SCHOOL ONE

What SCHOOL ONE does

School One is a private, independent, non-profit high school founded in 1973 and located at 220 University Avenue on Providence's East Side. It enrolls approximately 100 students in grades 9-12 with an average class size of 10 (maximum 15) and a faculty/staff complement of roughly 25. The school delivers a progressive, arts-integrated college-preparatory curriculum through in-person instruction, individualized advising (one advisor per 10-12 students), and specialized academic support for students with mild-to-moderate learning differences. Twelve percent of students have IEPs, 34% identify as students of color, and 10% are international (capped at 10% of enrollment for cultural immersion). The school is NEASC-accredited (since 1990) and governed by an independent Board of Directors with no parent company or external equity backing.

Revenue is generated primarily through tuition ($29,300 standard annual rate, with variable tuition from $1,700 to $29,300 based on financial need — 60% of students receive aid), tiered Academic and Mental Health Support fees ($4,700–$14,100), a Summer Institute ($250 per student per week), community literary programs, and donations channeled through the RI Scholarship Tax Credit Program. Distribution is direct-to-family via a personalized admissions process (inquiry forms, tours, Open House events, day-long visits) with no resellers or third-party distributors. The institution has built an ecosystem of more than 60 internship partners and collaborations with GrubStreet, Goat Hill Writers, Trinity Repertory Company, RISD, Brown University, and the R.I. Center for the Book.

Beyond its core high school, School One operates the Literary Center (LitCenter), which runs adult evening writing classes, youth writing programs, intergenerational Creative Aging classes in partnership with senior living communities, the statewide Write Rhode Island short fiction contest (founded 2016), and a Words in Pictures comics/graphic novels program. These community-facing programs are funded in part by E.A. Michelson Philanthropy and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, extending the school's brand footprint across Rhode Island without materially expanding its core high school enrollment.

Name

SCHOOL ONE

Legal name

School One

Website

https://school-one.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Short description

School One is a 50-year-old independent, non-profit private high school in Providence, RI serving ~100 students in grades 9-12 with a progressive, arts-integrated college-prep curriculum, average class size of 10, and complementary community literary programs through its Literary Center.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Independent Private Secondary Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Alternative/Pedagogical Model Private Schools (Project-Based, Democratic, etc.) (EDAJABAJ)

Keywords

• Private high school education
• Progressive secondary education
• College preparatory school
• Arts-integrated curriculum
• Literary arts programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Providence

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition Revenue: School One generates primary revenue through tuition payments from families. The standard tuition is $29,300 annually, with families paying anywhere from $1,700 to $29,300 depending on their financial aid award. Additional revenue comes from Academic Support fees at tiered levels ($4,700-$14,100).
2. Donations and Fundraising: School One receives charitable donations through annual funds, planned giving, and specific funds like the Laurie Spry Memorial Teacher Development Fund and Borman Fund for Professional Learning. Donors help provide financial aid to approximately 70% of students.
3. RI Scholarship Tax Credits: Businesses in Rhode Island can redirect state taxes to School One for financial aid through the Rhode Island Scholarship Tax Credit Program, providing up to 90% tax credit for contributions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

School One is a private, independent, non-profit high school in Providence, Rhode Island, providing college-preparatory education for approximately 100 students in grades 9-12. The school emphasizes small classes (average 10 students), individualized advising, arts-integrated coursework, and progressive student-centered pedagogy. Revenue is generated primarily through tuition ($29,300 annually, with variable rates from $1,700 to $29,300 based on financial aid), supplemented by donations and Rhode Island Scholarship Tax Credits.

Product overview

School One is a private, independent high school in Providence, RI offering a college-preparatory education for approximately 100 students in grades 9-12. The school operates as a unified educational institution with several complementary programs: its core offering is private high school education emphasizing small classes, individualized advising, and arts integration. Supporting this core are the Literary Center (LitCenter) which provides community writing programs for youth and adults; the Write Rhode Island contest for student fiction writers; Summer Institute camps for creative arts; Comics and Graphic Novels programming (Words in Pictures); and College Counseling services. These programs share a common focus on creativity, individualized attention, and community engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Literary Center (LitCenter): A dynamic community writing center serving adult writers and young authors, from beginners to professionals. Includes programs like Write Rhode Island, youth writing classes, and intergenerational programs.
• Write Rhode Island
• Summer Institute
• Words in Pictures

