In 2010, a team of dedicated educators proposed the idea of creating a national model for promoting academic success for all students. Working with the Mayors of Providence and North Providence, the team developed a public mayoral charter school, The Hope Academy, in response to the educational needs of students of all abilities in their respective communities.

After four years of preparation, the charter was approved, and our first two classes of kindergarten students began their educational journey at The Hope Academy in September, 2014. Currently located in the Meeting Street building, we share a commitment to not only the values, but also in the gratitude and pride for the history of the institution which breathed life into our school.

The Hope Academy’s educational model will be standards-based and meet the requirements of Rhode Island Department of Education in accordance with the Basic Education Plan, using curricula that are evidenced based to help students succeed in the 21st century. Our approach will combine individualized instruction, promoting a positive school climate, and co-teaching, where appropriate, that focuses on the strengths and needs of each individual child. This individualized approach will account for and inspire each student’s learning styles and different language backgrounds.

The Hope Academy’s philosophy of teaching, learning, and administration are based on creating a positive learning environment where each student is supported in their development of academic and social skills. A rigorous, research based curriculum will provide all students with a meaningful learning context that is cognizant of individual learning styles and needs.

Studies indicate that inclusive (i.e. fully integrated) educational environments improve the intellectual, sensory, and social development of students of all abilities. Children educated in inclusive classrooms demonstrate an increased acceptance and appreciation of diversity, better communication and social skills, greater development of moral and ethical principles, a greater number of friendships, and increased self-esteem. While The Hope Academy’s business plan projects enrollment of 288 students by the seventh year of operation, the ultimate student enrollment, 324 students (18 students per class who will enroll in The Hope Academy through the lottery, two classes per grade for each grade K-8), will be achieved by the eighth year of operation.