22 Larchmere Dr E, Rumford, RI 02916

The best elementary school I've ever seen! The leadership is exceptional, and the staff truly cares about the students. The families are engaged and involved, and it's everything you hope to see from a school community.There's true diversity of all types among the students - most visibly, racially, but also socio-economically, neurodiversity, linguistically, etc. There are many kids whose primary language at home is Portuguese or Spanish or Creole. The school previously had co-taught 1st and 2nd grade classrooms (with a special educator and general educator in the same classroom) which was wonderful but unfortunately the district ended that pilot program this year. However, every single teacher and staff member (I won't list them because I'll forget someone, but quite literally EVERYONE who works there, from the principal to the crossing guard).... they're all INCREDIBLE! The staff is the most dedicated, inspiring group of teaching professionals I've ever seen, and I'm grateful every single day that my kids have benefitted from attending this school. They are smarter in every way, but also most importantly: they are more kind and confident and truly believe in their own abilities and value. The values instilled from this school and the incredible staff will benefit my kids for the rest of their lives.The school staff truly respects and values each student and their family, and they build a community culture based on values that are reinforced every single day in many ways. This is a place where kids get to feel safe and grow and learn, with ample and appropriate adult intervention to ensure there's no bullying or other harmful elementary experiences. Kids learn here, but they also learn to believe in themselves and to be KIND to each other. It's truly inspirational to just simply see how the kids interact with each other, and how they help each other develop the values of respect, cooperation, responsibility, and determination.Kids who have IEPs or 504 plans are seen and valued for their strengths and quirks and personalities, rather than treated as a hassle or irritation by teachers, which allows their peers to exclude and "other" these neurodiverse kiddos (as I've experienced with my kids in other "highly ranked" schools in the state). Every IEP meeting has felt collaborative and with my kids' best interest as the priority. The interventions are helpful to the student while supporting development of progressive independence. Thank you Orlo!!!