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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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