A: Start times vary by school. Please click here for bell times for the 2026-27 school year. 

Student schedules and class assignments are available on Skyward, the student information system. If you need assistance with your Skyward username or password, please email skyward@ppsd.org.

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

• Counselors will continue to review and finalize schedules for newly enrolled students before the first day of school.

• Schools establish multiple locations throughout the building where students can access or receive their schedules. 

• Encourage students to take a photo of their schedule at home or write a copy of their schedule in a notebook or planner as a backup.

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.

Yes! The district uses Parent View, a real-time tracking app that allows families to see where the bus is at any given time. Learn more here >

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. 

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 last week of August. 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 without a pass. Schools will receive cards each month to distribute to students.

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.

Canvas is the Providence Public Schools' adopted Learning Management System (LMS) and the hub of the digital classroom. Students will visit Canvas to check their calendar for upcoming due dates, access course materials, and submit assignments. Parents can use Canvas to keep up with their student's calendar and assignments. While Skyward continues to allow families to see report cards, progress reports, and assignment grades, Canvas allows students and families to see individual assignments, scores on those assignments, teacher feedback, and due dates. In addition, Canvas pulls information on all students' courses together into one place, providing students and families with more transparency around what students are learning on a day-to-day basis, so that families can provide ongoing support.

Create your account today to follow along with your child's educational journey. Create your account today.

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.

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.

A: Students are not allowed to use cell phones during instructional times. Please find  guidelines here. Each school will communicate their respective procedures that align with the district policy.

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