Products and services

• Private High School Education (Grades 9-12) College-preparatory private high school education for students in grades 9-12, with approximately 100 enrolled students. The program emphasizes small classes (average 10 students), individualized advising, arts-integrated curriculum, and interdisciplinary coursework leading to top colleges and art schools.
• Summer Institute A summer camp program for students in grades 7-12 offering creative writing, visual arts, ceramics, animation, comics, Dungeons & Dragons, and other creative workshops in sessions of 6-12 students with individualized attention. Priced at $250 per student per one-week session; PPAC ARTS scholarships available for grades 7-8.
• School One Literary Center (LitCenter) A dynamic community writing center serving adult writers and young authors at all levels. The LitCenter offers writing classes, publication opportunities, and special events year-round, including programs for adults, youth (grades 7-12), and intergenerational groups.
• Write Rhode Island Contest An annual short fiction competition for students in grades 7-12 across Rhode Island. The contest promotes and celebrates student voices, inviting original works incorporating Rhode Island themes with workshops, prizes, and publication opportunities. Judged by 50+ first-round judges including local authors, educators, editors, and community leaders.
• Adult Writers Classes Evening writing classes for adult writers covering topics such as screenwriting, memoir, science fiction, poetry, and participation in writing critique groups. Classes are offered seasonally, taught in partnership with GrubStreet and Goat Hill Writers.
• Intergenerational Programs Arts and writing programs bringing together older adults (55+) and School One students, including Creative Aging classes, book clubs, and collaborative arts workshops fostering intergenerational connections. Funded by E.A. Michelson Philanthropy and Rhode Island State Council on the Arts since 2016.
• Words in Pictures (Comics and Graphic Novels) A year-long comics and graphic novels program for teens including discussion groups, author talks, writing book reviews, hands-on workshops, and public exhibitions and print anthologies showcasing student work.
• Academic Support Program Specialized academic support for students with mild-to-moderate learning differences, including depression, autism, executive function challenges, or anxiety. Services include resource classes, study skills coaching, and coordination with outside providers. Available at three tiers: Level 1 ($4,700), Level 2 ($9,400), and Level 3 ($14,100) additional annual fees.
• College Counseling Individualized college counseling providing one-on-one support from a college counselor, arts coordinator, and academic advisor to help students navigate college selection, applications, and art school admissions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 6 National Medalists at Scholastic Art & Writing Awards since 2012
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Rhode Island Interscholastic LeagueminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool One students can participate in team sports at their home high schools if academic performance and schedules align, through the Rhode Island Interscholastic League.
• GrubStreetcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoston-based writing organization that partners with School One's LitCenter for adult writing classes and workshops. GrubStreet instructors teach classes at School One.
• Goat Hill WriterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvidence-based writing group led by Ann Hood, Hester Kaplan and Taylor Polites that offers writing seminars, workshops, and one-on-one mentoring at School One.
• R.I. Center for the BookcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides books and learning opportunities for schools, libraries, and organizations throughout Rhode Island. Partners with Write Rhode Island contest.
• LitArts RIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization serving content creators, fans and literary organizations in Rhode Island. Collaborates with School One's LitCenter.
• International Women Writers GuildminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInclusive global literary arts community that empowers women and women-identified writers through workshops and community.
• Hamilton HousecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdult learning center and member organization in Providence that inspires members through interaction with ideas and friends. Partners on intergenerational book clubs.
• We Are ALL ReadersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization working to increase access to diverse children's books and creators, celebrating historically marginalized authors and illustrators.
• Rhode Island Writing ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports teacher well-being and professional practice through empowerment programs.
• Trinity Repertory CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresents Write Here! Write Now!, an annual student playwriting competition for high school students in New England. School One students participate.
• The CollaborativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity arts organization in Warren, RI offering creative writing and art classes.
• HiFI CollaborativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreative workspace provider that partners with School One's LitCenter for writing programs.
• Providence RotariesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Creative Aging intergenerational arts programs.
• Providence VillageminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSenior living community partner for intergenerational arts programs.
• Laurelmead Living CooperativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSenior living cooperative partner for intergenerational arts programs.
• Ocean State Public LibrariescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPublic libraries across Rhode Island host Write Rhode Island workshops and serve as community partners for youth writing programs.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Wheeler School: Independent, progressive, college-preparatory school in Providence, RI serving students through grade 12. Wheeler is the closest geographic and pedagogical peer to School One, with similar emphasis on individualized learning, arts, and small classes.
• Moses Brown School: Quaker-founded independent school in Providence, RI serving nursery through grade 12 with a progressive, values-driven approach. Comparable to School One in mission orientation, small class sizes, and Providence location.
• Lincoln School: All-girls independent school in Providence, RI with progressive, student-centered pedagogy and strong arts integration. Comparable small-school progressive model serving the same Providence families.
• Providence Country Day School: Independent day school for boys in grades 6-12 in East Providence, RI with progressive approach and individualized learning. Competes for the same Providence-area private school families.
• The Met School: Public alternative high school in Providence, RI with a progressive, project-based, individualized learning model. Operates in the same pedagogical space as School One and competes for the same progressive-education-seeking families, though public and tuition-free.
• Walnut Hill School for the Arts: Independent boarding school in Natick, MA specializing in arts-integrated college-preparatory education for grades 9-12. Comparable to School One's arts-and-writing emphasis and small, individualized environment.

Regional players

• Beaver Country Day School: Progressive, independent school in Brookline, MA serving grades 6-12 with project-based learning and arts emphasis. Competes for progressive-education families in the broader New England market but outside School One's primary geography.
• Cambridge School of Weston: Progressive, independent school in Weston, MA serving grades 9-12 with a progressive, modular curriculum. Comparable pedagogical model and student-centered philosophy in a regional market outside Rhode Island.
• The Putney School: Progressive, independent boarding school in Putney, VT for grades 9-12 with emphasis on arts, writing, and individualized learning. Comparable progressive pedagogy but operates as a boarding school in a different geography.
• St. Andrew's School: Independent, Episcopally-affiliated boarding and day school in Barrington, RI serving grades 9-12. Comparable small independent high school in the same Rhode Island market, though faith-affiliated rather than progressive-secular.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SCHOOL ONE