Best School Districts in Providence, RI: Stats and Classes

Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it still has over 66 public school districts and local educational agencies! As a result, choosing the right school for your family might not be easy—especially if you’re moving from out of state. However, I’ve sorted through a bunch of that information for you and can offer some insights based on my experience living in Rhode Island. Here are some of the most important stats and offerings from the leading school districts in Providence, RI.

Barrington Public Schools

Barrington Public Schools is a school district in Barrington, Rhode Island. It is located about 10 miles from the Providence area and is renowned for its academics. In fact, some Rhode Island families live in Barrington primarily for the excellent school system.

School Stats

• 6 schools in the district to choose from
  • 1 preschool
  • 4 elementary schools
  • 1 middle school
  • 1 high school
• Over 3,350 students
• Student-teacher ratio of 14:1
• 63% of students at least proficient in math; 69% of students at least proficient in reading

Fun Facts

• In 2025, Barrington’s middle school and one of its elementary schools were ranked the best middle and elementary schools in Rhode Island! Moreover, the district is ranked the best in the state–and even ranks highly in the US overall.
• Barrington High School creates and publishes its own literary magazine, The Revue. The magazine contains poetry, prose, and artwork.
• In 2024, four Barrington High School students won the prestigious President’s Environmental Youth Award for their climate action work.

East Greenwich Public Schools

East Greenwich Public Schools is a school district in East Greenwich, RI, about 18 miles from Providence. Many families who want peaceful, suburban living within commuting distance of Providence live in East Greenwich! My friend who grew up in East Greenwich remembers the district placing well in the Rhode Island Envirothon, swimming, and debate, attesting to the district’s strong extracurricular offerings.

School Stats

• 6 schools in the district to choose from
  • 2 preschool/lower elementary schools
  • 2 upper elementary schools
  • 1 middle school
  • 1 high school
• Over 2,550 students
• Student-teacher ratio of 13:1
• 57% of students at least proficient in math; 66% of students at least proficient in reading

Fun Facts

• East Greenwich High School is ranked the third-best high school in Rhode Island and even ranks as a quality high school nationwide. In addition, it’s the only school in the nation whose mascot is the Avengers.
• East Greenwich is a town with a long history. As a result, you can find all kinds of records related to the development of schools there—including historic yearbooks!

North Kingstown School District

North Kingstown School District is a school district located in North Kingstown, RI, about 23 miles from Providence. It offers a great balance of academics, athletics, and more.

School Stats

• 8 schools in the district to choose from
  • 5 preschool/elementary schools
  • 2 middle schools
  • 1 high school
• Over 3,800 students
• Student-teacher ratio of 12:1
• 52% of students at least proficient in math; 56% of students at least proficient in reading

Fun Facts

• North Kingstown High School offers great educational opportunities, including a unique Engineering and Robotics Program.
• North Kingstown High School’s athletic teams—whose mascot is the Skippers—provide some of the best opportunities in the state for talented young athletes. Their football, baseball, and soccer teams consistently perform well.

Providence Public Schools

Providence Public Schools is the district that serves Providence, RI proper. This is a much larger district than the others, so it offers more specialized programs for English-language learners and students with special needs. I worked briefly in this district and encountered many very committed teachers!

Stats

• 37 schools to choose from
  • 19 elementary schools
  • 7 middle schools
  • 10 high schools
• Over 19,400 students
• Student-teacher ratio of 14:1
• 10% of students at least proficient in math; 15% of students at least proficient in reading

Fun Fact

• Within this district, Classical High School is ranked the best high school in the state, and the 202nd best high school in the nation. With 84% of students taking an AP class and a 97% graduation rate, its reputation is well-deserved!
• Over 31% of students in this district are English-language learners. The district has worked hard to train staff in ELL education and offers programs for ELL students.

Conclusion

Now you know some of your top options for schools in and around Providence, RI. Barrington Public Schools has top-tier academics, as does East Greenwich Public Schools. North Kingstown School District is strong in both academics and athletics. Lastly, in Providence proper, Providence Public Schools serves a large student population and has many choices for families.

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