Providence Day School is an independent, college preparatory Transitional Kindergarten through Grade 12 school located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The school's mission statement is, "Providence Day School exists to inspire in its students a passion for learning, a commitment to personal integrity and a sense of social responsibility."
As of the 2016â€"17 school year, the school had an enrollment of approximately 1,600 students and nearly 180 classroom teachers (on a FTE basis), for a student-teacher ratio of 9:1.
Awards and recognition
During the 1986â€"87 and 2003â€"04 school years, Providence Day School was recognized with the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education, the highest award an American school can receive.
Providence Day School was recognized as one of North Carolina's 50 most family-friendly employers by Carolina Parenting, Inc. for the school's initiatives in helping parents balance work and home life every year since 1990 until the award's discontinuation in 2016.
History
In July 1970, James Williams, Thomas Ridenhour and Gilbert Bell began discussing the idea of starting a school. On Aug. 30, 1970, they held the first organizational meeting at the home of James Williams. Present were Gilbert Bell, Reid Caldwell, Joe Conrad, Charles Graves, Charles Harper, William Hester, John Locklear, Wilton Parr, Charles Reed, Thomas Ridenhour, Preston Sizemore and James Williams. These men formed the Southeast Community Corporation for the purpose of beginning an independent school. They also became the school’s first board of directors. In September, a meeting was held to enlist interested parents. By the end of the night, 112 children from 108 families had registered to attend the new school.
Several days later, potential property for the school had been located. The board of directors, led by David Raphael, borrowed $200 from each family who had enrolled a child, purchased 7.6 acres (31,000Â m2) of land for $75,000 on Sardis Road.
After the deed to the land was signed, parents went to work converting the house that was on the land into a school. On Sept. 28, 1970, Providence Day School was born. There were 180 students in fifth and sixth grades.
In February 1971, the State Department of Public Instruction approved Providence Day School as a private school. In the summer of 1971, William T. Townsend Jr. was hired as the first headmaster and the late Gil Murdock was hired as the first coach and physical education instructor. At the time, Murdock was the longest serving faculty member in school history before retiring in 2006. He died three days later of a heart attack. The next year the school had its first (annual) Gil Murdock Turkey Trot in his memory, which collects donations for local charities.
The 1974â€"75 school year brought the school’s first state championship in sports (golf), the addition of a two-story building (later named Overcash Hall) and accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools. 1975 also was the year of the school’s first graduating class.
In 1982, adjacent property was purchased for an athletic complex to accommodate football, track, baseball, softball, and tennis. The gymnasium was dedicated and named the Thomas L. Ridenhour Athletic Center in 1983. In 1985, the wing between the Williams Building and Providence Hall was enclosed and three classrooms were added.
Eugene Bratek became the school’s third Headmaster in 1986. Bratek retired from the school after the 2007 school year, and was replaced by Dr. Jack Creeden. In December 2010, Dr. Glyn Cowlishaw was selected as the new Head of School. His tenure began July 1, 2011.
In 1990, the McMahon Fines Arts Center was dedicated and the school purchased adjoining property and a house for the Extended Day Program.
In 1998, the Dickson-Hemby Technology Center opened and now houses math, science and computer classes. The Thompson-Jones Library and the Mosack Athletic Center were dedicated in 2001 at the conclusion of the “Tomorrow Begins Today†campaign. The Dining Hall in the McMahon Fine Arts center was expanded in 2005. This expansion also included a black box theater and more space for the band program.
In October 2012, the school celebrated the dedication of the newly renovated Overcash Stadium during Homecoming. The dedication celebrated the completion of Mosack Field, Compton Track, the Charger Pavilion and the new student section named the Stampede. The 6,000-square-foot field house and Nix Family Press Box were completed in December 2012.
In September 2015, Providence Day School celebrated the launch of the public phase of the Charging Forward comprehensive campaign, the largest fundraising goal undertaken in the school’s history. The campaign was a projected five-year, $27 million initiative with three investment priorities: three capital projects (building a new four-story Academic Center, a two-story Campus Gateway building and split-level parking deck), doubling the school’s endowment and growing Annual Fund. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in May 2016, and construction began in June 2016.
In June 2016, construction began on a new STEAM (Science, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Workshop that is being added onto the existing McMahon Fine Arts Center. The 430-square-foot addition, made possible through “fund-a-need†donations at the Parents’ Association annual auction, was to be used for set construction and tool storage. The King Library room of the Thompson-Jones Library also was renovated and transformed into a significant instructional space boasting advanced technological capabilities â€" state-of-the-art videoconferencing capabilities, a SMALLab Learning system and a Nureva Span ideation system.
Academics
Providence Day School is divided into Lower, Middle and Upper School divisions â€" the Lower School is led by a Head of Division and an Assistant Head, while the Middle and Upper schools are both led by a Head of Division and a Dean of Students. In December 2010, Providence Day School’s Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Glyn Cowlishaw, Ed.D., as the new Head of School. His tenure began July 1, 2011.
