3 days ago
Approving the Excel Academy lease would put our students first – and prove what's possible
Partnering with Excel Academy allows the Lauro space to be utilized again while reducing the financial burden on the city and creating new opportunities for collaboration that serves all students. Between Excel's rent payments, capital improvements, facility costs, planned annual neighborhood beautification projects, and philanthropic support, the total investment coming into our city will be around $80 million.
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Excel Academy–which is open to any student from Providence, North Providence, and Central Falls, with the majority coming from Providence–is one of the top 10 schools in Rhode Island for student growth in both math and English language arts. Ninety-five percent of students identify as students of color, and many will be the first in their families to go to college.
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Rhode Island Education Collective,
This shared space agreement creates a meaningful opportunity for charter and district schools to collaborate in the way they were always meant to—by exchanging ideas, sharing resources, and learning from each other to better serve all students. Placing two strong schools under one roof creates a culture of partnership rather than competition, setting a powerful precedent for education across Rhode Island. Together, these schools can show how alignment between charter and district models can elevate instruction, enrich school culture, and expand access to high-quality education in Providence. It's the kind of innovative, student-centered cooperation our public education system urgently needs.
This lease agreement also offers clear financial benefits. At a time when the
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It shouldn't be revolutionary for a school district and a charter school to work together to do what's best for our children. I hope what's planned for Lauro becomes the first of many examples of our city's leaders coming together to put our students' needs first and ensure every child has access to the high-quality education they deserve, whether they attend a district, charter, or any other public school.
Victor F. Capellan is the founder and CEO of Rhode Island Education was the former superintendent of schools in Central Falls and has been a leader in education for 25 years in various capacities in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York.
