PROVIDENCE, RI – Classical High School in Providence has been named one of the top 500 public high schools in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, continuing the school's long tradition of academic excellence and affirming its status as one of Rhode Island's premier educational institutions.

The school, which was founded in 1843 and is the oldest public high school in Rhode Island, earned the recognition based on its performance on state assessments, graduation rates, college readiness, and the performance of underserved student populations. Classical ranked in the top 3% of all public high schools in the country.

"This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and staff," said Principal Fatima Lawson. "Classical has always been a place where high expectations and rigorous academics are the norm, and this ranking confirms that our approach is working."

Classical's academic program is built around a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that includes Advanced Placement courses in virtually every subject area. The school's AP participation and pass rates are among the highest in Rhode Island.

"Classical proves that urban public schools can achieve excellence when they maintain high standards and refuse to make excuses," said one education advocate. "It's a model that other schools should follow."

The school's success has also been attributed to its strong culture of academic achievement, which is reinforced by a selective admissions process that requires students to demonstrate academic readiness.

Classical's Class of 2025 had a 98% graduation rate and a 95% college enrollment rate, with graduates attending schools including Brown University, MIT, Yale, and dozens of other selective institutions.