Educational Advocacy

Tides Schools

• CERTIFICATIONS: Certified by the Rhode Island Department of Education
• GRADE LEVELS: Fifth (5th) to Twelfth (12th) Grade
• CAMPUSES: Pawtucket and West Warwick, RI
• FOCUS: Maintaining client-centered, strength-based, therapeutic and academic programs for all students
• COURSE OFFERINGS: 
Private School Placements • Full Culinary Arts Program • Introductory Construction Skills Program • No Additional Cost, Six-Week Summer Tutorial Program
• PHILOSOPHY: 
Each student receives the appropriate level of academic support for their needs • Clinically-Based Therapeutic Services offer every opportunity to achieve success

Tides Schools – A Place of Hope

By creating a flexible, student-centered school environment, inviting families to parent-teacher nights, reaching out with positive phone calls and regular home visits, The Tides School strives to be seen as a place of hope, encouragement and success as well as a valuable part of the community where families feel the school is making their entire family stronger. This level of commitment nurtures strong, lasting bonds with students, families and the communities in which they live. As a result, The Tides School has developed a culturally competent, nurturing program where education is more than just academics: education encompasses social/emotional development as well so that students from all backgrounds learn the skills necessary to maintain healthy relationships, to establish appropriate boundaries and to resolve conflicts with family, peers and the community.

Tides Graduates

At The Tides School, we graduate an average of 6 students per year with approximately 60 students in the past ten years. The majority of the students referred to our program have been enrolled in other day school placements but for various reasons had difficulty adapting to those settings. Because Tides has a no-reject philosophy, The Tides School accepts any student a school department refers and provides multiple opportunities for them to be successful.

Why Students Succeed

Why Students Succeed~ Peter Capalbo, Director of Tides Schools

Social Growth- Many of our students have not had the opportunity to participate in sports, cultural events or field trips. Once privileges are earned each student participates in community activities to help them experience new adventures.

Vocational Training- Each student has the opportunity to participate in our culinary or carpentry program where they gain practical skills that allow them to be work ready upon graduation. Many students receive their Serve Certificate allowing them to work in a restaurant.

Academic Success- Each student receives individual support as we meet them where they are. Our first priority is a safe, healthy learning environment. Once the student feels safe, they are able to focus on their academic success.

Fun- Many of our students have experienced trauma and violence. They come from families that are struggling financially. Due to this, having fun seems like a dream and not a realty. Throughout the year, staff seek out unique opportunities for enrichment outside of school. This year students went ice skating, painting, horseback riding, hiking and golfing.

The Tides school teachers are state certified in special education and all staff are certified in crisis prevention and intervention training. All staff are now trained in trauma informed schools and understand how to de-escalate situations before a crisis develops.

As we continue to evaluate how we need to adapt our programming to meet the needs of the students we look forward to developing a job internship program in our vocational program and we are exploring ways to expand our computer technology training program. We look forward to another successful year.

Guiding Principles

  • The Governing Principles of our School “We never give up on a kid, NEVER!”~ Brother Michael Reis
  • We accept all students referred to our program and we provide multiple opportunities for them to be successful.
  • We endeavor to set reasonable and achievable goals and expectations for each student on an individual basis.
  • We modify goals based on the pace and success of the students development.
  • We highlight a student’s strength while we address various areas of need in academic, social, emotional and family settings.
  • WE adopt the trauma informed school philosophy which allows us to create an environment of support in all areas for the student.
  • We are a non-restraint facility and all staff are trained in non violent crisis prevention.
  • We help each student prepare emotionally, socially and academically for success in school and in life.

Non-Restraint School

Tides utilizes a hands off approach when addressing behavioral issues. We employ a variety of behavior modifications techniques designed to deescalate situations before a crisis develops. Tides school staff focus on developing trusting relationships built on mutual respect, eliminating the need for physical restraint. As part of the education process, clinicians, teachers and behavior specialists work together to teach students the skills needed to manage their behaviors in appropriate, healthy, constructive ways with the ultimate goal of helping students make substantive, long lasting change.

Special Education Certified

The Tides School teachers are special education certified by the Rhode Island Department of Education. Each school is staffed with a licensed, independent social worker as well as strengths based Behavior Specialists. All Tides School staff are certified in Crisis Prevention and Intervention training.

Everything we do would not be possible without your incredibly generous support.
We’re so grateful for your contribution to these kids, and in turn, our community.

For More On How To Support Tides Schools

For more information about Tides education and support please contact Mike Capalbo,
VP of Education or Peter Capalbo, Director of Education.