'Amazing support': Providence school receives $2-million gift from anonymous donor

PROVIDENCE — Sophia Academy, a private middle school for girls from low-income families, has received a $2-million gift from an anonymous donor.

This gift, the largest the school has ever received, will form the foundation of the school’s 20th anniversary campaign, the school said Monday.

“This gift recognizes the successes of Sophia Academy’s nearly 300 graduates, and underscores that Sophia Academy is essential to the pursuit of educational equity and excellence in Rhode Island. We are truly grateful not only for the amazing support it will provide, but for the donor’s endorsement and love for our school and students,” said Head of School Maura Farrell.

The gift will double the school’s endowment, providing considerable financial support to continue Sophia Academy’s mission.

Invested with The Rhode Island Foundation, Sophia Academy’s endowment provides a significant annual payout to allow it to remain tuition-free.

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The anonymous donor hopes that this gift will inspire others to support Sophia Academy.

“My husband and I could not think of a better place to invest than Sophia Academy," the donor said in a statement provided by the school. "This Providence middle school transforms the lives of young women from low-income families.”

Linda Borg covers education for the Journal.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Providence's Sophia Academy receives $2 million anonymous donation