News Summary
Classical High School in Providence has been recognized as the top public high school in Rhode Island by U.S. News & World Report. The school ranks 166th nationally among nearly 18,000 high schools assessed for their ‘best schools’ list. With plans for renovations underway, Classical High continues to showcase excellence in education while addressing facility issues. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the upcoming renovations will take place this Thursday, drawing significant community involvement.
Providence – Classical High School in Providence has been officially recognized as the top public high school in Rhode Island by U.S. News & World Report for the 2025 school year. This recognition places the school at 166th nationally among nearly 18,000 high schools assessed for the 2025 to 2026 “best schools” list.
A total of 58 public high schools in Rhode Island were included in the national rankings. While Rhode Island ranks 38th overall in the United States for education—which takes into account both higher education and K-12 performance—Classical High School stands out as a beacon of excellence within the state.
U.S. News & World Report evaluates schools based on several critical criteria. These include college readiness, proficiency on state assessments, the performance of underserved students, breadth of college curriculum, as well as graduation rates. These metrics help illustrate the overall educational effectiveness and student success at various institutions.
National Rankings
The rankings from U.S. News & World Report also featured a list of the top 10 public high schools in the United States. These rankings are often utilized by parents and students to make informed decisions regarding high school education. Classical High School’s notable national ranking reflects its commitment to academic excellence and student achievement.
School Facilities and Athletic Achievements
Although Classical High School has an impressive academic reputation, its physical facilities, particularly the gym, show signs of aging. Issues such as a leaking roof and outdated facilities have been highlighted as areas for improvement, yet the school’s rich history, school spirit, and athletic achievements continue to thrive. The school has a storied past, having been founded in 1843, with its current Brutalist-style building completed in 1970.
Plans for renovation are already underway to address some of the facility issues. Scheduled renovations to the gym, which will include updates to the roofing, heating system, and bleachers, are set to take place in 2026 and 2027. This extensive renovation project has a budget of $40 million.
Ceremony Details
As part of the upcoming renovations, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Classical High School is organized for 4 p.m. this Thursday. Key attendees at the ceremony will include Rhode Island’s education commissioner, the superintendent of schools, members of Providence’s city council, and both current and former mayors. This event signifies a milestone for the school as it continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of its students.
Community Involvement and Leadership
Classical High School’s athletic director, who has been in the role for 36 years, underscores the importance of celebrating the achievements of all students, not solely those in athletics. The school not only prioritizes academics but also fosters a supportive environment for student engagement in various activities, reinforcing the community spirit that Classical High School embodies.
Conclusion
The recognition of Classical High School as Rhode Island’s top public high school validates the ongoing commitment to educational excellence within the institution. With the plans for renovation and a history marked by student achievements, both current and prospective students can look to Classical High School as a model of quality education and community support.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Best Public High Schools in Rhode Island
- Boston Globe: Classical High School’s Gym
- WPRI: Classical High School Unveils $40M Renovations
- ABC6: Classical High School Renovations
- GoLocalProv: Student Robbed at Classical High School
- Wikipedia: Classical High School (Providence, Rhode Island)
- Google Search: Classical High School Rhode Island
- Google Scholar: Classical High School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island
- Google News: Classical High School
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
