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Education

The School System

The East Greenwich School Department, directed by Mr. Charles Meyers, consists of six schools. There are four elementary schools, two for grades K-3 and two for grades 4-6. Grades 7 and 8 attend Cole Middle School and there is one comprehensive high school for grades 9-12. High school students interested in vocational education enroll in the Regional Vocation Center in the adjacent city of Warwick.

Realizing that quality education requires both commitment and resources, East Greenwich has been proud to have its school budget supported by town citizens. A new budget goes into effect each year in July.

The 2500 students are served by 300 certified and non-certified personnel. The class size maximum for grades K-3 is 21 students. The class size maximum for grades 4-6 is 26 students.

East Greenwich Public Schools are recognized for achievement and innovation in core academic subjects as well as areas such as the visual and performing arts, special education and a gifted and talented program for elementary students.

A variety of co-curricular activities are available for students in grades 7-12, including intramural and interscholastic athletics, performing arts activities, student publications and student government.

East Greenwich High School consistently ranks as one of the top schools in Rhode Island. One criteria contributing to this is the high achievement of students on the SAT college entrance examination. Ninety five percent of the high school class of 2006 enrolled in institutions of higher education, with 87% attending four year colleges.

Eldredge Elementary School and Cole Junior High are nationally recognized Blue Ribbon schools of excellence, achieving this honor in 1993 and 1989 respectively and Cole was also honored in 2004..

The Central office consists of a Superintendent of Schools, a Director of Administration, Assistant Superintendent, a Director of Facilities and a clerical staff which processes transportation, personnel, purchasing and budget transactions.

Registration Rules for Incoming Students

Registration for students entering elementary and secondary school (kindergarten through grade 12) is conducted at the central office. Registration continues at the central office during the summer.
At registration students are requested to present a birth certificate or passport, certification of East Greenwich residency and an immunization record indicating inoculation against pertussis, diptheria, tetanus,measles, mumps, rubella and polio. Immunization is mandated by Rhode Island Law and failure to comply may result in exclusion from school.

Cultural Organization Of The Arts (COA)

The Cultural Organization of the Arts (COA) is a non-profit organization which brings live, quality cultural arts programs to East Greenwich students.
Over the past 20 years COA has introduced thousands of children to diverse cultural arts forms, including music, dance, theater, puppetry, mime and opera. COA's programs are intended to produce active and participating listeners and viewers and to develop in children an early understanding and appreciation of performing arts from various historical periods and different cultures.
By networking and through block-booking, COA obtains optimum value for contributions. Program funding is provided by donations from parents, school PTG's, local civic groups, businesses and grants. One hundred per cent of donations are applied to program costs. Administration expenses are funded by the East Greenwich School Department.
Membership is open to anyone interested in promoting cultural arts in education. For more information write COA, P.O. Box 258, East Greenwich, RI 02818, or call 401-884-1981.

Drug Free Schools

The East Greenwich Public Schools participate in the Drug Free Schools and Community Act. The Health Curriculum (K-12) includes substance abuse education, with students completing a variety of activities that give them the knowledge and skills for avoiding drugs, alcohol and tobacco. In 1989 the Archie R. Cole Junior High School was declared a Drug Free Zone and participated as a pilot school in the state Attorney General's "Straight to School" program. School Department personnel work closely with the town's Drug Abuse Counselor and with individuals and groups interested in bringing about a drug-free environment. In 1995 Archie R. Cole Junior High School, George R. Hanaford School and East Greenwich High School were recognized as National Drug-Free Schools by the U.S. Office of Education.

Parochial and Private Schools

Our Lady of Mercy School

Our Lady of Mercy, located on Fourth Avenue, was founded in 1950 and is operated by Our Lady of Mercy Parish. Enrollment for 2005-2006 is 424.
Mission Statement: Our Lady of Mercy School provides its students a firm foundation for future educational endeavors by offering a solid academic education and spiritual foundation in the Roman Catholic tradition to dispel ignorance so Mercy may flourish.
"OLM" offers a full curriculum for the academic, spiritual and social development of students in grades Pre-K-8. Modern Language, Drama, Sports and Robotics enrich the core curriculum. Applications for the 2008-2009 year are accepted in January 2007.
Before and after school care is available from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.. The Principal is Sister Jeanne Barry, RSM. For information and application call 884-1618. olmschool.org

Aim High Early Learning Center

Aim High Early Learning Center is a Department of Education licensed preschool offering morning and afternoon classes for children between the ages of 2 years to 6 years. Our highly trained and dedicated teachers welcome children to approach learning in a creative, hands-on way. We believe children learn through play and thrive in a warm and nurturing environment that respects each child’s individual needs.

Our students participate in a structured gymnastics class with our USAG Safety Certified instructors once a week as part of the curriculum. On days where we are unable to go outside due to weather, we have a large state of the art gymnastics facility at our disposal. Therefore, children participate in an active element every day!

Aim High also offers Enrichment Programs in the early afternoon for preschoolers and kindergarten children to give them the opportunity to reach beyond regular classroom activities. We hope to bring a sense of life awareness by offering your child the pleasures of art, music, sports and gymnastics.

The Early Learning Center is located within Aim High Academy at 3355 South County Trail. For more information please call 886-7827 or reference our web site at www.aimhighacademy.com.

Child Care Connection
 

Child Care Connection offers infant, toddler and preschool programs for children ages six weeks to 5 years of age. Our devoted team of professionals create fun learning environments while giving families flexibility and peace of mind.

