Lower School / Nest Preschool-5
Exploration, discovery, and play define our early learning experiences.
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 has a new weather station 🛰️, thanks in large part to the curiosity and initiative of 8th-grader Evan C. ’31!
You may remember a few of our earlier stories about Evan and his interest in weather. A few years ago, during a snowstorm, he built his own cardboard housing unit for a microscope so he could study snowflakes up close. That project even led to an appearance on NBC10 with Morning Meteorologist Christina Erne. More recently, he put his knowledge to work by teaching a 5th-grade class about lake-effect snow.
After receiving an at-home weather station for his 12th birthday from his great-aunt, an atmospheric physicist, Evan became interested in collecting and interpreting weather data. He enjoyed it so much that he started thinking about how to bring a similar opportunity to Wheeler.
With support from the Aerie Enrichment Program, the Science Department, and our Facilities and Technology teams, Evan`s idea became a reality! The new station is now installed on the roof of the Fresh Air Building (FAB), where it will give students and teachers access to live weather data.
Evan hopes it will get more students interested in meteorology, with opportunities to study weather patterns, analyze data, and even try their hand at forecasting. Read more about Evan`s project and how it came together on our website via link in bio!
Nov 10
A group of Wheeler juniors recently stepped onto two college campuses, visiting UMass Amherst and Northeastern University as part of Wheeler’s Student Support Program (SSP).
In partnership with the College Counseling Department and the Office of Equity, Community, and Belonging, SSP works to encourage, support, and celebrate students who are traditionally underrepresented in independent school communities and on college campuses. Experiences like these visits give students a chance to explore college environments and begin imagining what their own paths might look like after Wheeler.
The students who joined this particular SSP trip included Gryer A. ’28, Sophie D. ’28, Nathasha D. ’28, Hoyt H. ’28, Adit M. ’28, Jyvon P. ’28, Zayden T. ’28, Kati T. ’28, Jasmine V. ’28, and Marco W. ’28.
Both campuses gave students plenty to take in. At UMass Amherst, Adit shared that he enjoyed learning about the university`s clubs, athletics, academic programs, facilities, and residence halls. “The student spaces were super lively and bubbling. Northeastern was also really nice to see. They had a huge building which had science labs stacked on top of each other like Jenga blocks, and a design shop where there was a Spiderman suit on display.”
Seeing the campuses also helped Adit identify what matters most as he considers schools he may want to attend after Wheeler. “I haven`t decided on what I want to do in college yet; the visits helped me realize what factors were most important to me when choosing one, like the facilities, number of students, and internships opportunities."
For another student, Nathasha, the experience helped make the college process feel more approachable as junior year gets underway.
“College is something that`s on everyone`s mind, but it`s hard to get started on the process,” she said. “Going to the colleges with Wheeler was a really great way to ease into it all. I got the chance to understand more of what I want from college while having the guidance of adults who have gone through the process with many other students. After our trip, I feel more prepared and excited to tour other colleges as I prepare for my life after high school."
Nov 10
Head of School Mark Anderson P’27 is proud to announce that Wheeler is the recipient of a $1.2 million grant from The Children’s Education Initiative (TCEI), a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that facilitates educational opportunities for socioeconomically disadvantaged children.
The grant will fully fund two students at Wheeler – including tuition, fees, and all other school-related expenses – from kindergarten through 8th grade. Wheeler will then cover the full cost of their Wheeler Upper School education, ensuring full financial assistance all the way through graduation.
Through partnerships with independent schools like Wheeler, TCEI provides wraparound support that enables students from low-income families to enter top educational environments beginning in their earliest school years. Their model, which emphasizes privacy, dignity, and full inclusion, helps students reach their academic potential and develop a deep sense of belonging in their school communities.
“As a school that has high expectations for its students while providing them with equally high levels of personalized support, our mission directly aligns with that of TCEI,” says Mr. Anderson. “We are grateful and excited to receive such a transformational grant from the organization.”
Wheeler is just the 15th school selected across the United States – and only the second in New England – to partner with TCEI, following a comprehensive and competitive application process.
“We are proud to join a cohort of exceptional independent schools that want to be accessible to a socioeconomically diverse population of students,” says Director of Enrollment Anna Curtis P’36, P’38. “This grant will build on our own commitment to financial aid, and will allow us to open the doors even wider to bright and curious students who could not otherwise afford a Wheeler education.”
The two students who will be the initial beneficiaries of TCEI’s grant will be part of Wheeler’s incoming kindergarten class next fall. We look forward to welcoming them to our community and supporting their growth throughout their educational journeys at Wheeler.
Nov 9
Last Friday’s Multicultural Performance and Family Heritage Showcase celebrated the many traditions, talents, and stories that help make Wheeler such a vibrant place. From students’ incredible performances to their personal reflections about what the community means to them, the evening was a beautiful celebration of identity, heritage, and belonging.
Director of Equity, Community, and Belonging Princess Bomba P’16, P’18 reflected, “I remain overwhelmed with feelings of joy, pride and appreciation for our community as we experienced this representation of who we are.”
She added, “Our community came together and delivered a powerful message of diversity and belonging that I wish the world could see.”
Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening so special! 💜💛💜💛
Nov 9