Quality schools don’t just impact students, they affect the entire community. Newport County is fortunate to have excellent public and private institutions, some with distinguished histories and notable graduates such as Senator Claiborne Pell, poet Ogden Nash, and actress Joanna Going.
Buying a new home means more than just finding a house. For families with children, a school district can be a key factor in where you buy your next home. We’re proud to say that many of our agents are either alumni of Newport County schools themselves or have children currently enrolled in our local schools and can offer first-hand experience and practical information to help homebuyers choose the right home and community.
This overview of the region’s twenty-nine schools includes facts, highlights, and facilities available to students in grades Kindergarten through Grade 12. Our schools not only excel in curriculum basics, but they offer unique programs and resources such as Gaudet Middle School’s planetarium, Melville Elementary’s outdoor learning center, St. George’s nautical science learning excursions aboard the school’s 70-foot sloop, and sailing lessons at Sail Newport for all 4th graders in Newport. Read on to learn more about public and private schools in Newport, County.
Jamestown, RI
Public Schools
Elementary School
Melrose Avenue School – Grades Pre-K – Grade 4
76 Melrose Avenue, Jamestown, RI
The Melrose Avenue School serves students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through fourth. Melrose School’s overarching theme is a love of learning coupled with respect and trust. It offers a full curriculum, using a “21st Century Class” approach. This project-based curriculum includes health and wellness, music technology, arts and engineering, and programming and digital citizenship segments. Students are encouraged to learn through critical thinking, technological innovation, creativity, and collaboration.
Middle School
Lawn Avenue School – Grades 5 – 8
55 Lawn Avenue, Jamestown, RI
Set on a beautiful campus, Lawn Avenue School offers students in grades 5 through 8 a robust curriculum that includes art, music, physical education, social-emotional health, STEAM, computer sciences, and coding, in addition to language, math, and sciences. Its values are summarized in its R.O.C.K.s pledge – “We respect, own it, rise to challenges, and are kind.” Each student, teacher, and staff member takes this pledge that represents a comprehensive school-wide positive behavior program, offering clear and consistent expectations with everyone working together in a safe and supportive environment.
High School
Narragansett High School or North Kingstown High School – Grades 9 – 12
Jamestown School Department website
Since Jamestown does not have a high school of its own, high school students have a choice to attend either Narragansett High School or North Kingstown High School for grades ninth through twelfth. School bus transportation is provided to both schools. Narragansett High School enrolls approximately 500 students and North Kingstown High School enrolls approximately 1,400 students.
Little Compton, RI
Public Schools
Elementary & Middle School
Wilbur & McMahon School – Grades Pre-K – Grade 8
28 Commons St, Little Compton, RI
Wilbur & McMahon School website
The Wilbur and McMahon school is the only school in Little Compton. This district’s average testing ranking is 9/10, which is in the top 20% of public schools in Rhode Island. It is a pre-kindergarten through eighth grade school offering a collaborative, safe, and healthy environment. It prides itself on being “a place where positive relationships are fostered for academic and social growth, and an educational and enriching space where every student is excited to learn.” Its goals include ensuring success for each student through curriculum, instruction, and assessment and its social-emotional support for health and wellness; engaging families and community as partners; and creating an equitable, vibrant, and safe learning environment for students. In addition to its curriculum, the school offers a variety of extra-curricular activities for students, including seasonal sports, a techAquinology challenge, band, drama club, glee club, and after-school library hours to support an enriching learning experience.
High School
Portsmouth High School – Grades 9 – 12
120 Education Ln., Portsmouth, RI
Portsmouth High School website
High School-age students from Little Compton attend Portsmouth High School.
Middletown, RI
Public Schools
School Attendance Zone: The location of a child’s home will determine whether he or she attends Aquidneck Elementary or Forest Avenue School. Since various circumstances may affect which school is designated for a child, it’s best to call the Registrar of the Middletown School Dept. at (401) 849 – 2122 to determine which school your child will attend.
