ABOUT US
Nowell by the Numbers
Empowering Students for Tomorrow's Challenges
Nowell Academy is a non-traditional state high school in the Downtown neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. Nowell was founded in 2013 to provide pregnant and parenting youth a pathway to earn a high school degree, and has since expanded to welcome other students who, for numerous and varied reasons, benefit from an alternative path to graduation. The school currently serves a population of 200 students, the majority of which reside in the four urban centers of Rhode Island, which include Providence, Central Falls, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket.
Nowell aims to provide a small, tight-knit learning environment as we believe this is essential for students to reach their full academic potential. Despite its small size, the Nowell community is greatly enriched by a diverse student body representing a wide range of life experiences, cultures, languages, and abilities. Nowell Academy serves this deserving population, balancing sometimes competing responsibilities. This is reflected across a variety of wrap-around supports, with an emphasis on removing barriers and promoting credit acceleration.
Staff
Our dedicated team of faculty and staff is committed to providing students with a supportive and enriching learning environment. Meet our educators, administrators, and support staff who work tirelessly to help students succeed.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors plays a vital role in shaping the vision and mission of our school. Composed of passionate leaders and professionals, they work to ensure the highest standards in education and student success
School Calendar
Stay up to date with important academic dates, school events, and holidays. Access our interactive or downloadable school calendar to plan ahead for the academic year
Portrait of a Graduate
Our graduates are prepared for success beyond the classroom. We strive to develop students who are:
✔ Critical Thinkers
✔ Effective Communicators
✔ Ethical Leaders
✔ Lifelong Learners
✔ Community Contributors
Graduation Requirements
To earn a diploma, students must meet both academic and extracurricular requirements. Learn more about course credits, community service, and other graduation criteria.
Sheila "Skip" Nowell
The Nowell Leadership Academy was named for Sheila "Skip" Nowell.
Sheila “Skip” Nowell was born in New York City, graduated from Music and Art High School for the Performing Arts, attended the University of Wisconsin, and then resumed her musical studies at the Juilliard in New York. In 1946 she married John Nowell. They moved to Rehoboth, Massachusetts where they raised their four children, and were active in town politics; both served elected terms on the School Committee. She then became Music Director at the Gordon School, until she was appointed to direct the first Rhode Island Head Start program located in South Providence. She administered that program for five years until she was asked by The Junior League to organize and direct Volunteers in Action. In 1973 she was elected Executive Director of the YWCA of Northern Rhode Island, whose board encouraged her many innovative programs. PIP (Parenting in Progress) was designed for school age adolescents to study for a G.E.D. or a high school diploma, while learning parenting skills and receiving day care for their infants in a secure and supportive environment. Retiring in 1993, Skip was approached by the YWCA Retirement Fund to be a Fund Field Representative, serving all YWCAs in the United States as a liaison between YWCA employees and the Fund. She recently retired from that position. Skip presently volunteers as Artistic Director of Arts in the Village, a Rehoboth classical concert series now in its 12th season.
