During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding school capacity issues in Western Cranston, particularly at Orchard Farms and Oak Lawn School. A committee member highlighted that both schools are currently at capacity, prompting discussions about the potential conversion of Hope Highlands back into an elementary school and the construction of a new middle school, estimated to cost $130 million.

The urgency of these discussions stems from ongoing residential developments in the area, including a project on Vaughn Lane that will add 44 new homes. With an estimated 1.7 children per household, this development alone could introduce approximately 75 new students, exacerbating the existing strain on local schools.

Currently, Orchard Farms is the only elementary school serving the western section of the city, while Oak Lawn School, located just east of Interstate 295, is also at maximum capacity. The committee member expressed significant concern that the proposed zoning changes from A80 to A20 could further complicate the school capacity issue, as new developments continue to emerge in the region.

The meeting underscored the pressing need for strategic planning to address the educational infrastructure in light of rapid residential growth in Western Cranston.