Aquidneck Elementary School – Pre-K – Grade 3
70 Reservoir Road, Middletown, RI
Aquidneck Elementary School website
The vision of Aquidneck Elementary School is to create a community of life-long learners and ensure success for every student. Its student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1 supports its 400 students in following the common core state standards while also striving to offer a rigorous curriculum in which each child meets or exceeds their expected growth targets. In addition to standards-based instruction in ELA, Math, and Science, students enjoy art, music, physical education, and health classes. As part of a district-wide digital transformation, the school offers a full computer lab as well as laptop carts throughout the classrooms. Its active parent-teacher group sponsors many events, assemblies, and field trips for students.
Forest Avenue School – Pre-K – Grade 3
315 Forest Avenue, Middletown, RI
Forest Avenue Elementary School website
The Forest Avenue School has been classified as a high-performing school by the Rhode Island Department of Education. The school provides a warm and friendly atmosphere and a staff that continually challenges and supports the students. The curriculum is based on common core state standards, readers and writers workshop teaching models, and differentiated instruction. Co-curricular classes include art, music, physical education, and library. A state-of-the-art computer lab allows students to integrate technology with their curriculum. Its active parent-teacher group sponsors many programs, field trips, and social events for students and families.
Joseph Gaudet Middle School – Grades 4 – 8
113 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown, RI
Joseph H. Gaudet Middle School website
At Joseph Gaudet Middle School, teachers encourage students to think for themselves, learn the art of asking useful questions, seek answers on their own, and study effectively through a variety of methods including direct instruction, collaboration, and independent work. The school is committed to encouraging creativity, individuality, and self-worth among its 600 students. In addition to its full curriculum of standard-based learning and STEM, the school offers an extensive list of after-school programs including sports, band, yearbook, art and drama clubs, a student council and student newspaper, robotics, and more. Gaudet Middle School is also home to the Krupowicz Planetarium, one of the only of its kind in the state of Rhode Island.
Middletown High School – Grades 9 – 12
130 Valley Road, Middletown, RI
Middletown High School website
Middletown High School is a public high school for grades 9 through 12 serving just over 700 students. Established in 1961, its mission is to provide academic, civic, and social tools for students. In 2014, Middletown High School was ranked second in the state of Rhode Island by U.S. News and World Report for mathematics and reading comprehension. In addition to its core curriculum, it offers students a variety of classes, from career-oriented programs such as Healthcare Science to advanced placement classes in chemistry, biology, and calculus. Its broad range of extracurricular offerings includes band, math team, drama club, Harvard Model United Nations, chorus, student government, FIRST Robotics competition, and more.
Private Schools
All Saints STEAM Academy – Pre-K – Grade 8
915 West Main Road, Middletown, RI
All Saints STEAM Academy website
The All Saints STEAM Academy is a private, Catholic school serving students from preschool through grade 8. Its teacher-to-student ratio is 8:1 for its roughly 130 students. As the Diocesan STEAM magnet school, All Saints provides a faith-based education to families on Aquidneck Island and surrounding communities. STEAM fields include science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics for a well-rounded course of study that meets both the requirements issued by the Diocese of Providence as well as the State of Rhode Island. Through this approach, students learn innovation and critical thinking.
St. George’s School – Grades 9 – 12
372 Purgatory Road, Middletown, RI
St. George’s School is an independent, coeducational boarding and day school offering a comprehensive college-preparatory program for 375 students in grades 9 through 12. Perched on a hill overlooking Second Beach, this prestigious school attracts students from around the world to its beautiful 125-acre Gothic Revival-style campus. A St. George`s education prepares students for the demands of college, while also empowering them to serve the world far beyond “the Hilltop.” Courses at St. George’s are offered in Visual & Performing Arts, Humanities, Language & Culture Studies, and STEM fields (twenty of which are advanced classes). Among its notable facilities are a hockey rink, squash center tennis courts, an eight-lane pool, ten playing fields, and more. It even offers the Geronimo Program which offers 4- to 6-week learning excursions for students aboard the school’s 70-foot sloop. Students are taught nautical science and oceanography/marine biology while on board.
