About PHDS

group of children about us

All Jewish Students Welcome

PHDS is an Orthodox Jewish Day School whose goal is to infuse students with a love of Torah and mitzvos. Our student population largely consists of students from the Providence and Sharon Orthodox communities. Families new to Orthodox Jewish life feel welcome in our nonjudgmental school, where we teach students at their own level of observance in a warm and nurturing atmosphere.

We strive to instill high standards of middos, good citizenship, that will serve our students well – now and for the rest of their lives. This begins with the practice of derech eretz (proper respect) and continues with Torah values, including ethics, morality, and kindness.

A lifetime of excellence in education

Since 1946, Providence Hebrew Day School has focused on helping each child develop in a warm, nurturing environment that synthesizes Torah with General Studies. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive program of excellence in traditional Jewish and contemporary General Studies education that prepares students for high school and for life. We embrace the idea that each child is unique, and we respond to each student's individual needs and strengths.

  •     Providence Hebrew Day School was founded in 1946. Our school started with a handful of students almost 75 years ago on Waterman Street and then moved to Elmgrove Avenue. PHDS now offers a comprehensive program in all subject areas, including Technology, Math, English, Science, Social Studies, Judaic Studies, and Hebrew Language
  •     Providence Hebrew Day School is an educational institution of the highest caliber. It's accredited by the Rhode Island Department of Education and the Bureau of Jewish Education of Rhode Island and is an affiliated agency of the Jewish Alliance of Rhode Island and Torah Umesorah, the National Society for Hebrew Day Schools.
  •     Our faculty is dedicated to lifelong learning. In addition to years of teaching experience, all of our teachers at PHDS have educational degrees and are involved in school in-service training geared to keeping them abreast of the latest educational trends. Many of our teachers have earned Masters or other postgraduate degrees. PHDS staff is encouraged to continue its professional development, and the school provides such learning opportunities throughout the year.
  •     At PHDS, educating our students using cutting-edge technology is a priority. Many of our classrooms are equipped with Smart Boards (electronic whiteboards). This interactive teaching tool engages our students in active learning. As the school moved to distance learning this past year, each student received a Chromebook with access to Zoom and Google Classroom.
  •     At PHDS, every student gets the attention he/she deserves. We strive to maintain small classes (8-15 students) in order to ensure that every child receives the attention he or she needs. With classes averaging half the size of those in public schools, the teachers are aware of each student’s strengths and weaknesses, and they modify programs, through both resource and enrichment, to enable all students to reach their potential. In addition, our small classes give each child more individual time with teachers.
  •     Enrichment is part of our ongoing program. PHDS offers a comprehensive program of physical education, art, science, and computers. Extracurricular activities include homework labs, drama productions, science and other academic fairs, spelling bees and Siyumei Mishnayos.
  •     Our main goals in Judaic Studies are to inspire our students to love and revere G-d; to study Torah and be motivated to follow its laws, customs and traditions; to strive for the highest standards of moral and ethical behavior; and to be sensitive to the needs of Jews and non-Jews in America and throughout the world. We also provide our students with active programming that promotes fulfilling the mitzvos and a love and appreciation of Israel, the Land, and its people.
  •     Providence Hebrew Day School’s goals include offering our students the finest and most effective General Studies program, using the most modern research and progressive techniques available. Our students are taught to integrate their pride and knowledge as Jews with their full participation in the modern society in which they live.