News Summary
As summer approaches, Rhode Island schools are wrapping up the current academic year and preparing for the 2023-2024 school year. The last day of classes varies, with many districts concluding by mid-June. Make-up days are listed for several schools, and preparations are underway for the upcoming academic year, impacting various school districts across the state. Families are encouraged to stay informed about their district’s specific schedules and procedures related to attendance and enrollment.
Providence – As Rhode Island approaches the summer break, schools across the state are finalizing their schedules for the current academic year and preparing for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. Driven by the Rhode Island Department of Education’s mandate for a minimum of 180 days of instruction, many schools are setting their last day amid various closures and snow days throughout the year.
The last day of classes varies across districts, with the majority wrapping up in mid-June. For example, Barrington Public Schools has set June 18 as their last day, with potential makeup days extending to June 20, 23, and 24. Other districts such as Bristol-Warren and Burrillville will also conclude their academic year on June 18. Meanwhile, Coventry Public Schools is scheduled to finish early on June 12, with makeup days stretching from June 13 to June 17.
A detailed view of the last days for various public school districts in Rhode Island includes:
- Barrington Public Schools: June 18; Makeup days possible: June 20, 23, 24
- Central Falls Schools District: June 16
- Glocester School District: June 13; Makeup days possible: June 16-20
- Newport Public Schools: June 20; Makeup days possible: June 23-26
- Providence Public School District: Tentative last day June 23
- Scituate Public Schools: June 16
- Woonsocket Education Department: June 16
As the academic calendar progresses, Rhode Island schools are also gearing up for the start of the 2023-2024 year. Under state regulations, schools cannot start their academic calendar earlier than the first Thursday following Labor Day, which this year falls on September 5. A comprehensive breakdown of first days for all 36 public school districts includes:
- Barrington Public Schools: August 28
- Central Falls Schools District: August 28
- Cranston Public School District: Grades K, 1, 6 and 9 begin August 29; all other grades commence August 30
- Newport Public Schools: Grades 1-12 start September 4; Pre-K and Kindergarten begin September 9
- Providence Public School District: September 3
- West Warwick Public Schools: August 27 for grades 1-12; Kindergarten begins August 28
One unique aspect of Rhode Island’s education landscape is the Prudence Island School, a one-room schoolhouse that, while currently not enrolled with any students, is in the process of refurbishment and still serves as a community space. The Prudence Island School Foundation, which now operates the school, hopes to reopen the school in the future and welcomes applications for student enrollment. This schoolhouse, serving grades pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, offers resources for families who pay tuition for students in higher grades. Despite facing fluctuations in enrollment, the foundation remains optimistic about attracting future students and revitalizing the school’s role in the community.
As Rhode Island schools navigate the end of a challenging academic year and prepare for the next, families are encouraged to stay informed about their district’s specific schedule and any updates regarding attendance and enrollment procedures.
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Additional Resources
- Turn to 10: Final Day of Early Voting in Rhode Island
- Wikipedia: Rhode Island
- Providence Journal: 2024 Start Dates for RI Public Schools
- Google Search: Rhode Island Public Schools Start Dates
- Patch: North Kingstown 2023-24 School Calendar
- Google Scholar: Rhode Island Education
- Providence Journal: Rhode Island’s Last One-Room Schoolhouse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island
- Patch: Newport 2023-24 School Calendar
- Google News: Rhode Island School Calendar
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.
