Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Academy for Career Exploration (ACE) a private school?

No. The Academy for Career Exploration is a small, college-preparatory, charter public high school. We are

Part of the Providence Public School District.

Is it true that you have to apply to get into Academy for Career Exploration?

Yes. As a charter school, our enrollment process is different than the other high schools in the

District. Students apply to the school by completing an application.  In the spring, usually

in late March or early April we, like all other charter schools, conduct a lottery to fill all open seat

at the school. Boys and girls are drawn separately to ensure gender balance, and siblings of current

students are accepted without going through the lottery.

Where do I get the ACE application from?

You can pick up an application at the ACE in the main office; call ACE at (401) 456-1738 for an

application to be mailed to your Providence address; pick up and application at your current school

guidance office; or download an application.

Who do I call with questions about the admission procedure?

Call Ms. Rochelle Baker, Dean of Admissions (401) 456-1738 ext.1 Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to

3:30 PM.

How long will my application remain current?

The waiting list is only maintained for one academic year. Prospective students must re-apply each

year to be eligible for the lottery and our waiting list.

I couldn't find the Academy for Career Exploration on the PSSD school choice form. What do

do if ACE is my first choice?

Because of our lottery process, ACE does not participate in the PPSD school choice process. If

Academy for Career Exploration is your first choice, then you need to be sure to fill out and submit to us

a ACE application. We suggest that you return the application to the school in person to be sure it

gets to us. Applications for the next school year are available in January, and our lottery takes place

in late March or early April. Since not all students who apply to the school get selected in the lottery

we suggest that you fill in your PPSD school choice form with your other choices for high school.

When do I find out if I've been accepted in the ACE lottery?

Once the date for the annual lottery has been set, we will inform all families of students who have

applied informing you of the lottery date. The lottery itself is open to the public, and you may attend

if you wish. in any case, we will inform you after the lottery at the address listed on your application form

whether you have been chosen for an available seat at the school or have been placed on a waiting

list. If we inform you that you are selected for a seat in the school through the lottery and there is

no reply from you within (5) days informing us of your intention to enroll in the school, the

available seat will be offered to the next waiting list applicant.

Is it true that incoming graders at Academy for Career Exploration have to go to summer school?

Yes. All incoming ninth graders attend a five-week summer school that starts in late June and ends

with the last week of July. Summer school sessions are from 8 AM to 11:30 AM Monday through

Thursday. All incoming ninth graders are expected to attend. During the summer school, we assess

student skills, and orient the students to our school with academic enrichment, field trips and

activities. As the students learn about our school, meet the teachers, they also begin to "bond" as a

class. Summer school allows students to become familiar with our high school and successfully

begin the academic year in September.

What if I have to go to summer school for an eight grade class that I failed?

If you have to go to summer school for an eight grade class, you will not be able to attend Academy for

Career Exploration, even if your name was selected in the lottery. Your seat will go to the next student

on our waiting list.

Do students at Academy for Career Exploration have to wear uniforms?

Yes. The student uniform consists of an ACE monogrammed shirt or blouse and khaki color pants.

We have a number of very affordable options for the shirts and blouses.

I hear that Academy for Career Exploration has two new career pathways. Is that true?

Yes. The Healthcare and Science Career Pathway and the Hospitality & Business Career Pathway

began This September. This year, all eleventh graders are enrolled in one of these two pathways.

Next year, all eleventh and twelfth graders will be enrolled. Students choose a pathway at the end of

sophomore year.

We are hoping to attract to Academy for Career Exploration students interested in the careers of

healthcare & science or business & hospitality. We do not test students before they enter our

program, however, students must be aware we are a college preparatory high school. Academic

effort and professional behavior are expected from our students. Students in each pathway will

have the opportunity to earn a professional certificate as well as a high school diploma.

Does ACE have an open house or tour available for interesting parents and students?

Yes. Open houses are scheduled each year prior to the lottery process. Additional tours may be

arranged by calling MS. Rochelle Baker at (401) 456-1738 ext.1