Lincoln School

301 Butler Ave

Providence, RI 02906

27 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on July 07, 2024

When I was asking around about schools, not one of my colleagues recommended Lincoln, and here at the end of a terrible year, I feel like I wish there’d been an honest review, so I’m dropping mine here. The teachers are the one bright spot in this whole scene, and my kid was totally turned on to learning at Lincoln, but it is otherwise the most dystopian school experience either of my children have ever had. Just Orwellian. Maybe Dickensian. I thought maybe Lincoln would be like Mean Girls but it was more like Lord of the Flies. There's unrestrained bullying at Lincoln: the girls are never really encouraged to be kind in part because the head of school isn’t very kind herself. Senior girls doing questionable things in the bathroom. Both the girls and the “old girls” (the administrators who run this school like a sorority house) are always making the students cry. There are girls who report every single other girls’ social media posts to administrators. It is hell. They talk a good game and try to recruit “diverse” students (who they then drum right out of the school) but real, actual differences that might be celebrated at another school are frowned upon here. If your girl is a free thinker, with a free spirit, think twice before you enslave them at Lincoln. The school’s motto is “Bold Minds” but really, it should be “Cookie Cutter Souls.”
Submitted by parent on April 09, 2018

Lincoln is a very special place where Girls learn to Be Bold. They learn to take risks and feel what it means to fail and succeed. Lincoln girls are confident learners who learn to appreciate quiet, nature, academics, sports, performing arts with Girls. They Do It Like a Girl!
Submitted by parent on November 12, 2017

I have two daughters at the Lincoln School--both very different--and they both love the school. Lincoln allows girls to be their authentic selves without judgement. Head of School Suzanne Fogarty is a trailblazer and wonderful role model for our girls. The teachers are also excellent role models and well-credentialed, and most classes are interactive and fun. It is part of the school's culture to show respect for student's opinions, so students are cultivated as future leaders. Like many families, we are making a large financial sacrifice to send our girls to Lincoln School. Lincoln is the best investment we have ever made.
Submitted by parent on November 09, 2017

Our experience at Lincoln School has been extremely gratifying, our girls look forward to each day and have already fostered lifelong friendships.
Submitted by parent on October 31, 2017

This is an environment that brings the best out individually. Teachers are able to find the superpower in each girl and help them to see themselves, their challenges and their gifts. The Quaker based curriculum creates a framework for the investment in social justice, stewardship of the earth, equality and the importance of integrity - even in the Lower School.
Submitted by parent on September 26, 2017

My daughter loved, loved, loved Lincoln. Being at an all-girls school was a huge advantage for her—she got to be a leader, she developed confidence, and she excelled in traditionally "male" classes like math and tech. Now she's in a great college and uses the lessons she learned at Lincoln every single day. ps Go Lynx!
Submitted by parent on August 28, 2017

Both of my daughters have thrived in the Lower School at Lincoln. The teachers and academic support has been amazing. My daughter who was afraid to speak up in her previous co-ed school has found her voice with the encouragement of her teachers and peers. My youngest was coding in Kindergarten! The Lincoln community is a very special place.
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2017

What is the best kept secret in Providence? That Lincoln school has a truly amazing CO-ED early childhood program and that boys can attend this program through Kindergarten! I have a master’s degree in education and have worked in early childhood for over fifteen years and Lincoln has one of the best early childhood programs in RI. What makes it so great? Passionate and creative teachers, open-ended play with a focus on loose parts--allowing children to direct their own play and invite creativity and divergent thinking. When I would walk into my sons classroom--I could see the "work" of children all over the space. The teachers would set out new and interesting materials each morning that had no apparent “function.” It was all about the child using their own interests and skills to construct and build-- which gives children confidence--they are the ones making the choice and decisions on how to use these materials. Children learn through self-directed play that it is complex, spontaneous, fun, imaginative and involves the child’s whole self and I saw this happening every day at Lincoln. When I talk to Lincoln’s teachers and look about their classroom--I am in awe of their creativity and enthusiasm in facilitating the children’s ideas and discoveries. My son would come home and talk about birds, the edible garden, street signs etc, and I could see how the teachers expanded and engaged with his particular interests. This program inspires me as an educator and as a parent. I could go on and on but will just say that this school provided a safe, caring and magical environment for my sons nursery year of school. I have seen so much confidence and growth in his time here and I am so excited that he will have an additional two more years at Lincoln school.
Submitted by student on March 23, 2017

