Schools
Segue Institute for Learning Names Its K–8 Campus the Davis REACH Academy
Renaming recognizes Central Falls native Viola Davis and the school's commitment to the REACH values.
CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. — The Segue Institute for Learning Public Charter School District has officially named its K–8 campus the Davis REACH Academy, honoring award-winning actor, advocate, and Central Falls native Viola Davis. The renaming affirms Davis’s long-standing commitment to expanding educational opportunities and supporting the community that shaped her early life.
The new name—unveiled this week during a public ceremony held in the elementary school gymnasium—reflects the school’s core values embodied in the acronym REACH, which stands for Respect, Enthusiasm, Achievement, Citizenship, and Hard Work. These principles ground the academy’s mission and guide its work with students and families.
Members of the Davis family, including Deloris Davis, attended the ceremony. The event also included participation and remarks from Founders Angelo Garcia and Dr. Melissa Lourenco, David Ahlborn of the Segue IFL Board, Founding Teacher and current Principal Kevin Montoya, Keith Oliveira; formerly of RIDE and now Head of School at Times2 in Providence, The Honorable Judge Alberto Cardona, and performances by the Segue Chorus, featuring soloist Reese Lourenco.
“This is a defining moment in our school’s history,” said Kevin Montoya. “The Davis REACH Academy name represents the principles we live by and the example Viola Davis has set for our students — that through respect, enthusiasm, achievement, citizenship, and hard work, they can reach their full potential. These values and practices are rooted in everything we do.”
In remarks shared for the ceremony, Viola Davis reflected on the meaning behind the academy’s new identity: “This name carries a lot of meaning for me—not because it bears my name, but because it reflects the values that shape every great student in this great community. The REACH model is a part of the principles that helped guide me from my beginnings here in Central Falls to every success I’ve been blessed to experience. I believe in the power of education to transform lives. I believe in these students. And I believe in this community that continues to rise, together.”
The naming marks a new chapter for the K–8 program; now in its 16th year, strengthening its commitment to academic excellence, character development, and meaningful community partnership.
Along with Segue IFL's Legacy High School; which was established last year, the Davis REACH Academy will continue to build on the independent public charter school district's legacy while inspiring all students to live the REACH values every day.
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