News Summary
Providence officials have initiated a $110 million renovation of Mount Pleasant High School, transforming it into the Mount Pleasant Early College & Career Academy. This renovation is part of a $1 billion plan by the Providence Public School District to enhance educational facilities by 2030. The project will include modern classrooms, upgraded labs for robotics and engineering, and improvements to the gym and cafeteria, aiming to provide a state-of-the-art educational environment while preserving the building’s historical facade.
Providence officials recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to commence the $110 million renovation of Mount Pleasant High School, an important part of the Providence Public School District’s ambitious $1 billion plan aimed at improving educational facilities by 2030. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, marking a significant step forward for the local education system.
The renovation of the 85-year-old school will transform it into the Mount Pleasant Early College & Career Academy, focusing not only on upgrading the building but also enhancing the educational experience for its students. The enhancements will include state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to robotics, engineering, and other career and technical education programs.
As part of the renovation, the outdated south classroom wing will be demolished and replaced with a modern four-story addition, providing more space and improved facilities for students. In addition to the classroom upgrades, improvements will be made to the school’s gym, auditorium, and cafeteria, further benefitting the learning environment and student activities.
In the past three years, the Providence Public School District has successfully opened four new or like-new schools, emphasizing its commitment to educational improvement. This year, the district plans to break ground on several other educational facilities, including Asa Messer and West Broadway PreK-8 Schools, Lima / Stuart PreK-8 School, and Robert F. Kennedy PreK-8 School, which will continue enhancing the area’s educational landscape.
Construction of the Mount Pleasant renovations is expected to be completed by fall 2027, with measures in place to ensure that students can continue their education within the building throughout the renovation process. This hybrid approach is designed to maintain the building’s historical facade while modernizing its interior to suit contemporary educational needs.
Educational officials, including the R.I. Education Commissioner, emphasized the importance of balancing modernization with preservation during the ceremony. The officials highlighted the project as a critical investment in the future of Mount Pleasant High School students and the surrounding community.
Mayor Brett Smiley further acknowledged the significance of the renovation as a milestone in modernizing Providence’s schools and enhancing opportunities for students. This major investment aims not only to improve facilities but also to foster an enriching learning environment that prepares students for future challenges.
The Mount Pleasant High School renovation is a pivotal part of broader efforts within the Providence Public School District to provide quality education and facilities that meet the needs of all students, equipping them for academic and career success. With this ongoing commitment to educational advancement, the district aims to create a brighter future for its students and the community.
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Rhode Island Celebrates New State Lab Building
Groundbreaking for Mount Pleasant High School Renovation
Additional Resources
- Turn to 10 News
- Providence Journal
- WPRI News
- ABC 6 News
- News Radio IHeart
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Google Search: Mount Pleasant High School renovation Providence
- Google Scholar: Mount Pleasant High School renovation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: State School
- Google News: Providence Public School District

Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
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