Middletown Child Opportunity Zone

The Middletown Child Opportunity Zone (MCOZ) is a member of a network of ten COZ sites across the state. COZs follow the National Community Schools model, creating partnerships among families, schools, and the community to coordinate comprehensive academic, social and health/wellness services for students and their families, resulting in improved educational outcomes for children. Opportunities for parents to get involved increase parent participation in their child’s school and education. Extended learning opportunities offered under the Beyond the Bell Initiative through a partnership between Middletown Public Schools and the MCOZ allow students to try new activities, develop new skills, and meet new friends. The MCOZ serves Aquidneck Elementary School, Forest Avenue Elementary School, the Gaudet Learning Academy, and Gaudet Middle School.

People We Serve

Services offered by the MCOZ are available for all children from kindergarten to grade eight and their families residing in Middletown, RI. Experienced youth development staff work with children to develop the skills that they need to be successful in school. High quality and high interest after school programs, school vacation camps, and summer camps help students and families to become more engaged with their school. Engaged students have better attendance and are more motivated to succeed in school. MCOZ allows students to practice new skills and expand their learning while receiving support.

Key Features

School readiness opportunities for preschool age children that are designed to ensure that children are ready for school success. We collaborate with Newport and Middletown Public Schools and EBCAP to improve access to high quality early childhood programs and services.

School age services include Beyond the Bell after school, school vacation week and summer camps designed to expand learning throughout the school day/year with academic, physical activity, cultural, recreational, artistic, and service learning enrichment opportunities.

Family programs connect parents with opportunities to get involved with their children’s schools. The COZ coordinates volunteer applications to be sure all families interested in volunteering have the proper background checks in place. 

Location(s) of the Program

Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

How to Enroll

For more information or to register/enroll contact:

• Christine Arouth, NFCOZ Director, 401-842-1925 x 1, christinearouth@npsri.net
• Jamoya Ridgell, MCOZ Manager, 401-261-6773, jridgell@mpsri.net

How You Can Volunteer

The MCOZ is funded through the state, local grants, and private foundations. We also welcome donations and sponsorships.