracurriculars, and opportunities to discover their passions and thrive.”
This year’s School Choice Fair will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Central High School, 70 Fricker Street, Providence, RI. Families will be able to meet with school administrators and staff from across the District to learn about school-specific programs and opportunities. Each school will have a dedicated table with informational materials, and live interpretation services will be available to assist families. Attendees will also enjoy free food, entertainment from PPSD students, and interactive activities to make the event engaging for all ages.
Families will have the opportunity to explore the District’s robust offerings, including:
Redesign Schools: Five schools in the District have been transformed to provide specialized programs tailored to student interests and career goals.
CTE Pathways: With 29 pathways ranging from healthcare and culinary arts to robotics and engineering, PPSD offers students hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for college and careers.
Enrichment Opportunities: A wide array of extracurricular activities, including arts, athletics, and STEM programs, are available to help students grow beyond the classroom.
PPSD uses a lottery-based system for school placements, where 80 percent of seats are reserved for neighborhood students and 20 percent are open to non-neighborhood Providence families. Siblings of current students receive preference. School choice forms will be distributed in January 2025, and families must submit their selections by February. Lottery results will be announced in late March. Schools with specific entrance requirements, such as Classical High School and PCTA, follow separate admissions processes.
Families with questions regarding the School Choice Fair should reach out to the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Office by calling 401-456-0686 or emailing face@ppsd.org. Families can also learn more on the District’s website at www.providenceschools.org/schoolchoice.
Providence Public Schools is committed to providing a world-class education for all students, preparing them for success in college, career, and life.
For more information about Providence Public Schools, visit www.providenceschools.org. Follow Providence Public Schools on Facebook, X (@pvdschools), or Instagram (@pvdschools) for timely updates.