Honestly it is hard to give Lincoln a blanket star rating.Curriculum is 5/5 stars. The academic opportunities you'll get here are pretty stellar, particularly if you have a scientific bent.Athletics are also 5/5 stars. There are a lot of different options from sixth grade up and teams are competitive and regularly rank on the state and national levels.Non-athletic clubs get maybe 3/5 stars. It's pretty clear that the bulk of the money Lincoln receives goes toward athletics and STEM-type clubs. The visual/performing arts and academic/literary clubs did not receive nearly as much funding - but the staff that oversee them are very dedicated and do their best to make up for that.Social life will either be 5/5 or 1/5 depending on the luck of the draw with your class. I agree with whoever said a few years ago that if you find yourself excluded (either intentionally through bullying or unintentionally by not finding "your" group) it can be extremely lonely and isolating. This is particularly true if you are unlucky enough to be one of the students who doesn't, say, own her own horse or have a high-ranking political relative.I wouldn't say my experience at Lincoln was all bad, but when I was there (recently-ish, not willing to state graduation year) the social climate could be toxic. The upshot was that the education I got was first-rate and prepared me well for college and my first job.
Submitted by parent on October 30, 2013

I can say without hesitation that my 7th grader loves going to school at Lincoln every single day. She skips to the car in the morning! She is a high achieving student yet is challenged academically and well supported by her teachers. At Lincoln, she is being educated not only how to determine the correct answer but investigate why. On the social front, I am often impressed with the unique, creative and thoughtful activities that my daughter and her friends are working on or planning together. Lincoln is committed to bringing out the very best in young girls and guiding them to become articulate, strong and confident women.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2013

This is my daughter's fifth year at Lincoln and we absolutely love it! The all-girls environment, small class size, and extraordinary teachers have given her more academically, socially and emotionally than we could have hoped for! We have a wonderfully social class which has just added to the overall positive experience.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2013

We love Lincoln. They are giving my girls a wonderful education. My girls are empowered, encouraged and excelling.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2013

Lincoln School has been wonderful for my daughter. She's been there since 4th grade and is in high school now. The small size is wonderful for her learning style. She has gained a lot of confidence academically. It is more economically diverse compared to some of the other private schools in the area.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2013

EXCELLENT. Lincoln School is the place where my daughter, who was severely bullied in a recommended public school 5th grade, thrived. It's a community as well as a school. Although resources for learning differences are limited, class size & excellent advising make a great difference for parents who can communicate their child's needs. My daughter scored in the 99th percentile for the 6th grade national admissions test & has been intellectually challenged throughout her 7 years at Lincoln, esp. in math & science. Because of Lincoln she will pursue science in college and is in her 2nd year of Robotics--something that would not have been possible in many other schools. The population is diverse because of nearby colleges and because parents of all economic levels seek it out. Lincoln's strong commitment to financial aid allowed my daughter to contribute to the school's economic diversity along with a number of her classmates. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND Lincoln School to anyone for its quality, well-rounded and empowering education.
Submitted by parent on October 29, 2013

