There are 17 different sports played at PCD at the Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity levels of competition. Athletic teams compete in either the Rhode Island Interscholastic League or the SENE division of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Conference, and each year at least 30% of the teams compete in league championships. In the fall PCD offers Cross Country, Soccer, Football, Volleyball, and Tennis. Winter sports include Basketball, Gymnastics, Ice Hockey,, Swimming, and Wrestling. In the spring PCD competes in Baseball, Golf, Lacrosse, Sailing, Track & Field, and tennis. The school's commitment to the participation in all areas of school life requires that students are members of at least two sports teams each year.
Signature programs
Study abroad
Each year, students are invited to enroll in international programs that emphasize language mastery, cultural awareness, and community service. Some international programs are available each year while others vary, depending on student and teacher interest. Among the locations PCD students have studied and traveled are Ecuador, France, Spain and Italy. Currently, students have the opportunity to spend a trimester exchange in Ecuador, visit Quebec City for a long weekend, spend spring break studying marine ecology in St. John, USVI, and travel to Peru to visit Macchu Picchu and other archaeological and cultural sites.
The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School is across the street from the PCD campus. PCD Upper and Middle School students can enroll in individual instruction with the Music School's professional musicians, as well as use their facilities for class instruction and practice space. The Music School's performance space is also available for PCD musical groups.
Chafee Leadership Forum
Since 2000, the late senator John H. Chafee ’40 and his family and friends have sponsored the Chafee Leadership Forum, an annual dialogue with a notable leader in politics and society. Students throughout Rhode Island are invited to the Forum to experience unfolding political events, meet international and national leaders, and broaden their perspectives and understanding of contemporary issues. Recent Chafee Leadership Forum speakers have included U.S. Senator Jack Reed and former U.S. Senator Lincoln Chafee, as well as congressional candidates David Cicillini and Russell Taub.
