Pawtucket School Department
The Pawtucket School Department is a public K-12 school district in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, operating 16 schools plus an alternative academy and serving district-resident students from preschool through high school with academic, CTE, special education, and multilingual programs funded by state aid, local property taxes, and federal grants.
- Company typePublic
- Founded-
- HeadquartersPawtucket, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Pawtucket School Department does
The Pawtucket School Department is a public K-12 school district operated by the City of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, serving approximately 72,958 residents through 10 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 2 senior high schools (Shea and Tolman, being unified into one), the JMW School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and the Pawtucket Phoenix Academy alternative program. The district delivers core academic instruction, free preschool programs for ages 3-4, comprehensive special education and multilingual learner services, free meal programs (summer meals and SUN Bucks), and 19 Career and Technical Education pathways spanning biomedical, culinary, engineering, IT, public safety, finance, performing arts, and skilled trades, with industry credentials such as ProStart, NFPA 1001, and PLTW. Underlying technology consists of third-party enterprise platforms rather than proprietary systems: Skyward Student Information System, PowerSchool for special education, Google Workspace for Education with Clever single sign-on, Munis/Tyler for payroll and finance, Frontline for HR and substitute management, School Messenger for communications, and EdTech tools including i-Ready, Edgenuity, Code.org, Choices360, LETRS, Surveyworks, and YouScience Aptitude.
PSD is funded as a state-aided municipal entity rather than as a commercial vendor: primary revenue is state education funding through the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) at an 80.3% base reimbursement rate (potentially up to 89.2% with bonus points through the State Housing Aid program), supplemented by local property tax revenue, federal Title I-A funding under ESEA, and federal nutrition programs. Core educational services are delivered free of charge to district residents; Pre-K and meal programs have zero tuition, and vendor procurement runs through formal RFP processes. The district currently executes a $326 million capital project to unify its two high schools into a single 375,000-square-foot campus at the former McCoy Stadium site, anticipated for completion in December 2028, expected to deliver over $7.7 million in annual out-of-district cost reductions while serving approximately 2,100 students. Governance rests with a seven-member elected School Committee; administrative leadership comprises the Acting Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Chief Academic Officer, Chief of Operations, and Chief of Information and Innovations Officer.
Pawtucket School Department firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pawtucket School Department
- Legal name
- Pawtucket School Department
- Website
- https://psdri.net
- Company type
- Public
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- The Pawtucket School Department is a public K-12 school district in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, operating 16 schools plus an alternative academy and serving district-resident students from preschool through high school with academic, CTE, special education, and multilingual programs funded by state aid, local property taxes, and federal grants.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pawtucket School Department industry classification
Industry- Product category
- K-12 Public Education
- NAICS
- Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110), Elementary and Secondary Schools (61111), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public School Districts (K–12) (EDADABAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Public K–12 Combined Schools (EDAJAAAE), State/Provincial Education Department Administration (BPAIABAJ)
Keywords
Where Pawtucket School Department is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pawtucket
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Pawtucket School Department business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- State Education Funding: Primary funding from Rhode Island Department of Education, including base reimbursement rate of 80.3% with potential for additional bonus points up to 89.2% through the State Housing Aid program for school construction and operational expenses.
- Local Property Tax Revenue: Local financing through property tax revenue to cover the balance of school expenses not covered by state funding and to support capital projects like the new high school.
- Federal Funding: Federal programs including Title I-A funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to support academic achievement of students at risk of failing to meet state standards.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Other | Free public education for all district residents |
| Freemium | Other | Free Pre-K programs for Pawtucket residents |
| Freemium | Other | SUN Bucks summer food benefits |
| Freemium | Other | Free summer meals for children and teens |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Pawtucket School Department product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Pawtucket School Department is a public K-12 school district serving the City of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. It operates 10 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools (including the specialized Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing and Visual Arts), providing free public education, Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, special education services, multilingual learner support, and early childhood programs for district residents ages 3-21.
