What Is It Known For?
Davies Career & Technical High School serves students across Rhode Island as a state-wide public high school for grades 9-12. The school opened its doors in 1971 as the William M. Davies, Jr. Vocational School, starting with a capacity for 600 students in the Blackstone Valley area. The namesake, William M. Davies, worked as a mechanical engineer before becoming a respected senator in Lincoln, Rhode Island, back in 1914. His reputation grew from his thoughtful leadership and dedication to helping young people throughout the state.
Today, the school welcomes up to 900 students from every corner of Rhode Island. Students here receive more than standard high school classes. They graduate with specialized training in career fields that lead directly to jobs.
Degrees & Certifications
Over 90% of graduates leave Davies with industry certification in hand. Students select from nine different career areas:
- Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive Careers
- Electrical
- Pre-Engineering Technology
- Biomanufacturing Technology
- Education/Childcare
- Health Careers
- Hospitality Careers
- Graphics & Interactive Media
– types of degrees or certifications (diploma, associates, certificate)
– typical length of programs
Class Schedules
Classes run during regular school hours and finish by 2 PM each day. The school focuses on career and technical training through hands-on instruction using specialized equipment, which means all learning happens in person. There are no online classes available.
The Office of Workforce Development arranges business tours, job shadows, and internships for students. These opportunities connect classroom learning to real workplace settings. Contact the school directly to confirm details about externships or clinical experiences in specific programs.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Davies Career & Technical High School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Acceptance Rate
The school has not published information about acceptance rates.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Enrolled students don’t pay tuition at Davies Career & Technical High School. However, the fee waiver covers tuition only. Students must pay for books, supplies, travel costs, and other expenses themselves.
Since the school lacks a net price calculator, contact them directly for specific information about additional costs.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Health Careers
Skilled Trades
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Automotive Careers
- Electrical
Campus Locations
Lincoln 50 Jenckes Hill Road | Lincoln, RI 02865
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, William M. Davies, Jr. Career and Technical High School (Davies) is viewed as a supportive, diverse environment with excellent technical programs (“shops”), but it faces significant criticism regarding its admissions capacity and staff support for student mental health.
Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
Strong Career & Technical Programs: The “shops” (technical/vocational programs) are repeatedly cited as the major positive of the school. Students appreciate the wide range of activities and hands-on learning, suggesting the school is effective at career preparation.
Supportive Staff and Teachers: Many reviewers describe the staff and teachers as “kind and helpful” and “amazing,” noting that they “work with every student to help and advocate for them.”
Diversity and Acceptance: The school is praised for having a “nice diversity of people” and a student body that is more accepting of different groups (including disabled, LGBTQ+, etc.) than other high schools.
Positive Student Experience: Current and former students often describe their time at Davies as the “Best days” and a “great school,” with one long-time graduate calling it the “Best high school in the country.”
Common Criticisms
Capacity and Admissions Issues: A major criticism focuses on the admissions process, specifically the alleged practice of giving entrance exams to a large number of students (e.g., 300) when the school only has a small number of available spots (e.g., 100), leading to disappointment for high-achieving applicants who are ultimately turned away.
Lack of Mental Health Support: One serious negative review claims that staff and teachers “do not care for mental health” and will “shut down” serious issues just to save the school’s reputation, suggesting a focus on public image over student well-being.
Student Body Demographics/Conduct: One reviewer noted that while the teachers are kind, “some of the students aren’t as kind as the teachers,” implying issues with general student conduct or a difficult student demographic.
Non-Academic Events: A recent comment cited a school social event (Prom) as “mid” (mediocre) due to lack of space to dance, suggesting room for improvement in general student life outside of academics.
Momentum
The reviews are spread out over many years, suggesting the school has a long-standing positive reputation for its technical programs and inclusive environment. The most recent reviews, one from nine months ago expressing excitement about acceptance, and another from six months ago criticizing a social event, do not indicate a significant change in the school’s core strengths or weaknesses. The major issues regarding admissions capacity and mental health support (criticisms from 3-4 years ago) are serious and do not appear to have been publicly addressed, but the school’s overall average rating remains strong.