Our History

The Met was founded on a simple question: "What's best for kids?"

In 1993, educators Dennis Littky and Elliot Washor were invited to Rhode Island to help reimagine public education. After Rhode Island voters approved the creation of an innovative new public high school, they designed a school centered on personalized learning, strong relationships, and real-world experiences.

The Met opened its doors in 1996 with just 50 ninth-grade students in downtown Providence. From the beginning, students learned through individualized plans, advisory relationships, internships, and exhibitions—an approach that challenged traditional ideas about high school and became a model for schools around the world.

As the school grew, so did its impact. New campuses opened in Providence and Newport, expanding opportunities for students across Rhode Island. The Met's innovative design influenced Rhode Island's high school graduation requirements and inspired the creation of Big Picture Learning schools across the United States and around the world.

Today, The Met serves approximately 900 students across six small public high schools while remaining true to the vision that started it all: every student deserves a personalized education built around their interests, strengths, and future goals.

For nearly three decades, The Met has remained committed to educating one student at a time.