News Summary
The Rhode Island Department of Education has confirmed the official start dates for public schools. Some districts will begin classes before Labor Day while others will start after. Notable dates include Barrington Public Schools on August 27 and Bristol-Warren on September 2. This initiative is designed to help families prepare for the new school year. Parents should review specific start dates for their district as manifold options create flexibility for community needs.
Providence, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Department of Education has announced the official start dates for public schools across the state ahead of the Labor Day holiday. According to state regulations, the first day of school in Rhode Island cannot occur later than the first Thursday after Labor Day, which falls on September 4 this year. As a result, school districts will have a variety of start dates, some before and some after the holiday.
A comprehensive list detailing the start dates of public school districts is now available. Many districts have opted to begin classes in late August, allowing for a staggered approach to the academic year. Here are some notable school start dates:
- Barrington Public Schools: First day is August 27.
- Bristol-Warren Regional School District: First day is September 2.
- Burrillville Public Schools: Grades 1-12 start on August 27; Kindergarten begins on September 3 (A-L) and September 4 (M-Z) following orientation on September 2.
- Central Falls Schools District: First day is August 27.
- Chariho Regional School District: First day is August 27.
- Coventry Public Schools: Pre-K and grades 1-5, 6, and 9 start on August 27; grades 1-12 (other grades) start on August 28; Kindergarten starts on September 2.
- Cranston Public School District: Grades K, 1, 6, and 9 start on August 28; all other grades start August 29.
- Cumberland School Department: Starts on September 2 for grades 1-9 and September 3 for other grades.
- East Greenwich Public Schools: Grades 1-12 start on August 27; Kindergarten starts September 2.
- East Providence School District: Grades pre-K, 1-6, and 9 start on August 27; grades 7-8 and 10-12 start August 28; Kindergarten starts September 2.
Some districts have opted for earlier start dates, while others have chosen to begin the school year after Labor Day, allowing families to enjoy the late summer holiday. For instance, Scituate Public Schools will start classes on August 26, while schools in Warwick and Westerly Public Schools will start at the end of August or right after the holiday.
The cumulative start dates are designed to help families plan and prepare for the new school year ahead. With various districts utilizing different start dates, families are encouraged to review the schedule for their specific school districts. This flexibility aims to accommodate local traditions and preferences, and also to allow educators to complete necessary orientations and preparations before the students return to classrooms.
As families gear up for the new school year, it is essential to note that some districts will have staggered start dates based on grade levels. Kindergarteners in different districts may have separate orientation days or soft starts, impacting when they officially start school for the academic year.
Rhode Island’s public school districts have their own unique calendars and guidelines, and while this state-wide initiative lays down the framework for start dates, each district has the autonomy to establish specifics that best meet their community’s needs. Parents are urged to check with their local districts for any updates or changes on start dates, registration guidelines, and other essential back-to-school information.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: 2025 Start Dates for Rhode Island Public Schools
- Providence Journal: 2025 Last Day of School in RI
- MaxPreps: High School Football Start Dates for All 50 States
- GoLocalProv: RI Schools to Open August 31
- Wikipedia: Rhode Island
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF 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.