Lower School: Lower School is a dynamic learning community for Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade. The Lower School experience is predicated on the belief that relationships serve as the foundation of every child’s life and learning experience. Student connections are fostered throughout the school â€" this sense of community establishes a caring learning environment.
Also woven into the Lower School experience is: â€" an exciting global curriculum enhanced by the Lower School World Language program (students are exposed to French, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese during their earliest years; then prior to entering Second Grade, one language of study is selected for the remaining four years of Lower School) â€" a sense of social responsibility (the importance of social development and responsibility, creating awareness of the personal strengths of others and oneself and recognizing and striving to meet the needs of others on a local, national and international level) â€" learning design (nurturing the “whole†child socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively in a creative and engaging, innovative manner) â€" the use of technology (devices and learning tools that enhance student learning) â€" clubs and activities (that promote science, math and service)
Middle School: In 6th through 8th grades, Providence Day School students experience developmentally appropriate opportunities to foster a sense of identity, confidence, leadership and engagement. In addition to required courses in English, science, math, history and physical education, students may also pursue their choice of World Language and round out their schedules with a variety of electives, including computer applications, global issues, creative writing, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) courses (e.g., engineering, robotics), theatre, band, chorus and strings.
Students may pursue interests in various clubs and activities, and may take advantage of opportunities for world travel. They also are introduced to the school’s Honor Code that emphasizes the value and importance of integrity, especially when combined with greater responsibility and freedom.
Upper School: Providence Day School’s Upper School curriculum is based on a course of study essential to a quality college preparatory education, along with elective courses designed to broaden and deepen the students' academic experiences. Diploma requirements are specifically established to provide each student with an education that combines breadth, depth and flexibility.
Teachers challenge to think critically, creatively solve problems, appreciate the arts, communicate effectively, collaborate with peers, respect individual differences and play competitively.
On the athletic field and on the stage, in clubs and in the classroom, student leadership remains a central focus for the Upper School. The Upper School Honor Council, made up of teachers and primarily students, allows students voice and leadership on integrity related issues.
Global Education
The mission of Providence Day School’s Global Education program is to cultivate within the students the ability to appreciate the value and differences among people locally and globally, and to develop the knowledge, skills and character to become active global citizens.
Global Studies Diploma: As part of this program, Providence Day was the first school in the nation to create the Global Studies Diploma (GSD) for Upper School students. Endorsed by the National Association of Independent Schools, Worldview at UNC-Chapel Hill and the Global Educators Benchmark Group, the GSD allows Upper School students to choose a curriculum and set of experiences, including traveling abroad and/or student hosting, that focus on developing them into active and responsible global citizens. Students obtain a separate GSD (along with their regular diploma at Commencement) after fulfilling course, extracurricular and travel requirements, including a capstone global leadership course and final research project.
Global Educators Certificate: Providence Day School’s Global Education program also offers a Global Educators Certificate for faculty and staff. Participants are required to travel abroad, take language courses and give presentations to classes as well as incorporate their experiences into current curriculum. Since 2007, nearly 30 faculty and staff have received this certification, and more than 30 are currently enrolled in the five-year program.
Global Network: Through its global network, Providence Day School opens many doors for its students and teachers. Providence Day School is a proud member of Round Square International, the Network of Complementary Schools, Global Education Benchmark Group, Global Connections, UNC-Chapel Hill's World View, World Affairs Council of Charlotte and International House Charlotte.
Providence Day School currently has relationships with four exchange schools on two continents: Maria-Sibylla-Merian Gymnasium in Krefeld, Germany; Ameson Education and Culture Foundation in China; Tietgen Business School in Odense, Denmark; and Lycée Notre Dame de La Merci in Montpellier, France.
Technology
One to World Initiative: Providence Day School provides its students, faculty and school leadership with digital tools such as iPads and laptops. The goal is more than just access to the Internet and mobile computing but to create optimal teaching and learning environments. Students are empowered to be self-reliant, resilient and active learners who are not limited by the four walls of their classrooms, but instead seek to learn by interacting with the world. Students have access to use 3D printers, laser cutters, computer labs, document cameras and SMART boards as well as “Charger Apps†accounts for e-mail, collaborative file sharing, calendars and more.
Digital Citizenship A complementary and necessary component to Providence Day School’s use of technology is a robust, integrated digital citizenship curriculum. Ongoing conversations about avoiding digital distraction, being safe online and the appropriate use of digital tools are interwoven throughout all facets of student life.
Social Responsibility
The goal of Providence Day School’s social responsibility program is to encourage students to engage in activities that teach leadership, principles of service to the community and personal integrity. The program helps students develop character dispositions such as empathy, patience, integrity, humility, open-mindedness, confidence and courage so they can understand and act on local and global issues.
The emphasis on social responsibility allows teachers to incorporate service learning, classroom instruction and meaningful community service into the curriculum. Service learning activities help students use critical thinking to suggest potential solutions to some of the challenges in society. Students also are able to reflect on their personal ability to influence change.
