PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Two new charter schools have been given preliminary approval to open in Providence.

The Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education voted Tuesday to grant preliminary approval to two public charter schools that will eventually serve nearly 500 city students. WPRI-TV reports both schools, the Wangari Maathai Community School and Charette Charter School, will have to meet certain deadlines and conditions for full approval.

Both schools applied for charters last year, but the council turned them down. In separate recommendations for approval to the council, state Education Commissioner Ken Wagner said the schools improved their applications this year.

Wagner also says there is a higher demand for charter schools in the city.

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Information from: WPRI-TV, http://www.wpri.com