Providence parents oppose Excel Academy Charter move citing resource concerns

The Providence City Council meeting on May 12, 2025, featured a passionate discussion regarding the proposed relocation of Excel Academy Charter School into the neighborhood. A concerned parent from the Providence School system voiced strong objections, highlighting the potential negative impact on public resources and the existing public school system.

The parent expressed that the move of Excel Academy is causing division within the community. They emphasized that while some support the charter school, it draws from the same limited public funding that district schools rely on, which could further strain resources for the majority of students in the city. The speaker argued that city-owned buildings should be utilized to benefit the broader student population rather than being allocated to institutions that selectively serve certain groups.

Additionally, the parent suggested alternative uses for the building, such as affordable housing or a career and technical education (CTE) hub, which could provide valuable opportunities for students across Providence. They stressed the importance of strengthening the public school system rather than replacing it with charter operations, warning that such decisions could lead to long-term consequences for the community.

The meeting also included a brief introduction from a sixth grader at Excel Academy, indicating that the discussion around the charter school is not only a concern for parents but also for students directly affected by these decisions. The overall sentiment from the meeting underscored the need for careful consideration of how educational resources are allocated and the long-term implications for the community's educational landscape.