Newport, RI
Public Schools
Claiborne Pell Elementary School – Pre-K – Grade 4
35 Dexter Street, Newport, RI
Pell Elementary School website
The Claiborne Pell Elementary School is a public school for preschool students through grade 4. Opened in 2013, it was built to consolidate older schools in the city and is now the only public elementary school for all students in Newport. It serves about 740 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1. The school is among the most diverse in the state. In 2022, an expansion project added eight classrooms and a welcome center at the main entrance. Its motto is to provide students with opportunities and access to the world through quality education. The Pell School earned two Department of Defense Education Activity grants for STEAM and literacy, which are designed to enhance the learning experience of military-connected students across the country. All fourth graders at Pell Elementary participate in a sailing education program at Sail Newport. STEM topics, such as weather, geography, marine life, and ocean health are included in the classroom and on-the-water curriculum.
Frank E. Thompson Middle School – Grades 5 – 8
55 Broadway, Newport, RI
Frank E. Thompson Middle School website
Located in downtown Newport, Thompson Middle School serves about 600 Newport students in grades five through eight. Its student-to-teacher ratio is 10:1, one of the lower ratios in the state’s public schools. Thompson is considered the most diverse school in the state. While originally opened in 1903, the school was completely rebuilt in 2002 and features modern technology and equipment. The mission of The Thompson Middle School community is to provide a relevant and challenging education in a safe and inclusive environment, in which students are supported holistically as they build the character, knowledge, and skills to be successful in high school and beyond. In addition to its standard middle school curriculum, it also offers students foreign language and music classes. Thompson is a Newport Community School (NCS), which offers additional educational opportunities to complement classroom learning and support academic success, personal responsibility, and economic self-sufficiency in a vibrant engaged community. Partners include Sail Newport, an organization that offers affordable public sailing instructions and a marine exploration program; Newport Cooks, cooking school for adults and children; and FabNewport a community-based learning experience for students outside the classroom.
William S. Rogers High School – Grades 9 – 12
15 Wickham Road, Newport, RI
William S. Rogers is the public high school for the city of Newport. Named after its founder, it first opened in 1873. It serves about 640 students in grades 9 through 12 with a student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1. The school is currently undergoing a $98.8 million replacement project that will increase its capacity to 755 students. The new 165,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in August 2024. It offers several courses of study: college preparatory, honors, career and technical, and other pathway options, providing options for all students no matter their life’s path. It also offers an international studies and leadership program. Students are also welcome to an athletics program and a myriad of extracurricular activities and clubs to receive a well-rounded high school experience.
The Newport Area Career and Technical Center – Grades 9 – 12
109 Old Fort Road, Newport, RI
Newport Area Career and Technical Center website
The Newport Area Career and Technical Center is free and open to students in grades 9 through 12 from Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton, and Newport, RI. Transportation is provided from each district at no additional cost. The program provides its students with a unique experience through hands-on learning projects, student-run businesses, and industry partnerships. This approach allows students to graduate with employable job skills, work experience, industry credentials, and a diploma, positioning them for success in both college and career. Programs include advertising design, automotive technology, culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, visual arts, JROTC leadership academy, information technology, construction technology, and cosmetology.
