Welcome to the Providence Public School District’s Back to School Hub for the 2024-25 school year. This page is designed to help answer the most common questions we hear from parents and guardians, direct you to any resources you may need, and help your students start the school year strong. 

We are excited to see your children in our classrooms this fall, and we appreciate all the support you give behind the scenes to help them succeed!

You can find the full 2024-25 Academic Calendar here.

You can find the 2024-2025 Bell Times here.

Q: What day does school start in Providence?

A: Classes for the 2024-25 school year start on Tuesday, September 3. You can find the full academic calendar for the 2024-25 school year here in multiple languages.

Q: What time does my child need to be at school?

A: Start times vary by school. Please click here for bell times for the 2024-25 school year. 

Q: Is it too late to register my child for school?

A: It is not too late! Please register your child as soon as possible. Click here to learn more about registration. 

Q: What school supplies does my student need?

A: School supply requirements differ from school to school. You should receive information from your school on school supply requirements. Additionally, some schools post their supply lists on their individual websites. Find contact information for your child’s school here.

Q: Is there a district cell phone policy?

A: Students are not allowed to use cell phones during the school day. Please find the cell phone policy here: https://www.providenceschools.org/domain/253

Q: My student is anxious to return to school. Are there any social emotional resources available?

A: Yes, please reach out to the guidance team at your child’s school or refer to these helpful resources for helping children deal with anxiety or difficult situations:

• Back-to-School Anxiety: Childmind.org
• Back-to-School Parent Resources: Edutopia.org
• Sesame Street in Communities

Q: How does the school and the District communicate with families throughout the year? 

A: The District uses the ParentSquare family communication platform to contact families. Teachers also use the platform for two-way communication with families. The system delivers messages via text, email, or app notification. ParentSquare automatically generates an account for each guardian, using their preferred email address and phone number as it is listed in the student's Skyward account.

We encourage parents and guardians to access their ParentSquare account so they can download the mobile app. Users are also able to update their preferences on when and how they are notified. The system communicates in the families' preferred language as it is indicated in your Skyward profile. Learn more here.

TRANSPORTATION

Q: Can my child ride the school bus?

A: Elementary and Middle School students are transported by school buses, and high school students utilize RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) buses. 

The following is the mileage requirements for student transportation eligibility:

• • Elementary School: 1 mile and above
  • Middle School: 1 ½ miles and above
  • High School: 1 mile and above

Exceptions to this policy will only be for students with special needs. For medical issues, a student’s physician must submit a written document stating the reason why the student must be provided transportation. Please note that the document must be sent directly to the attention of: Kendra St. Hilaire, 182 Thurbers Avenue, Providence, RI 02905.

For all students who have a special education case manager, the request for transportation must come from that manager or a Special Education supervisor. For additional information, contact Special Education at (401) 456-9330.

Q: What are the eligibility requirements to obtain a RIPTA bus pass? 

A: RIPTA bus passes are only for high school students. Students must reside at least one mile from their assigned school to be eligible for a RIPTA bus pass. 

Q: When will my student receive their RIPTA bus pass for the 2024-2025 school year? 

A: High school students use plastic monthly cards issued by RIPTA. Upon loading the bus, students will flash the card to the RIPTA driver.  Freshmen students will receive their RIPTA cards during orientation.

For students in grade 10-12, passes will be available at their designated school the week of August 26th. Students who are not able to pick up the pass before the first day of school will still be allowed to ride the bus during the first week of school (September 3-6) without a pass. Schools will receive cards each month to distribute to students.

Q: What if my student misplaces their RIPTA card midway through the month? 

A:  If a student loses/misplaces their monthly pass, a replacement card will be issued by the PPSD transportation office. Below is the process for obtaining a replacement pass:

1. A parent will report the lost/misplaced card to the school team.
2. School will request a new card to be issued by the transportation office.
3. A replacement card will be provided to the school team within 24-48 hours.
4. The school team is responsible for providing the card to the student with the lost card.