Classical High School�Welcome Class of 2030

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March 5, 2026

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certāre… petere… reperīre… neque cedere

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Leadership Team

• Mr. Scott Barr, Principal
• Mr. Brian Baldizar, Assistant Principal
• Dr. Nicole Mathis, Assistant Principal
• Mr. Michael Marino, Assistant Principal

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www.classicalhighschool.org

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Leadership Team: Mission

Classical High School, a demanding college preparatory examination school, serves a diverse community and provides its students with the means to achieve high standards in a rigorous learning environment. Classical encourages its students to pursue academic, athletic, artistic and personal growth so that they will experience success in colleges and universities, and will demonstrate excellence and leadership within the global and local community.

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Leadership Team: Core Values - 4 C’s

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Guidance & Counseling Department

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Mr. Scott Harding, Teacher Leader

scott.harding@ppsd.org

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Andrea Nadra, Social Worker | Fatima Mello, Social Worker

andrea.nadra@ppsd.org fatima.mello@ppsd.org

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CHS Guidance Department

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Guidance & Counseling Department

Minimum of 22 credits including passing a ½ year Junior Research Seminar and meeting or exceeding expectations for the graduation exhibition. The Classical course diploma also requires Physical Education & Health for a semester each year, ½ year of a Fine Arts elective, ½ year of Computer Science and a Financial Literacy seminar.

• 4 credits in Math
• 3 credits in Lab Science
• 3 levels of Foreign Language
• 3 credits in History
• ½ credit in Fine Arts

• 2 credits in PPE & Health
• ½ credit in Research
• ½ credit in Financial Literacy
• ½ credit Computer Science

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Guidance & Counseling Department

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Advanced Placement Course Offerings

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• AP African American Studies
• AP Biology
• AP Calculus BC
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Chemistry
• AP Computer Science
• AP English Language
• AP English Literature
• AP Environmental Studies

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• AP Spanish 4
• AP Spanish 5
• AP Statistics
• AP Studio Art
• AP US Government
• AP US History

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• AP European History
• AP French 4
• AP Italian 4
• AP Japanese 4
• AP Latin 4
• AP Physics C E/M
• AP Physics 1
• AP Physics C
• AP Psychology

Student Supports

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Mrs. Aguilar, Student Support Coordinator

Supporting all IEP’s and 504 plans

Dedicated Resource Room

Two School Social Workers

Peer to Peer

Classical Cafe

Email: Vanessa.Aguilar@ppsd.org

Contact Form

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World Language Department

Mr. Luis Astudillo, Teacher Leader

luis.astudillo@ppsd.org

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World Language Department: Courses

Language Offerings and Levels

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• French: I, II, III, AP IV
• Italian: I, II, III, AP IV
• Japanese: I, II, III, AP IV
• Latin: I, II, III, AP IV
• Spanish: I, II, III, III Honors, AP IV, AP V

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World Language Department: Overview

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Knowing Other Languages …

• Enriches Students Personal Lives | Expands Cognitive Abilities
• Cultivates Understanding of Other Cultures | Expands Personal Opportunities | Increases Power to Act as Citizens of the World

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Requirements at Classical

• Must complete up to at least level 3 of a single language
• At Least 2 years must be completed at Classical
• Placement Exams given in May

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English Department

Ms. Alyson Catalan, Teacher Leader

Alyson.Catalan@ppsd.org

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English Department: Goals

• To guide and support students in developing and honing communication skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking
• To foster a solid foundation in the study and appreciation of literature
• To prepare for success on academic testing and college admission
• Ensure students have the skills to get in and remain in college

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English Department: Program

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English Department: Sequence

• English 1 | Grade 9 | PRE- AP 1

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• English 2 | Grade 10 | PRE-AP 2

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• English 3 | Grade 11 | American Literature

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• English 4 | Grade 12 | Global Perspectives

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English Department: AP Courses

AP Language and Composition | Grade 11

• College Board approved course is the equivalent of a college level course in English composition

AP Literature and Composition | Grade 12

• College Board approved course is the equivalent of a college level course in English literature

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English Department: Electives

• Creative Writing
• Journalism
• Film Studies
• Multicultural Studies
• Junior Research and Technology Seminar + Exhibition

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English Department: Research Seminar

• Research Paper: Topic of personal interest that addresses a core question or solves a problem

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• Graduation Exhibition: Students present their work to a panel of judges at end of semester

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English Department: Poetry Out Loud

• National Endowment of the Arts and the Poetry Foundation’s Annual Recitation Competition
• Classical students perform in the state competition every year
• Classical students won the RI State competition in 2025, 2023, 2022, 2019
• Classical students won the National Competition in 2019 and 2009

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English Department: The Laureate

Classical’s Student-Run Literary Magazine

View the most recent Laureate here

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English Department: Questions

Alyson.Catalan@ppsd.org

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History Department

Mr. Joseph Caccia- ‘04, Teacher Leader

joseph.caccia@ppsd.org

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History Department: Offerings

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• 3 Years of History are Required
• All Grade 9 students take a yearlong Civics course
• Explore what it means to be democratically engaged as a citizen
• Analyze the early history of the U.S. and it’s founding documents
• Explore aspects and functions of local, state and federal government
• Skill building, essay writing, collaborative group work, source analysis, oral presentations and the “Action Civics Project”.