Charter Schools
Paul W. Crowley East Bay Met School – Grades 9 – 12
115 Girard Avenue, Newport, RI
Metropolitan Regional Career And Technical Center website
The Met is a network of six small, public high schools located in Providence and Newport, RI that offer a unique and innovative career and technical education for grades 9 through 12. Opened in 1995, its founders crafted its unique program by asking the question, “What’s best for kids?” The Met’s focus is “one student at a time” – an individualized learning approach that has proven successful in unlocking students’ passion for learning. Students are empowered to take charge of their learning and become responsible citizens and life-long learners. The hallmarks of a Met education include internships, individual learning plans, advisory, and a breakthrough college transition program. The Met Schools of Rhode Island are part of the Big Picture Learning Network: bigpicture.org
Private Schools
St. Michael’s Country Day School – Pre-K – Grade 8
180 Rhode Island Avenue, Newport, RI
St. Michael’s Country Day School website
Founded in 1938, St. Michael’s is a non-sectarian institution for children ages two through grade 8, with a focus on small class sizes and an individualized approach to learning and education. Its mission is to “develop courageous learners and caring citizens who are world-ready” with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The student-to-teacher ratio is eight to one, and in addition to its full curriculum, the school also offers signature programs that include a partnership with Sail Newport, a “Buddy Program,” a robust studio and theater arts offerings, and a state-of-the-art innovation lab. Its seven-acre campus is located within walking distance of downtown Newport in the Kay-Catherine neighborhood, with a view of First Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. An Extended Day Program is included in the cost of tuition, allowing students to be on campus from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. as needed.
Portsmouth
Public Schools
Elementary Schools
School Attendance Zone: The location of a child’s home will determine whether he or she attends Melville or Howard Hathaway Elementary School. Since various circumstances may affect which school is designated for a child, it’s best to call the Registrar of the Portsmouth School Dept. at (401) 683 – 1039 x1010 to determine which school your child will attend.
Howard Hathaway Elementary – K – Grade 4
53 Tallman Avenue, Portsmouth, RI
Hathaway Elementary School website
The Hathaway Elementary School is a Kindergarten through Grade 4 school in Portsmouth serving around 440 students. Its mission is to provide a safe and caring environment in which every child develops character, self-confidence, responsibility, compassion, positive values, and a true love of learning. Its student progress and test scores are ranked above average in the state. Hathaway receives financial assistance from the federal Title 1 program that supports the academic achievement of students identified as failing or most at risk of failing to meet state standards and assessments, offering extra instructional support beyond the regular classroom. In 2022, the Hathaway School was the proud recipient of first place in the Best of Newport County 2022 Award for public schools. It has an active parent-teacher association that provides support for field trips, scholarships, enrichment, equipment, and social functions.
Melville Elementary School – Pre-K – Grade 4
1351 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI
Melville Elementary School website
The Melville Elementary School is a highly rated public PreK through Grade 4 school located in Portsmouth serving around 330 students. Its mission is to provide all students with a strong academic foundation through diverse and challenging instruction in a safe and nurturing environment. Students are encouraged to achieve their greatest potential while developing self-confidence, respect, responsibility, compassion, and a love of learning. The school’s Outdoor Learning Activity Zone includes a garden and a covered patio space complete with whiteboard and tables. The adjacent Melville Pond offers opportunities for STEM activities in the field.
Middle School
Portsmouth Middle School – Grades 5 – 8
125 Jepson Lane, Portsmouth, RI
Portsmouth Middle School website
Portsmouth Middle School is a highly rated public school for 650 students in Grades 5 through 8, with a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio. In addition to its core curriculum, it offers a wide range of after-school clubs including a robotics competition team, chess club, dance, yearbook, social justice, music, nature hiking, and more. Portsmouth Middle School is also a key partner in the Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm — a student-driven community farm education program where children learn about sustainable agriculture through hands-on activities. In 2022 the program received the President’s Environmental Youth Award, a prestigious national award that recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects developed by K-12 youth.
High School
Portsmouth High School – Grades 9 – 12
120 Education Lane, Portsmouth, RI
Portsmouth High School website
Portsmouth High School is a highly rated public high school for Grades 9 through 12 with national rankings and a 94% 4-year graduation rate. Its suburban setting serves more than 860 students with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. It offers a full range of courses for students, from core requirements to fine and applied arts, special education, and an alternative learning program as well. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement coursework and exams and its extra-curricular activities of note include award-winning music, art, and athletic programs. The school scores very well in college readiness. In addition, housed within Portsmouth High School are four career and technical academies: The Academy for Visual Arts and Design, The Academy for Media Communications and Digital Video Production, The Academy for Engineering Design, and The Academy for Education, Child Development, and Human Services. All are approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs by the Rhode Island Department of Education and are open to Portsmouth resident and non-resident students. Eligible students may qualify to have tuition and transportation covered by their home district.