Product overview
The Pawtucket School Department operates as a traditional public school district providing comprehensive K-12 education across 10 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools (including the specialized Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing and Visual Arts). The district's core educational offerings are complemented by robust Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs spanning 19 pathways across arts, health sciences, business, technology, engineering, and public safety at Shea and Tolman high schools. Additional programs include free preschool opportunities, Title I-A federal support services, and special education services. The district also maintains an informational website for community engagement and operates the Pawtucket Phoenix Academy alternative education program. The district is currently undertaking a major construction project to unify its two high schools into a single campus at the former McCoy Stadium site.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs CTE programs provide students with academic and applied skills for workforce success and postsecondary education, offering pathways across arts, health sciences, business, technology, and public safety. Available to high school students at Shea and Tolman.
- JMW School for the Performing and Visual Arts Specialized magnet school offering CTE pathways in Dance, Music, Theatre, Video and Film Production, and Visual Arts for middle and high school students.
- Shea High School CTE Programs CTE pathways at Charles E. Shea Senior High School including Biomedical Sciences, Community Health Worker, Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, Information Technology, Pre-Engineering, and Teaching as a Profession.
- Tolman High School CTE Programs CTE pathways at William E. Tolman Senior High School including Engineering, Finance, Firefighter and EMS, JROTC, Law and Forensics, and Marketing and Management.
- Preschool Programs (RI Pre-K and Pawtucket Pre-K Integrated) Free preschool opportunities for Pawtucket residents with children ages 3-4, including state-funded RI Pre-K and integrated district programs following Creative Curriculum and Conscious Discipline.
- Title I-A Federal Programs Federal program providing financial assistance to support academic achievement for students at risk of failing state standards, funding additional teachers, tutors, materials, and professional development.
- Special Education Services Comprehensive special education programs and services for students ages 3-21 with disabilities, including IEP development, related services, and inclusion support.
- Pawtucket Phoenix Academy Alternative education program focused on personalized support, behavioral and neurodivergent challenges, and social-emotional well-being for students facing barriers to traditional education.
- Free Summer Meals Program Free summer meals available from June 29 through August 14 for all children and teens ages 18 and under at participating locations with no registration required.
- SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) Program SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) provides $120 of extra grocery benefits per child ages 6-18 over the summer months for families who qualify for extra support.
Quantifiable outcome
- State reimbursement rate of 80.3% to 89.2% of eligible project costs through Rhode Island School Building Authority
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Pawtucket School Department
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Pawtucket School Department technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
Feature4 records
Pawtucket School Department partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, strategic and community.
- Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE)coreRIDE serves as the primary regulatory and funding partner, overseeing school construction approval through the School Building Authority, providing state aid reimbursement (80.3-89.2%), and ensuring compliance with educational standards. Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green participated in groundbreaking ceremony.
- City of PawtucketcoreThe City owns the McCoy Stadium site (23.2 acres) designated for the new high school. Mayor Donald Grebien and City Council members partnered in the groundbreaking, with the city providing land and municipal support for the $326M project.
- Colliers Project LeadersmajorServes as the Owner's Project Manager for the Pawtucket High School construction project, overseeing project implementation and coordination between the district, architects, and construction team.
- Shawmut Design and ConstructionmajorConstruction manager for the Pawtucket High School project, responsible for building the new 375,000 SF facility at the former McCoy Stadium site.
- Jonathan Levi Architects (JLA)majorLead architect for the Pawtucket High School project, designing the new unified campus facility.
- University of Rhode IslandstrategicURI partners with the district's Information Technology CTE pathway and offers concurrent enrollment opportunities for students to earn college credit through URI Harrington School.
- Project Lead The Way (PLTW)strategicNational organization providing curriculum for Biomedical Science and Engineering CTE pathways, offering students industry-recognized coursework and certifications aligned with post-secondary engineering and biomedical careers.
- YMCA of PawtucketcommunityCommunity organization providing youth development programs, with partnership supporting student enrichment and after-school activities.
- Boys and Girls Club of PawtucketcommunityCommunity partner providing youth programs and services, collaborating with the district to support student development and engagement.
- The Empowerment FactorycommunityLocal nonprofit providing community resources and programs that complement district educational initiatives.
- ProStart (National Restaurant Association)strategicProStart curriculum provider for Culinary Arts CTE pathway, offering national certification (Level 1 and Level 2) and Servsafe Manager Certification for students.
- National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF)strategicSupports the Culinary Arts and Hospitality & Tourism CTE programs through ProStart curriculum and certification standards.
