The Gordon School

The Gordon School is a racially diverse, coeducational independent school serving students from nursery through eighth grade in East Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1910 by pediatrician Dr. Helen West Cooke as the Open Air School, the institution began in Dr. Cooke's living room with her son Gordon and a neighbor as its first students, establi... shing Rhode Island's only non-public coeducational school of its era. The Gordon School cultivates successful students by inspiring joyful learning, encouraging intellectual leadership, fostering an empathic spirit, and stimulating a drive for positive societal impact. The school's educational approach is anchored in five core principles: a multicultural curriculum that develops academic skills, thinking strategies, active imaginations, and social competencies; instruction that encourages students to investigate topics from multiple perspectivesa foundational skill for academic and lifelong success; commitment to creating and sustaining a diverse community of faculty, staff, students, and families as articulated in the school's Statement on Inclusivity; implementation of a challenging multicultural curriculum designed to fuel each child's innate curiosity and idealistic spirit; and preparation of students to enter an increasingly complex and diverse world with skillful awareness, unwavering hope, and the capacity to advocate confidently for justice. Remaining true to its progressive roots and Dr. Cooke's vision of instilling "the true spirit of joyous work" into each school day, the Gordon School continues to honor its founding principles while preparing its students for meaningful participation in society. The school's commitment to multicultural practice, inclusive community-building, and rigorous academics reflects its enduring mission to develop thoughtful, empathetic, and socially conscious learners prepared to navigate and positively influence an increasingly complex world.Read More