Private Schools
Elementary and Middle School
Sea Rose Montessori – Pre-Kindergarten
324 East Main Rd., Portsmouth, RI
Sea Rose Montessori website
Sea Rose Montessori is a nonprofit, certified Montessori school with a Primary Montessori program for children ages three to five years old. The Montessori tradition offers a unique learning environment, with a focus on the outdoors, large classrooms, and no assigned seats, to instill a sense of community, and independence in students. Its stunning campus is tucked away from the busy road, offering a quiet area with a playground, community garden, and walking labyrinth to enjoy rain or shine. The school was founded by local parents seeking a Montessori education for their children and continues to be supported by a strong base of parents who organize fundraisers and volunteer their time.
The Pennfield School – Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 8
110 Sandy Point Avenue, Portsmouth, RI
The Pennfield School is for preschoolers (3 years old) to grade 8. It boasts class sizes of 18 or less, depending on the age group, with two teachers in each primary classroom. The Pennfield Schools’ mission statement is “Joy, Understanding, and Respect”. In addition to its curriculum, the Pennfield School offers after-school care and sports, along with clubs for student activists, ecology, and a student newspaper. The 19-acre campus is located on the Old Slocum Farm in Portsmouth and includes sports fields, gardens, and two playgrounds. The Sakonnet Greenway Trail, managed by the Aquidneck Land Trust, passes along the side of the property and affords students opportunities for nature walks and outdoor learning.
St. Philomena’s School – Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 8
1354, 324 Corys Ln, Portsmouth, RI
St. Philomena’s School website
Saint Philomena School is a private, Catholic elementary school for preschoolers through grade 8. It is dedicated to hope, excellence, dignity, companionship, and gentleness to serve new generations of young people with courage and confidence. Passionate teachers offer students a balanced curriculum that engages technology and resources while also cultivating foundational skills plus comprehensive co-curricular programs for physical education, performing arts, visual arts, library literacy, and technology world language learning. Its mathematics curriculum supports accelerated and on-level learners allowing students the opportunity to work towards completing pre-algebra, algebra 1, or geometry in grade 8, along with a K-5 blended learning technology program to guide 21st-century learning in digital citizenship, coding, and keyboarding. Its beautiful waterfront campus offers views of Narragansett Bay and offers playgrounds, fields, and nature trails.
High Schools
Portsmouth Abbey School – Grades 9 – 12
324 Corys Lane #1354, Portsmouth, RI
Portsmouth Abbey School website
Portsmouth Abbey School is a private, co-educational Catholic high school for students in grades 9-12, offering both boarding and non-boarding options. Its roughly 300 students enjoy exceptional learning opportunities with 12 students in a typical class and a 7:1 student-teacher ratio. Founded in 1926, its mission is to “grow in knowledge and grace,” encouraging students to seek a life of spiritual growth, centered on intellectual development and balanced with physical and social activities, recreation, and rest. For students, it offers a comprehensive and structured academic, athletics, and residential life program. Its beautiful 525-acre campus on Narragansett Bay attracts students from around the world and includes a new 8,000-square-foot student center currently under construction.
Tiverton
Public Schools
Elementary Schools
School Attendance Zone: The location of a child’s home will determine whether he or she attends Fort Barton, Pocasset, Ranger. Since various circumstances may affect which school is designated for a child, it’s best to call the Registrar of the Tiverton School Dept. at (401) 624-8494 x209 to confirm which school your child will attend.
