Best Schools in Providence RI | Top Private Schools, High Schools, Elementary Schools
Known for its long history, many attractions, and for being the capital of Rhode Island, Providence is an iconic east coast city. Home to a vibrant downtown, unique museums, and an Ivy League research university — Brown University — it is easy to see why the city’s population continues to grow and thrive.
Aside from Brown University, Providence also features many outstanding, highly-rated schools for elementary, middle grade, and high school students. If you are moving to Providence with your school-aged child or teen, there are plenty of acclaimed private and public schools in Providence from which you can choose.
Our method of ranking and selecting top Providence schools is different from popular websites such as Niche and GreatSchools. Due to the fact that there are limitations with the ranking processes for many of these websites, we have taken special measures to curate an accurate and unbiased list of the best schools in Providence.
Prior to listing our selection of the best Providence public schools and the best Providence private schools, it is important to explain what criteria we used to select each school:
- Overall student improvement rates (this data often reveals whether or not a school is equipped to help students who are disadvantaged, or students who have an Individual Education Plan - IEP.)
- Test scores
- AP class participation rate
- Programs for gifted students
- Classroom size
- Special awards (for the school or school district)
- School report card
- Extracurricular activities
- College readiness measures
- Noteworthy programs (i.e. STEM, athletics)
Best High Schools in Providence
In search of the best high schools in Providence? In the city, there are a number of highly-ranked places to send your teen. Selecting the best Providence high school is one of the most important decisions that you can make as a parent. Ensuring that your chosen school has the right college prep programs (including AP and IB courses), a wide range of extracurriculars, and other desirable features is essential. Discover some of the best public Providence high schools — including their key figures, top programs, and more.View this post on Instagram
Classical High School — Ranked as the #1 Providence school by U.S. News & World Report and winner of many prestigious awards
- District: Providence Public Schools
- Type: Public
- Grades: 9th grade through 12th grade
- Enrollment: 1,115
- Student-to-teacher ratio: 17:1
- Address: 770 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903
- State report card: Five stars
East Greenwich High School — Rigorous academic programs with a focus on empowering students to achieve
- District: East Greenwich
- Type: Public
- Grades: 9th grade through 12th grade
- Enrollment: 809
- Student-to-teacher ratio: 15:1
- Address: 300 Avenger Drive, East Greenwich, Rhode Island
- School report card: Four stars
Barrington High School — Five-star rated, Blue Ribbon Providence public high school
- District: Barrington Public Schools
- Type: Public
- Grades: 9th grade through 12th grade
- Enrollment: 1,100
- Student-to-teacher ratio: 14:1
- Address: 220 Lincoln Avenue, Barrington, Rhode Island
- School report card: Five stars
Best Elementary Schools in Providence
Looking for the best elementary schools in Providence? The city features many highly-rated institutions. Each of our picks exemplifies key markers for success, including high test proficiency, commitment to serving low-income and underserved students, and other important considerations.Reservoir Avenue School — Ranked as the best elementary school in Providence by U.S. News & World Report and other top organizations
- District: Providence Public Schools
- Type: Public
- Grades: Kindergarten through 5th grade
- Enrollment: 264
- Address: 156 Reservoir Ave, Providence, Rhode Island
- School report card: Three stars
Vartan Gregorian Elementary School — Offering excellent academic programs and one-of-a-kind partnerships with local organizations
- District: Providence Public Schools
- Type: Public
- Grades: Kindergarten through 5th grade
- Enrollment: 282
- Address: 455 Wickenden St. Providence, Rhode Island
- School report card: Two stars
Robert F. Kennedy Elementary School — Student proficiency ratings that are above average across all core subject areas
- District: Providence Public Schools
- Type: Public
- Grades: Kindergarten through 5th grade
- Enrollment: 433
- Address: 195 Nelson Street Providence, Rhode Island
- School report card: Three stars
Best Private Schools in Providence
As an alternative to public schools, some parents opt to send their children and teens to the best Providence private schools. Check out some of the top private schools in Providence across all grade levels.- Community Preparatory School — Co-educational school with rigorous academic programs for students in grades 4 through 8.
- Blessed Sacrament Catholic School — Acclaimed Catholic school for students between preschool and 8th grade.
- Lincoln School — Exclusive girls only college preparatory school for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Providence Schools FAQ
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What is the best school district in Providence?
- The best school district in Providence, RI is Providence Public Schools.
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What is the best high school in Providence?
- The best high school in Providence is Classical High School.
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Does Providence have good schools?
- Yes, Providence has excellent schools for students in preschool through 12th grade.