EP's Saint Margaret’s School Shines

“For over 50 years, Saint Margaret School has been providing an inspiring Catholic education to children in grades Pre-K through Grade 8. We have earned a strong reputation for excellence in the Catholic mission and in academics, and our students enjoy being members of a joyful school family. Our graduates leave us well-prepared for success in high school and in life,” writes Janine Cooney, the highly touted Saint Margaret School Principal. Mrs. Cooney recently received an East Providence City Council proclamation in March for her “extraordinary contributions to the academic success of St. Margaret’s School and her dedication to advancing literacy and mathematics.”

In a recent article regarding the impending closing of the Sacred Heart School off Taunton Avenue, this writer mentioned financial difficulties facing small Catholic schools, including Saint Margaret. Saint Margaret’s is actually in a pretty strong financial position. The focus of the article was mostly centered on Sacred Heart School which admittedly is scheduled to close at the end of this school year due to financial constraints. The impending problems of the school are also a potential threat to keeping Sacred Heart church open if the school doesn’t close, said church officials. Church diocesan officials acknowledge that many of Rhode Island’s small Catholic schools are getting more challenging to operate.

East Providence area Catholic churches and schools have seen diminished participation through the years. Former East Providence Catholic schools Our Lady of Loreto, Saint Francis, Saint Brendan have all closed – soon to be joined by Sacred Heart. One church, Saint Martha, while open, does not have a pastor or priest on site. Saint Martha and Saint Brendan have basically merged most services, and they share a pastor. Without schools; Saint Francis, Sacred Heart and Saint Brendan/Martha do have churches that have viable followings.

The one shining star has been Saint Margaret School and parish in Rumford. The prior article in question was meant to mostly report on the closing of Sacred Heart School and the general financial state of small Catholic schools. The reference to Saint Margaret school struggling also, shouldn’t have been included. Although only a very brief reference to Saint Margaret’s was written, understandably some supporters of Saint Margaret’s were concerned to see their school mentioned. As a follow up, this writer spoke with Principal Cooney and is happy to elaborate that the school is in a very strong financial position. Saint Margaret’s indeed has a thriving school and parish.

“I am pleased to provide information that demonstrates the vitality and strength of St. Margaret School, including elements of our financial stability,” said Principal Jan Cooney. “In a state that has a declining population of school-aged children, (Source: US Census) St. Margaret's School has been enjoying an increase in enrollment over the past four years. They have grown from 150 students in 2021 to 180 students in 2024 - 2025 and will continue the trend with an expected ten percent increase for the next school year. The school is thriving: test scores are up, students are happy and engaged and the welcoming community enjoys being together,” continued Cooney. Recent Diocesan School Office testing results showed a strong increase in both Math and Reading, with St. Margaret students scoring 20 - 25% over the average of other Catholic schools.

As part of a self-study, St. Margaret students gave overwhelming praise for their caring teachers, close community and the number of activities that are available to them. As one student wrote, “The best thing about this school is the community. I love that everyone knows everyone, and we are all like a big family. I love that we can turn to the teachers to help us with classwork or a fun story we are writing.”

“Our school PTO sponsors Coffee Cafe every Friday morning for parents to connect over a cup of coffee and a muffin. It is a lovely way to stay connected with people,” adds Cooney. The Principal and others at the school also emphasize many recent accomplishments of the school. Cross country, basketball, and soccer teams compete in the CAL (Catholic Athletic League) league against other Catholic Schools in the state. The girls' middle school basketball team just won the Divisional Championship and will be recognized before the City Council. The school was pleased to have Mayor Bob DaSilva and Saint Margaret alum Will Gilbert from television’s The Rhode Show, read to students during National Reading Week. Saint Margaret student council members visit Tockwotton residents monthly to play games and enjoy songs and snacks together. The school will also be represented at the upcoming State Science Fair at CCRI. As the school looks to the future, Capital improvements to the building over the past three years included a new roof, new windows throughout the school building, and a new boiler.

“While strong enrollment alone may not guarantee financial stability in private schools, St. Margarets boasts a solid financial footing, thanks to careful management, an endowment to assist families with financial assistance, and a Finance Council whose careful planning has created a solid foundation on which they operate,” added Cooney.