Fort Barton Elementary School – Kindergarten – Grade 4
99 Lawton Ave, Tiverton, RI
Fort Barton Elementary School website
Fort Barton Elementary School is a public elementary school, serving roughly 200 students in grades K through 4 with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. According to state test scores, 52% of students are at least proficient in math and 62% in reading. It earned National Blue Ribbon School certification from the U.S. Department of Education, which recognized high-performing schools and schools that are making great strides in closing achievement gaps among students. Its mission is to provide a learning environment that promotes the unique talents and abilities of all students, ensures high-quality instruction, and actively engages families and the community. The school offers a variety of support services for students to help them achieve educational growth and social-emotional well-being. On-site professionals include a nurse, school social worker, reading specialist, occupational therapist, speech language pathologists, and special educators. These and other support systems are available through a team-based process of determination. As a Tiverton school, Fort Barton partners with the Newport County Regional Special Education program to provide individual education programs for students.
Pocasset Elementary School – Pre-K – Grade 4
242 Main Road, Tiverton, RI
Pocasset Elementary School website
Pocasset Elementary School is a PreK through Grade 4 school in Tiverton and is one of three elementary schools in the district. It serves 253 students. Its student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is better than the state and national average. In addition to its core elementary curriculum, the school offers a variety of supportive services that will help students achieve their educational potential and social and emotional health and well-being through its curriculum, support from the guidance department, and other services available through adjunct personnel.
Walter E. Ranger Elementary School – Pre-K – Grade 4
278 N. Brayton Road, Tiverton, RI
Walter E. Ranger Elementary School
Walter E. Ranger Elementary School is a highly rated public school for PreKindergarten through Grade 4 students. It is one of three elementary schools in the Tiverton School District. It serves roughly 230 students with an impressive student-teacher ratio of 14:1. Ranger students have shown high proficiency scores in reading and math. In addition to its curriculum, the school offers supportive services to assist students in their educational and social development and to help promote their emotional well-being.
Middle School
Tiverton Middle School – Grades 5 – 8
10 Quintal Drive, Tiverton, RI
Tiverton Middle School website
Tiverton Middle School is an above-average public school for students in grades 5 through 8. It serves 512 students with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, well below the national and state averages. Its current school improvement plan is focusing on five areas – improving students’ writing skills through formal changes to the core curriculum and co-curricular areas; improving professional development for teachers; increasing 21st-century learning opportunities through project-based learning in every classroom; and developing a systemic intervention system. The school’s core values are reflected in its “T.I.G.E.R.S’ Style,’ ‘ reflecting a universal code of ethics along with character traits to support student academic success and positive social/emotional growth. It stands for Teamwork, Integrity, Grit, Empathy, Respect, and Safety. Through the district, students at the Middle School have access to three separate “Tiverton Musicians” programs that start in grade 4 and continue through grade 12. Sports are also coordinated through the district’s “Tiverton Athletics” program.
High School
Tiverton High School – Grades 9 – 12
100 N. Brayton Road, Tiverton, RI
Tiverton High School is the district’s high school for students in Grades 9 through 12. It offers project-based learning activities, career and technical education coursework, a challenging curriculum, and multiple opportunities to build 21st-century competencies. Its total enrollment is 476 students, with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio, better than both the national and state average. The school’s portrait of a graduate focuses on five competencies that will help to ensure success after high school – empathy, collaboration, responsibility, communication, and critical thinking. It offers a core curriculum, career and technical education, and after-school support. The school places a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning while focusing on building relationships in the school community. Its goals are for students to be kind, compassionate, and resilient, and the school is committed to helping them navigate the high school years to prepare them for college and career readiness.
For more information on Rhode Island schools, visit the Rhode Island Department of Education website at https://www.ride.ri.gov/
Residents of Newport County have access to high-quality education and ample resources for students. If you’re interested in renting or purchasing a home in Newport, RI or its surrounding communities, Hogan Associates Christie’s International Real Estate can guide you to finding a home and school system that suits your needs. Call us at (401) 680-6588 or send a message to info@hoganri.com.
