Welcome to Woonsocket High School

School hours: 8:00 AM to 2:15 PM

777 Cass Avenue
Woonsocket, RI 02895
Phone 401-767-4700
Fax 401-767-4748

UPCOMING EVENTS
August 18, 2026

Dear Students and Families,

As we begin the school year, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new and returning students and families. I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the educational leader for Woonsocket High School and Woonsocket Career and Technical Center. I would also like to welcome our new staff to the Woonsocket family.

This year promises to be exciting, with our continued commitment to the Woonsocket Education’s Model of Instruction and Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) initiatives. We continue to develop and implement our School Improvement Plan annually and self-monitor our progress toward our school goals. Attendance, academic achievement, and improving our culture and climate will be the main focus areas this year. Our work is guided by student voice, staff input, and our schoolwide values of Respect, Responsibility, and Safety. I want to commend our staff and students for their efforts.

In November of this past year, Woonsocket High School and Woonsocket Career and Technical Center hosted a site visit from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) team, which produced positive results. WHS and WCTC maintained our NEASC accreditation and will be implementing action steps for improvement. This accreditation is a voluntary process that demonstrates a school’s commitment to self-reflection, transparency, and growth in the pursuit of high-quality learning for all students, and a learning community focused on the future. All NEASC Accreditation protocols are grounded in research-based standards and principles. They include foundational elements such as safety, governance, financial practices, etc., as well as a deep focus on high-quality teaching and learning- the holistic elements of a thriving, healthy learning community.

Our primary focus this year will be on student attendance. We will be working closely with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) and following the Attendance Matters guidance to support our efforts to improve attendance. Research shows that students who regularly attend school have improved academic and behavioral outcomes, fostering a true sense of belonging. Our Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) team will reinforce positive behaviors through our acknowledgement system, targeting our school values of Responsible, Respectful, and Safe.

I look forward to working with families to improve attendance and academic outcomes for our students. As always, please feel free to contact me directly with any questions or concerns. Have a great year!

Respectfully,

Brian S. Ernest
Principal
Woonsocket High School
Woonsocket Career and Technical Center
Woonsocket Education Department