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’s offices and campuses are closed today in recognition of Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.
As the National Museum of African American History and Culture explains, “Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as ‘Juneteenth,’ by the newly freed people in Texas.”
We join in this celebration of freedom.
Jun 19
For four days, 8th-graders explored Québec City, discovering the stories behind one of North America`s oldest cities while creating plenty of memories of their own. From cobblestone streets and historic landmarks to time spent along the St. Lawrence River and views from atop Montmorency Falls, students experienced the region through a blend of guided exploration, cultural learning, and shared moments. 🇨🇦
A guided walking tour brought students through Old Québec, where they connected the places around them to the events and people that shaped the city`s history. Stops at landmarks such as the Parliament Building and the artillery tower invited them to imagine life in an earlier era, including a hands-on moment practicing what it might have felt like to be a British soldier preparing a musket.
A visit to Wendake offered students the opportunity to learn directly about the history, culture, and traditions of the Huron-Wendat Nation. As the 8th-graders explored exhibits and demonstrations about canoe building, snowshoes, and daily life, they asked thoughtful questions and engaged deeply with the experience.
Beyond Old Québec, students climbed more than 400 steps to the top of Montmorency Falls, crossed the St. Lawrence River by ferry, and visited Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica. A visit to a traditional Québec sugar shack brought another dimension of local culture, where students shared a meal, listened to live music, and joined in the dancing.🎶
Some of the most memorable moments unfolded in between scheduled activities: exploring the Old City with friends, taking on a scavenger hunt through the Lower Town, sharing meals together, and making the best of a little rain along the way. Whether navigating historic streets, sampling local favorites like poutine and beavertails, or simply spending time together, students embraced every part of the visit.
As the trip came to a close with breakfast at the iconic Château Frontenac and one final opportunity to explore the city, our Middle Schoolers returned home with a deeper understanding of Québec`s history and culture, stronger connections with their classmates, and plenty of stories to share.🗺️💫
Jun 18
What does it take to turn cilantro 🌿 into comedy gold? ✨
Members of Hot Wheels, Wheeler’s Upper School improv comedy group, recently got an inside look at the process when stand-up comedian, actor, and creator Gianmarco Soresi visited campus for a masterclass in comedy.
“What a dream for the kids and me to not only meet but to learn so much from the most prominent face on their Mount Rushmore of Comedy,” said Michael Himelfarb P’26, P’28, P’31, P’37, Hot Wheels advisor, Upper School English teacher, and director of Student Programming.
“Gianmarco is one of my favorite stand-up comedians, so when I learned that he would be performing in Providence in June [for six sold-out shows at Comedy Connection], I had to reach out to see if he’d be willing to meet with Hot Wheels.”
Mr. Soresi spent the visit sharing stories from his career and discussing his passion for musical theatre and his rigorous writing process. The Upper Schoolers were especially fascinated by Mr. Soresi’s account of the months he spent crafting and refining a joke about cilantro for an upcoming special. “His detailed explanation of his writing process revealed the artistry, intelligence, and grit that enabled him to create such rich, surprising, and unfailingly hilarious material,” added Mr. Himelfarb.
Known for his energetic stage presence and sharp observations on society, Mr. Soresi has appeared on numerous late-night talk shows and was named a JFL New Face in 2022. With millions of followers across social media, he is also the host of the popular podcast, “The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi.”
Mr. Soresi’s visit left a lasting impression on Hot Wheels members, who appreciated the comedian’s thoughtful answers, generosity, and encouragement. Wheeler alumna Quinn Kennedy ’24, who has followed Mr. Soresi’s work for years, described the experience as a dream come true. Hot Wheels member Billie K. ’27 echoed that sentiment: “Hearing about his journey into comedy and his craftsmanship gave us all faith that our passion could truly lead to a successful career. It is also always a comfort to see that former theater kids really do run the world!” 🎭
@gianmarcosoresi
Jun 18
What better way to close out 7th grade than with an island adventure? Before heading off for summer break, our 7th-graders spent a night on Cathleen Stone Island🌿🗺️, where they explored the outdoors, took on new challenges, and built lasting memories together.
From team-building activities on the low ropes 🪢course to discovering the island`s unique coastal environment, students spent their time learning, laughing, and supporting one another along the way.
Thank you to the Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound crew and our 7th-grade team for helping create such a meaningful experience 💘. Scroll through for a few highlights from the trip!
Jun 17