Students Rally to Save Providence Croft School

Young advocates organize to protect teachers and preserve their school's legacy

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:55am

A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration of a stack of textbooks repeated in a grid, capturing the energy and determination of student advocates fighting for their school's survival.Student activists rally to protect their teachers and preserve the future of their beloved school.Providence Today

The students of Providence Croft School have taken a stand to save their school and support their beloved teachers in the face of financial mismanagement by the school's founder. Rallying the community, the students organized a press conference to voice their concerns and advocate for their educators, inspiring a remarkable outpouring of over $1 million in local fundraising efforts.

Why it matters

This story highlights the power of student activism and the profound impact young people can have when they take ownership of their education. It challenges the traditional view of students as passive learners and showcases their ability to shape their educational environment, even in times of crisis. The situation at Providence Croft School also raises important questions about the need for better oversight and transparency in educational institutions to prevent such financial scandals.

The details

After returning from spring break, students at Providence Croft School were shocked to learn that the school was facing an uncertain future due to financial mismanagement by its founder, Scott Given. Rather than remaining passive, the students organized a press conference to voice their concerns and show their support for their teachers, who they say have provided them with love, care, and dedication. Parents in the community have also rallied, raising over $1 million to keep the school afloat. However, the school's board is exploring options, including selling the school, which has multiple campuses. The Providence parents are seeking to separate their campus, hoping for a fresh start.

  • The financial mismanagement at Providence Croft School was revealed to students and parents after spring break in 2026.
  • The students organized a press conference to advocate for their teachers and the school's future shortly after learning of the crisis.
  • The community has raised over $1 million in the weeks since the scandal broke to support the school.

The players

Providence Croft School

A beloved educational institution in Providence, Rhode Island that is facing an uncertain future due to financial mismanagement by its founder.

Scott Given

The founder of Providence Croft School, whose financial mismanagement has put the school in jeopardy.

Emilia Veliz

An 11-year-old student at Providence Croft School who spoke passionately about the love and care her teachers have provided.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure our teachers are compensated for their dedication and hard work. They have shaped our lives with love and care.”

— Emilia Veliz, 11-year-old student

What’s next

The school's board is exploring options, including selling the school, while the Providence parents are seeking to separate their campus in hopes of a fresh start. The future of Providence Croft School remains uncertain.

The takeaway

This story highlights the power of student activism and the profound impact young people can have when they take ownership of their education. It challenges the traditional view of students as passive learners and showcases their ability to shape their educational environment, even in times of crisis. The situation at Providence Croft School also raises important questions about the need for better oversight and transparency in educational institutions to prevent such financial scandals.