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History
Paul Cuffee School
was founded by a local physician who believed that the abundant
learning opportunities associated with Narragansett Bay could be
combined with a rigorous academic curriculum for Providence
students in kindergarten though 12th grade. His goal was to
introduce sailing as well as the marine and environmental sciences
to urban youth in order to expand their knowledge, abilities and
future career options. His passion for innovative education,
combined with his exhaustive research and planning attracted a
dedicated group of founders who shared his vision. This group
created the charter that was approved by the R.I. Board of Regents
in 2000.
With the charter
approved, a national search for a head of school began, and in early
2001, David Bourns, the former Head of George School in Newtown,
Pennsylvania was hired. With the help of a hardworking board of
trustees and two staff members, Bourns took on the job of securing
funds, hiring staff, recruiting students and locating a building for
the future school.
In spite of less
than ideal facilities arrangements, the Paul Cuffee School was
launched in September of 2001, with 136 students in kindergarten
through 3rd grade. While overseeing the myriad responsibilities and
unexpected challenges associated with a brand new program, the Head
of School, Board President and parents continued their search for a more
appropriate facility.
Four months later,
a vacant building on Promenade Street was found. While negotiations
were under way, the property owner, Richard Ahlborg, took a leap of
faith and began renovations on the building. Within six months the
school was ready for occupancy, thanks to the hard work of O.
Ahlborg & Sons General Contractors and all of the subcontractors,
faculty, staff, board members and parent volunteers who worked
overtime to meet our deadline.
In August,
2002, our teachers moved into 459 Promenade Street and prepared
their classrooms to receive 186 students in kindergarten through 4th
grade. The school has continued to grow one grade per year, and on
August 31st, 2005, approximately 386 students in kindergarten
through 7th grade began a new academic year. Because we have
already reached maximum capacity on Promenade Street, PCS will rent
St. Mary’s School on Barton Street for our middle school students.
Funding is being sought to help develop a suitable facility for our
middle and high school students.
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