Visual and Performing Arts
The arts at Providence Day School provide opportunities for students to discover, develop and express creative talents through the curricular and extracurricular offerings of the Visual and Performing Arts departments. Recognizing the fundamental place of the arts in human life, the Performing and Visual Arts faculty members are dedicated to enabling students with skills needed in today’s world. The process is just as important as the product; creativity and self-expression are nurtured through teaching that encourages collaboration, innovation and critical thinking.
Visual Arts: All Lower School students enjoy art classes within their weekly schedules. In Middle and Upper School, there are multiple levels of art offered, including studio art, photography, art history and yearbook. Students’ work is predominantly displayed throughout the school year.
Performing Arts: All Lower School students enjoy music classes within their weekly schedules. 5th-grade students select either band, chorus or strings and are introduced to theatre and drama classes. In Middle and Upper School, there are multiple levels of music and theatre/drama classes, including jazz ensemble, music theory, global and technical theatre and stagecraft. Extracurricular opportunities in Middle and Upper School include a cappella groups, plays and musicals. Auditions are available throughout the school year for district- and state-level participation.
Athletics
Sports at Providence Day School are available to all students in 7th to 12th grades. The Athletics program supports nearly 70 teams, nearly 30 of which are varsity sports. Historically, more than 80 percent of the student body participates on one or more of the Chargers sports teams.
Providence Day School competes in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) classification. Locally, Upper School teams compete in the Charlotte Independent School Athletic Association (CISAA) while the Middle School competes in the Greater Charlotte Middle School Athletic Association (GCMSAA).
Honors for student-athletes include national, state and local recognition. Each year, Providence Day School student-athletes elect to continue their athletic careers at many of the country’s most prestigious universities, including Harvard, Brown, Duke, Stanford, UNC-Chapel Hill, Vanderbilt, Washington and Lee, and the U.S. Naval Academy.
In 2015â€"16, Providence Day School celebrated its fifth consecutive Wells Fargo Cup. Presented and sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., the award recognizes overall excellence in high school athletics among NCISAA member institutions. Since its establishment in 1985, the cup has become the single most valued athletic achievement award in North Carolina. During the course of the 2015-16 school year, the Athletics program also saw its sixth and seventh Gatorade Player of the Year, five NCISAA state championships, eight CISAA conference championships and five different coaches were acknowledged The Charlotte Observer Coach of the Year in their respective sports.
In recent years, Providence Day School has dominated in a number of major sports. The varsity girls basketball team team has a storied tradition as one of the premier girls’ programs in the country. As of 2016, the Chargers have won 11 out of the last 12 (15 overall) NCISAA state championships and also have an undefeated record in CISAA conference play over the last decade, winning more than 100 consecutive games. The team has been nationally ranked multiple times in the last decade, highlighted by a No. 3 ranking by Sports Illustrated following the 2006-07 season.
The varsity boys basketball program also is regarded as one of the very best in North Carolina, winning six state championships and four consecutive conference championships as of 2016. The Chargers won the NCISAA state championship in 2015-16 and finished the season with a USA Today No. 16 national ranking.
Varsity girls and boys cross country and track and field also are exceptionally strong programs at Providence Day School. Since 2000, the boys cross country team has won every CISAA conference title (as of 2016), and since 2005 have won nine NCISAA titles. The girls cross country team has won 14 of the last 20 CISAA titles, including the last four (as of 2016) and since 2003 have won three NCISAA state titles, also earning a Southeast Regional top 10 ranking. The boys track and field team have won seven NCISAA state titles since 1996 and the girls team have won four NCSIAA state titles since 2013.
Facilities
- McMahon Fine Arts Center and Brinkley Dining Hall
- Dickson-Hemby Technology Center
- Thompson-Jones Library
- Overcash Hall
- Providence Building
- Williams Building
- Thomas Ridenhour Gymnasium
- Wrestling Gym
- Mosack Athletic Center
- Overcash Stadium with Mosack Field and Compton Track
- Activity and practice fields (including Gil Murdock Jr. Baseball Field, tennis courts, softball field and basketball court)
- Head of School House
- Counseling Center
- Levin Family Extended Day House
- Facilities House and Shop
- Institutional Advancement Office
- West Wing
- Academic Center (under construction as of August 2016)
- DeMayo Family Campus Gateway Center (under construction as of August 2016)
- Split-level parking deck (under construction as of August 2016)
Notable alumni
- Tiffany Mitchell, Class of 2012, basketball player in the WNBA for Indiana Fever
- Andrew Coats, Class of 2001, a 2017 Academy Award nominee for Borrowed Time
- Reggie Love, Class of 2000, former Duke University basketball player and personal aide to President Barack Obama
- Carson Porter, Class of 1997, soccer player and executive director of the Wilmington Hammerheads
- Brett Doar, Class of 1991, multidisciplinary artist known for building Rube Goldberg machines and other interactive and kinetic devices for a wide range of clients
- Reggie Clark, Class of 1987, former linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars
- Eric Dishman, Class of 1987, director of the National Institute of Health’s Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program and formerly vice president and Intel Fellow of Intel Corporation’s Health and Life Sciences Group
References
External links
- Official website