New Woonsocket Charter School Celebrates First Day of School

RISE Prep Mayoral Academy in Woonsocket on Wednesday welcomed 50 boys and girls who make up its founding kindergarten class for their first day of school.

The school, a self-described “intentionally diverse, college preparatory, public charter school serving Woonsocket, Burrillville, and N. Smithfield,” opened its doors on Social Street for the first of what school leaders and supporters hope to be many years feeding the minds of the area’s young scholars.

“We are ecstatic to welcome our founding class,” said Rosalind Murphy, head of school. ”All of the hard work and effort to get here has been on their behalf. Seeing their smiling faces today is a gift. We are happy to be standing in our renovated, beautiful building and readying for a year of joyful learning. Most of all, we are grateful to our families who believed in us from the beginning and have stuck with us to get to today. We promise to make sure their patience is rewarded with a truly excellent school.”

Joining the school committee to mark the first day was by Lt. Governor Daniel J. McKee; N. Smithfield Town Administrator and RISE Prep Board Chair Paulette Hamilton; Woonsocket Mayor and RISE Prep Board Member Lisa-Baldelli Hunt; and Woonsocket Councilman Christopher Beauchamp.

The school’s planned opening was in question last month when a lawsuit was filed by the city of Woonsocket that sought a preliminary injunction. A judge ultimately ruled the suit did not have merit to go forward.

From the school:

“I’m proud to have been able to share in the beginning of our RISE Prep scholars’ journey to success,” said N. Smithfield Town Administrator and RISE Prep Board Chair Paulette Hamilton. “The future of Rhode Island education is brighter today.”

Lt. Governor McKee added, “I am thrilled to be here in Woonsocket to welcome these children to their first day of kindergarten at RISE Prep. Strong public schools are the foundation of strong, healthy communities and a strong, healthy Rhode Island. All of our children deserve an excellent education, and our future as a state depends on their success in the classroom and beyond.”

RISE Prep Mayoral Academy joins Blackstone Valley Prep, Achievement First Providence, and the newly opened Achievement First Illuminar under the support umbrella of the non-profit Rhode Island Mayoral Academies (RIMA).

Newly appointed CEO of RIMA Elsa Duré said, “The dedication, fortitude, and perseverance of Rosalind Murphy and her staff has paid off for the families of the children of Woonsocket, Burrilville, and N. Smithfield who have chosen to attend RISE Prep. This happy day marks the beginning of what will be a wonderful nine years for our founding scholars. RISE Prep children and families deserve it.”