The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) approved the Democracy Prep Blackstone Valley (DPBV) charter application on June 4, 2009. The Rhode Island General Assembly allocated funds as recommended in Governor Donald L. Carcieri's proposed Fiscal Year 2010 budget.

DPBV has a very caring and disciplined school culture with high expectations of achievement for every child. DPBV students are encouraged strive toward the school motto: Work hard. Go to College. Change the World. Students are supported by teachers attracted to our school from Rhode Island and across the nation. DPBV, like its sister school in Harlem, have an expanded day – 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the elementary level. This allows for plenty of time to work with kids on core academic subjects like math, and reading and writing, without having to sacrifice the creative and kinesthetic learning experiences gained through art, music and physical education classes. DPBV teachers are engaging students for this entire day. The elementary school has a literacy-rich curriculum with approximately 200 minutes per day spent on reading and writing, using strategies with a track record of success.

In 2010, RIMA will continue with its enrollment plan, approved by the Board of Regents, by opening Democracy Prep Blackstone Valley Middle School at the fifth grade level. DPBV will have fully enrolled k-12 schools by 2017.

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