[citation needed] Providence civic leader John Howland established a system of free public education by means of the School Act in 1828.

During the 1830s and 1840s, that system grew and prospered, especially in Providence, owing to the exertions of Samuel Bridgham, Nathan Bishop, and Thomas Wilson Dorr.

[9] The district received the AYP Status of Not Making Adequate Yearly Progress for Elementary, Middle, and High Schools.

[9] Four-year graduation rate (students entering grade 9 in 2009–2010)[9] (as reported by the Rhode Island Department of Education) Five-year graduation rate (students entering grade 9 in 2008–2009)[9] (as reported by the Rhode Island Department of Education) Historic graduation rate data[citation needed] (as reported by the district) District data from 2010–2011 school year[10] Universal Free Lunch Program in all middle and high schools.

Special Education As of June 2022, 4,615 students in the district, ages 3–25, were identified as having disabilities.