- URI Harrington School of DesignstrategicPartnership providing concurrent enrollment college credit (FLM 101: Introduction to Film Media) for Video & Film Production CTE pathway students.
- The Elisha ProjectcommunityCommunity partner providing fresh food donations to Pawtucket Phoenix Academy families through biweekly produce and meat distributions.
- WindWINRIstrategicWind energy program partner for Pre-Engineering pathway, offering wind turbine technology education and environmental science certifications.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Pawtucket School Department competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Boston Public Schools: Larger New England urban district operating under Massachusetts state oversight rather than RIDE. Comparable in scale and urban demographic mix (multilingual learners, Title I, CTE, alternative education academies) but with a different state funding mechanism.
- Worcester Public Schools: Larger Massachusetts urban district with similar bilingual, Title I, and CTE program structures. Comparable as a fellow post-industrial urban district in the same New England region, though operating under a different state funding regime.
Direct peers
- Hartford Public Schools: Connecticut urban district serving a similar demographic profile (high poverty, multilingual learners, large Title I population). Comparable as a high-needs urban district undergoing facilities modernization and CTE pathway expansion.
- New Bedford Public Schools: Massachusetts urban district serving a comparable multilingual, working-class demographic. Comparable as a mid-sized Gateway City district with significant ELL populations, CTE programs, and state-funded facilities modernization.
- Central Falls School District: Neighboring small urban Rhode Island district operating under the same RIDE oversight, state aid formula, and Housing Aid program. Directly comparable as a high-needs urban district with significant multilingual learner populations, free meal programs, and Title I reliance.
- Cranston Public Schools: Rhode Island public school district operating under the same RIDE regulatory framework and state Housing Aid reimbursement structure. Comparable as a mid-sized RI district with K-12 schools, CTE pathways, and active school construction programs funded by state aid.
- Fall River Public Schools: Massachusetts Gateway City district serving a similar post-industrial urban demographic mix as Pawtucket. Comparable as a mid-sized urban district with bilingual programs, CTE pathways, and free meal program reliance.
- Woonsocket Education Department: Rhode Island urban school district operating under the same state funding and oversight regime. Directly comparable as a small urban RI district with similar Title I, multilingual learner, and CTE program structures.
- Providence Public School District: Largest Rhode Island public school district serving Providence, sharing the same RIDE oversight, state aid formula, and capital reimbursement framework as PSD. Directly comparable as a fellow urban RI district with high multilingual learner populations, CTE offerings, and Title I dependence.
Regional players
- Manchester School District (NH): New Hampshire urban district serving a similar multilingual, refugee-resettlement demographic profile. Comparable as a regional New England urban district with bilingual programs, Title I reliance, and active school construction programs.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Pawtucket School Department social profiles
Digital presencePawtucket School Department financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pawtucket School Department leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles15 records
Pawtucket School Department subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries18 records
Pawtucket School Department funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pawtucket School Department M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pawtucket School Department
What does Pawtucket School Department do?
The Pawtucket School Department is a public K-12 school district serving the City of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. It operates 10 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools (including the specialized Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing and Visual Arts), providing free public education, Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, special education services, multilingual learner support, and early childhood programs for district residents ages 3-21.
Is Pawtucket School Department a public or private company?
Pawtucket School Department is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Pawtucket School Department founded?
Pawtucket School Department was founded in -1. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Pawtucket School Department based?
Pawtucket School Department is headquartered in Pawtucket, United States, in the North America region.
How does Pawtucket School Department make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. State Education Funding is the primary driver. The others are local Property Tax Revenue and federal Funding.
Who are Pawtucket School Department's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Boston Public Schools and Worcester Public Schools. Direct peers are Hartford Public Schools, New Bedford Public Schools, Central Falls School District, Cranston Public Schools, Fall River Public Schools, Woonsocket Education Department and Providence Public School District. Manchester School District (NH) is listed as a regional player.
Does Pawtucket School Department have an API?
No public API is recorded for Pawtucket School Department.
What industry is Pawtucket School Department in?
Pawtucket School Department's product category is K-12 Public Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDADABAA, Public School Districts (K–12), with a secondary code of EDAJAAAE, Public K–12 Combined Schools. Its NAICS code is 611110 and its SIC code is 8200.