Lower School / Nest Preschool-5
Exploration, discovery, and play define our early learning experiences.
Help us reach our goal of 800 donors—one for every Wheeler student! Make your gift early today!
At Wheeler, we build curiosity, confidence, and critical skills—and instill in each student a lifelong love of learning. We welcome students and families from every background to join our inclusive, diverse, energetic community.
Exploration, discovery, and play define our early learning experiences.
The right balance of support and challenge brings out every student's best
Challenging and engaging coursework tailored to your interests equip students to become critical thinkers and thoughtful global citizens
A school-within-a-school, skilled faculty meet students’ learning differences with the individualized instruction that leads to success
We help each student learn by doing and collaborating, explore new interests and grow their passions, build self-awareness and confidence through leadership and service, and develop to be thoughtful, curious, and contributing citizens of the world.
Read about Wheeler
The hub of our dynamic N-12 community, Wheeler's campus at the top of College Hill in Providence, offers student-focused learning spaces designed to encourage discovery, collaboration, play, and achievement.
In the City
Our 120-acre farm in nearby Seekonk, MA provides students with state-of-the-art athletic facilities. It's a pastoral counterpoint to our urban campus—and is a living, hands-on laboratory for a range of unique programs.
On the Farm
Wheeler’s Day of Giving is officially around the corner on Tuesday, May 12, and we’re kicking things off early!
Head of School Mark Anderson P’27 and Senior Director of Annual Giving and Engagement Grace Lehan P’38 caught the Lion and Cow soaking up some poolside rays, but we need them on their feet because this year, we have a lion-size goal: 800 Donors for 800 Students.
To help us get there, today Mr. Anderson announced "The Power of One" challenge.
What is the Power of One? It’s simple. When you are "The One," you are showing up for one of our amazing students — AND you are activating a $100 bonus gift for the school!
Early Bird Giving is officially OPEN! You don’t have to wait until May 12 to put points on the board.
✅ The Goal: 800 Donors (One for every student!)
✅ The Impact: Every unique donor unlocks an extra $100 — up to $80,000 total!
✅ The Bonus: If we hit 400 donors by 11am on May 12, the frozen lemonade truck arrives at Wheeler for a school-wide party! 🍋💛
Don’t leave the mascots hanging. Be the ONE and give now at wheelerschool.org/giving (link in bio)! 🔗
May 5
Congratulations to the members of our Rhode Island State Champion Academic Decathlon team who recently competed at Nationals!
The competition, held April 23-25 in Orange County, California, brought together more than 100 teams from all over the country.
Wheeler students earned four medals at Nationals. They included:
. Daniel S. ’28: GOLD Division 3 Science Honor; SILVER Division 3 Essay Honor; BRONZE Division 3 Mathematics Honor.
. Philip S. ’26: SILVER Division 3 Mathematics Honor.
Chichi M. ’26 was also voted team MVP by her peers.
In addition to participating in the event, the Wheeler students and Coach Dayna Cueva Alegría ‘99, along with Aerie Enrichment Assistant Director Trevor O’Driscoll P’27, P’29, enjoyed an afternoon in Disneyland, as well as a stroll through Old Orange Town’s central plaza, where they sampled various foods from different cultures.
“Individually, you each brought intelligence, wit, care, and kindness to our shared sojourn to Southern Cal,” Mr. O’Driscoll told the students after their trip. “Collectively you formed a team that is, without a doubt, a powerhouse of intellect, insight, empathy, and humor.”
Reflecting on this year’s performance, Coach Cueva Alegría says, “I have derived great satisfaction in witnessing the team’s unity, dedication, and commitment to achieving academic excellence and developing key leadership skills. Throughout their preparation, they have impressed me with their capacity to build on their experience from the previous year as they eagerly supported and shared their learning process with one another. I am honored to be their coach and grateful for this enriching experience to guide and bring out the best in each one of them.”
Having proudly represented Rhode Island, the team hopes to return to Nationals next year in Minnesota.
More immediately, the team will be honored at the RI State House later this month in a ceremony where seniors Philip S., Chichi M., and Thomas H. ’26 will be awarded scholarships.
Please join us in celebrating the members of Wheeler’s Academic Decathlon team!
May 5
Behind every great performance is a little theatrical magic – and, as our 6th-graders are discovering this spring, make-up!🎭
“The students are learning appropriate ways to use and care for make-up for theatre,” said Middle School Theater Teacher Elizabeth Peterson. “They are studying the ways make-up has been applied in stage and film productions — from ‘Shrek the Musical’s elaborate ogre quick-changes, to Dick Van Dyke’s elderly Dawes Sr. character make-up in the 1964 film ‘Mary Poppins.’”
During this lesson, students practiced applying old-age make-up for the stage, including how to create realistic lines using eyeshadows and concealer, while also learning how to properly care for their skin before and after application.
Other lessons in the unit include wound make-up, full glam, and fantasy creature design. These skills will go to good use in the upcoming Middle School production of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” taking place this Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8 at 6pm in the amphitheater at Wheeler Farm. 🎉 Be sure to reserve your tickets via the link in bio! 🎟️
May 5
From first sketches to final masterpieces, creativity is on full display at this year’s All School Art Show. 🎨✨
On view in the Chazan Gallery now through Monday, May 11, the exhibition celebrates the imagination, experimentation, and artistic voices of students across all divisions. Each piece tells a story — of curiosity, growth, and the joy of making.
Join us on Thursday, May 7, from 3:30–5pm for the closing reception, hosted by the Wheeler Family Association. The afternoon will begin with a ribbon-cutting celebration, followed by a lemonade toast honoring beloved art educator Sarah Hemenway and her retirement!
Guests are invited to explore Open Studios in the Upper School, take part in a hands-on craft activity in Miller Quad led by parent volunteers, and visit the HeART for Haiti Silent Auction in the Gilder Center for the Arts lobby.
Whether you’re admiring student work, reconnecting with our community, or simply soaking in the creative energy, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss. 🎉💜🖼️💛
May 5