Child Care Connection implements the “Creative Curriculum” approach to education. This teaching philosophy is based on sound developmental theory and bases the curriculum on children’s interest. The learning environment is composed of 11 interest areas from cooking to manipulatives that capture children’s attention and foster their natural love of learning.

Barbara M. Tufts Cooperative Pre-School

The Barbara M. Tufts Co-operative Preschool is in its 39^th year of operation. It provides a nursery school program for 3 and 4 year olds, which promotes cognitive growth, emotional well-being, fine and gross motor development, a positive self image, socialization and self / help skills. The staff endeavors to respond to individual needs of children by providing many firsthand experiences where children discover, express themselves, solve problems and develop concepts.

The daily routine is complemented by field trips. There are two sessions – mornings from 9-11:30 and afternoons from 12:30 to 3:00. There is a pre-K program four afternoons a week. .

<> The school is located in the church house of the United Methodist Church, 214 Main Street. <!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->For more information please call 885-2132 or 884-5779.

Happy Hearts Learning Center 

            Happy Hearts Learning Center is an NAEYC accredited and state licensed preschool with classes for 2 to 5 year olds.  Families have a choice of 2,3,4 or 5 day programs offered mornings or afternoons.   A unique Kindergarten Enrichment program enables kindergartners to have an extra half day session of fun activities three times per week before or after their last kindergarten class. 
            Happy Hearts provides a warm and loving environment with a curriculum that enables children to learn and develop at their own pace.  All classes participate in music and creative movement activities.  Options include Lunch Bunch and Extended Day. 
            The facility’s two buildings include a beautifully renovated historic schoolhouse.  Classes are small and well staffed with experienced and enthusiastic teachers. 
            The school is located at 2608 South County Trail (Route 2), P.O. Box 1536, East Greenwich, RI 02818. The owners / directors are Maureen Lodge and Pam Noble.  For more information call 885-1017.

Little Red Hen  

 The Little Red Hen Preschool and Kindergarten is a State Certified day school, located near Greenwich Bay. Founded in 1948, it is the oldest established preschool in the state.
Little Red Hen presents a variety of learning styles and offers a program which responds to each child’s individual preferences and needs. The curriculum includes reading, language arts, social studies, art, science, music, math and physical education. Field trips, guest professionals and specialized programs in dance, gymnastics, computers, tae kwon do, Chinese, Spanish and sign language round out the school’s curriculum
The dedicated staff, exciting new classrooms and the modern, expansive playground comprise a well-rounded, once in a lifetime opportunity for your child. The Kindergarten program offers a challenging, developmentally appropriate curriculum, either full or half day. The 2007 Kindergarten class was the only Kindergarten in the state to receive a special award and recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the President for our part in “Protecting Our Earth”.
Little Red Hen is accredited by the nationwide NAEYC, awarded to only 5% of the nation’s programs.
Extended care services are also available. 
The Little Red Hen is located at 358 Old Forge Road, P.O. Box 226, East Greenwich. The Principal is Jane Ann Conway.F
or more information call 884-5486 or visit www.littleredhenschool.com

London Bridge Learning Academy

The LEARNING CENTER, located at 165 Duke Street, offers quality childcare and preschool for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years. Our happy children are the result of a low child/teacher ratio. We are licensed by DCYF and the Department of Education.
The ACADEMY is located in the train station at 146 Duke Street, providing full day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten as well as half-day kindergarten enrichment. The kindergarten program offers a challenging curriculum, taught by a well qualified staff. Our mission is to develop self-confidence and a positive attitude toward learning in an atmosphere that enhances social and emotional growth. Our program is developmentally designed to meet the needs of each child. A 1:7 teacher / child ratio is the key to our success. London Bridge is open 7:30 – 5:30 daily and only closes on major holidays. Please call Janet Kenney, Director at 886-5347 to arrange a tour of our facilities. londonbridgeeg.org

The Stork’s Nest Child Academy

The Stork’s Nest Academy provides children with a safe and nurturing environment. It is Department of Education and DCYF approved for infants through Kindergarten.

The goals are: respect our children as unique and valued individuals; guide children toward development of self-discipline; design activities to enhance self esteem and positive feelings toward learning; encourage children to learn by means of choice, experimentation and problem solving; accept a partnership with parents that facilitates daily communication concerning their child; take a holistic approach to a child’s development and education: physically, mentally and socially. Their motto is: “It’s our pleasure to care for your treasure”.

The Stork’s Nest is located at 2260 South County Trail, phone 886-4544. A second facility is located at 440 George Washington Hwy, Smithfield, phone 233-2500. A third facility and the corporate office is located at 1100 Toll Gate Road, Warwick. Phone 828-4567 

he Music School of the Rhode Island Philharmonic

The Music School of the Rhode Island Philharmonic is the only nonprofit community school for the arts in Rhode Island. It gives private instruction in voice and more than 30 instruments, including Suzuki violin, piano and guitar at St. Luke’s Church.

Classes are available to tots, teens and adults regardless of background, aptitude or means. Need based scholarships are offered for students under 18 whose families meet economic guidelines. The school is a member in good standing of the National Guild of Community Schools for the Arts.

Early childhood, group classes and ensembles run in four 7-week sessions from September to June. Private instruction may begin at any time. There is also a summer program. For a catalog call the East Greenwich branch at 885-9117 or the main offices at 272-9877 or visit their website at www.ri-philharmonic.org