July 01, 2013 01:00 AM

Journal Staff Writer

PROVIDENCE — Four new charter schools are in the pipeline, including two schools proposed by Providence school leaders, a Chinese immersion program, and a science and engineering-themed school in Newport.

Each school has received preliminary approval from the state Department of Education and is in the process of undergoing public comment. If approved, they plan to open in fall 2014.

Rhode Island now has 18 charter schools, with two opening this fall. Charters, which are public schools that have greater leeway over the curriculum and school day, now serve 5,131 students. Rhode Island caps the number of charters at 35.

The Newport County STEAM Academy wants to capitalize on the growing interest in preparing students who are deeply versed in the sciences. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, the arts and math.

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