Public Schools in Providence (Warwick, Cranston: day care, neighborhoods, best schools)

[Bop]

I'm considering relocating to Providence and am looking into neighborhoods. I have 2 young children and private schools are out of the question at least for the time being. I'd prefer the be in a city environment, not a suburb type. The east side of the city looks very attractive to me, but can anyone tell me about the public elementary schools there?

[Hollytree]

Unfortunately, the last time the public schools were OK on the East Side was the early to mid 1960s. Then busing happened- the great social experiment to improve schools for minorities. Then white flight took place- you know the story....
They're trying hard to revive the schools but so far they're all under performing. We wouldn't be living here if we had kids to put in the local schools.

[Bop]

hmmm, that's what I was afraid of. Can you recommend any suburbs with good schools that are not so . . . suburb-like? My husband will be working at Womens&Infants, and I'd prefer an area that has some things to walk to -- shops, restaurants, libraries. thanks so much for your input.

[Hollytree]

Pawtuxet Village in Warwick might work- if not look at Barrington.

Warwick Schools - Warwick Rhode Island School Ratings - Public and Private

[ckhthankgod]

What about Pawtucket, North Providence or East Providence schools?

[Hollytree]

Myron Francis Elementary in East Providence (Rumford) is supposed to be pretty good. I wouldn't do Pawtucket- definitely no- unsure about N. Providence try the ratings link above....

[Miss Amie]

I am a child care professional a school age coordinator for an all inclusive curricular before and after school program, and a full time summer school program/day care and i will say Warwick schools have very good rankings, good curricula, great teachers and professionals, stay in the Governor Francis area or Cowesett for the best schools. Providence school systems are dealing with major issues concerning the title 1 students and distant families, East Providence is a nice area to raise children in, lots of school choices Hennessey Elementary is a very good school, did lots of my training through their special needs programs! I hope this helps, if it doesnt you can find school ranks and testing, curriculum info on this website: Information Works: Rhode Island Public Schools 2009
Thats a great site for anyone to find info on!
Miss Amie

[nasausmail]

The Edgewood section of Cranston is like the East Side but on the water. ES Rhodes is a great elementary school.

[nasausmail]

Edgewood is also very close to the hospital, about 2.5 miles down the road.

[1979]

I would consider Cranston, East Providence or Warwick, which are also cities. The east side of Providence is very nice, but it is really more of a collegiate atmosphere.