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History Department: Offerings

• Grade 10: Contemporary World History 1500-Present or AP European History

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• Grade 11: Modern United States History 1870-Present or AP US History

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• Additional Offerings: Psychology, AP Psychology, Sociology, AP US Government, AP African American Studies, Law and Government

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History Department: Extracurriculars

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• Academic Decathlon
• Mock Trial Team
• Gender and Equity Club
• History Club
• Peer Tutorial
• Baseball*
• Chess Team

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History Department

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Thank You!

Questions?

joseph.caccia@ppsd.org

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Science Department

Mr. Aja Butler, Teacher Leader

aja.butler@ppsd.org

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Science Department: Mission

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Science Department: Program Emphasizes

• Critical Thinking and Analysis | Higher Order Questioning
• Development of Problem Solving Methods and Strategies
• Integration of Mathematical Principles
• Application of Scientific Evidence and Principles to Justify Claims
• Scientific Investigations to Study and Explore Natural Phenomena

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Science Department: Foundations

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Science Department: Course Pathway

• Grade 9 | Pre-AP Biology

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• Grade 10 | Pre-AP Chemistry or AP Chemistry

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• Grade 11 | Physics, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C: Mechanics,

AP Biology

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• Grade 12 | Anatomy & Physiology, Astronomy, Forensics,

AP Physics C: E&M, AP Environmental

CHS Science Clubs

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Robotic Team

Rocket Team

Chemistry Team

Astronomy Club

Science Olympiad

Environmental Club

HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America)

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Science Department

Mathematics Department

Lisa Biswas, Teacher Leader

lisa.biswas@ppsd.org

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Mathematics Department

Courses Offered

After School Activities

Support for Students

Questions/ Concerns

COURSES OFFERED

After School Activities

Classical Scholars

Peer mathematics tutoring club. Tuesday - Thursday after school.

Math Team

Tues after school. RIML - 4 competitions a year

Brown Coding Club

Mondays after school. Brown students run a coding club.

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SUPPORTS FOR STUDENTS

AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING

Group format. One teacher supported by peer tutors.

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Arts Department

Mr. Seminara- christopher.seminara@ppsd.org

Ms. Burke- Emily.burke@ppsd.org

Mr.Brown- Music and Chorus

emerson.brown@ppsd.org

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Arts Department: Offerings

Art Introduction | Grades 9-12 | Introduction to a variety of art concepts and media.

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Calligraphy | Grades 9-12 | Introduction to using pen and ink as well as alternative materials to learn a variety of writing styles.

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Jewelry Design & Making | Grades 9, 10 & 12 | Students will gain knowledge in jewelry theory and practice through experiences with a variety of media, tools and techniques.

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Photography | Grade 12 | This course introduces students to the fine art of digital photography. The focus is on fundamental photography skills, composition, editing, and some history.

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Arts Department: Offerings

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Art History | Grades 9-12 | Develop an understanding of art historical concepts and traditions by examining works of art from diverse cultures and times

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Drawing & Painting | Grade 12 | This is a class for students for any students who are interested in drawing and painting. No prerequisites are required.

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Ceramics | Grades 11-12 | Learn various hand-building techniques while making a number of functional and sculptural projects.

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AP Studio Art | Grades 11-12 |Advanced course to further develop artistic skills for students who may be considering studying visual art at the college level.

-Student Work-

Art Introduction, Calligraphy

and Drawing & Painting

-Student Work-

Jewelry Making & Design

-Student Work-

AP Studio Art & Ceramics

-Student Work-

Photography

Music Department: Offerings

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Music Introduction

• Perfect for students who haven’t taken music since elem. school Focus on the elements of music, notation, theory, composition, analysis, drumming, keyboards

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Instruments

• For students who can already read music and are interested in learning a wind instrument
• Flute, clarinet, trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba, and more

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Music Department: Offerings

General Band | Perfect for students who play a band instrument or take lessons on a non-band instrument

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Arts Department: Extracurriculars

Ceramics Club | This program allows students to develop their hand-building and throwing skills while making a variety of ceramic art forms.

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Band | Jazz Band | Chorus | String Ensemble

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All Departments: Summer Reading

• Students are expected to complete their summer reading assignments before the beginning of the school year
• Book tests or projects will be collected/given by teacher within the first two weeks of school and counted as part of the first quarter grade
• Assignments will be available www.classicalhighschool.org before the end of this school year

Closing and Next Steps

• Return Interpretation Devices before you leave
• Registration for Non-PPSD Families March 6-April 15th
• PPSD Students Submit Residency Affidavit by March 13th
• Placement Test for Math and World Language
• All non-Public Private, paracholial, and charter students
• Saturday May 16th 8:30 am 10:30 am
• More Information: www.classicalhighschool.org

Student-Led Tours of the School

• 4 Groups: A | B | C | D
• Athletics | Clubs and Activities | Student Panel | Classrooms