My daughter is a new 9th grader. She is somewhat shy at first, and did not really know anybody coming in, but now has a great group of nice friends that she spends time with outside of school. These girls are smart, kind, funny, supportive and interesting. The 3-day retreat early in September is great fun and makes the social transition seamless. The academic work is challenging and thought-provoking, but not overwhelming. Teachers are very responsive to student and parent feedback, and use many "best practices" educational techniques such as student-led socratic discussions, hands-on science, creative group and individual project work, etc. The weekly schedule allows for up to 6 free periods to get homework done or to pursue other interests. With this flexibility, some girls double up on foreign language, take extra electives, or spend time with peers in one of many clubs. Others practice their musical instruments, spend extra time in the art studio, or enjoy a break in the lounge. The all-girls environment provides a place where girls do not have to grow up so fast, as unfortunately depicted in popular culture. Our experience thus far has been fantastic.
Submitted by other on June 13, 2013

Hello! Lincoln School Rocks!!This year I was new to this great and small community of lincoln school.I was in ninth grade (today all of the upper school graduated together,so I'm a tenth grader now).This is an amazing school,unlike any other school.I am SO happy that I chose Lincoln.The girls welcomed me into their community with kindness,love,jokes,and friendship.These friendships will last forever.Lincoln,its teachers, and all of its students have taught me: to try my best on my school work(but not to over do it),learn how to listen to friends and make friends that will last forever,be very passionate and competitive about sports,have fun while working hard,and to be a good,humble,and true person no matter what.Lincoln has taught me to work hard,not to be afraid to try new things,and to try my best to succeed.I can honestly tell you that I LOVE Lincoln,I love the school,the teachers,the food,the classes,the great opportunities,and of course all of the girls!If you are deciding on what school to go to or to send your daughter,PLEASE send her to Lincoln. She will love it here and Lincoln itself will love her.
Submitted by other on June 13, 2013

This was SO awful. I came to Lincoln in the hopes that they could accommodate me with their resources and instead the curriculum was what I had taught myself in second grade. The teachers refused to give me or any of the smart girls something new to learn. The girls who had been at Lincoln before were seriously behind-SIXTH graders could barely type and didn't know that 25 x 4=100. The girls who had been in terrible public schools (me) were lightyears ahead. Socially, I was very happy, I had lots of friends. Outside of academics, the school is very fun. But what they don't advertise is that the number one reason girls leave is because of bullying-actually, it's almost the only reason. Once during an assembly where we were supposed to be singing and being loud, a teacher grabbed my and another girl's arm really tightly and screamed in our faces to get out because we had, apparently, made too much noise. She got no more than a scolding. But they do try to be charitable to the less fortunate and teach tolerance. Bottom line, if you are HIGHLY intelligent then you WON'T get the education you need here. Anyone who is above average, average, and below average will probably do okay here.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2013

I am a new upper school parent this year. I have never seen my daughter as happy as she is at Lincoln. She found a friendly and welcoming environment, devoted and encouraging teachers. She made friends very easily and was not encountered with the cliques situation. On the contrary, my daughter has found that it is very easy to talk to anyone. She has made friends with girls from different classes, even seniors. Girls are outgoing and take their school work very serious. When my girl came home and told me Dad, it is cool to study here, girls even study on the bus! , when she found out that one of her (very good) teachers has been at the school for over 20 years, and that another had a PhD. Those are all good signs . My daughter is extremely happy at Lincoln, she s proud to be there and actually looks forward to going to school everyday!
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2013

Lincoln has been wonderful for my daughter, who has thrived at a small school. The teachers and staff really know her, and she's gained a confidence that I'm not sure she would have gotten if she were at a larger (or co-ed) school. The great thing about being in a girls' school in lower and middle grades is that leadership is not defined by gender. The uniform is a great equalizer as well.The school focuses a lot on math and science, which though not always pleasant for the English and arts girls, is certainly important. I give it 4 stars instead of 5 because it is expensive.
Submitted by parent on January 11, 2013

My daughter entered Lincoln in the 9th grade. She is so thrilled with everything at Lincoln. She is getting a top-of-the-line education, while fostering what are sure to be life-long friends. The teachers are fantastic, the class sizes are small, and the opportunities are tremendous!