Education
Schools, colleges, and educational resources in Rhode Island.
34 articles
Best private schools in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island's top private schools in 2026 include The Wheeler School in Providence, St. Andrew's School in Barrington, Rocky Hill School in East Greenwich, and Moses Brown School in Providence. These institutions consistently rank among New England's finest, with annual tuition ranging from approximately $25,000 to $45,000. The Ocean State offers over 100 private and independent schools serving students from pre-K through 12th grade, with options spanning secular independent schools, Catholic institutions, Montessori programs, and specialized learning environments.
Rhode Island Nursing School Admission Requirements (2026): GPA, HESI/TEAS & Prerequisites
To get into a Rhode Island nursing program in 2026, you generally need a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses (anatomy & physiology, psychology), a minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0 depending on the school, and a passing score on an entrance exam — the HESI A2 at CCRI, with other schools using the TEAS or holistic review. Clinical clearance (immunizations, background check, CPR) is required before you start.
Best high schools in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island's top-performing high schools in 2026 include the three selective admissions schools—Classical High School in Providence, the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) affiliated Metropolitan Career and Technical Center (The Met), and the Paul Cuffee School—alongside highly-rated comprehensive public schools like Barrington High School, East Greenwich High School, and South Kingstown High School. Based on 2024-2026 academic performance data, standardized test scores, college readiness metrics, and graduation rates, these schools consistently rank among New England's best, with Barrington High School typically leading comprehensive public schools statewide with over 95% proficiency rates and Classical High School maintaining its century-long reputation as Rhode Island's premier exam school.
Rhode Island school district rankings 2026
Rhode Island school district rankings for 2026 show Barrington Public Schools, East Greenwich School Department, and South Kingstown School District consistently topping state performance metrics based on standardized test scores, college readiness indicators, and graduation rates. Rankings are primarily determined by the Rhode Island Department of Education's (RIDE) accountability system, which evaluates districts on proficiency rates in English Language Arts and mathematics, chronic absenteeism, and post-secondary success measures. The most recent data shows significant performance variations across the state's 36 public school districts and several charter schools.
Best after school programs in Providence
Providence offers diverse after-school programs through organizations like the Providence After School Alliance (PASA), which coordinates over 60 programs serving approximately 5,000 students across the city. Top options include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence with locations in South Providence, Chad Brown, and Mt. Pleasant; the YMCA of Greater Providence programs at their branches on Hope Street and Branch Avenue; and specialized programs like AS220 Youth for arts-focused students and The Steel Yard for hands-on learning. Most programs run Monday through Friday from dismissal until 5:30 or 6:00 PM, with costs ranging from free to $150 per week depending on income eligibility.
Rhode Island special education resources guide
Rhode Island provides special education services through local school districts under the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), with the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities at Rhode Island College serving as the state's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Students ages 3-21 with disabilities are entitled to free appropriate public education (FAPE) under both federal IDEA law and Rhode Island Special Education Regulations, with services coordinated through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) developed by school-based teams that must include parents as equal members.
Rhode Island student loan forgiveness programs
Rhode Island offers several student loan forgiveness programs for residents working in high-need fields, including the Rhode Island State Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, the Nursing Education Loan Forgiveness Program administered by the Rhode Island State Nurses Association, and the Rhode Island Health Professional Loan Repayment Program. Additionally, Rhode Island residents may qualify for federal programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) while working for qualifying employers such as Rhode Island public schools, Rhode Island Hospital, or state government agencies.
Rhode Island School of Design RISD guide 2026
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is a world-renowned art and design college located at 2 College Street in Providence's College Hill neighborhood, enrolling approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students across 21 majors. Founded in 1877, RISD consistently ranks as one of the top art schools globally and operates the RISD Museum, one of New England's finest university art museums with over 100,000 works spanning ancient to contemporary art.
Rhode Island GED programs guide 2026
Rhode Island offers free GED preparation and testing through the Rhode Island Department of Education's Adult Education program, with classes available at community centers, libraries, and adult learning centers throughout the state. The GED test costs $136 in Rhode Island ($34 per subject), though fee waivers are available for eligible residents. Classes are offered in Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Newport, Warwick, and other communities, with both in-person and online options available in 2026.
How to enroll in Providence public schools
To enroll in Providence public schools, parents and guardians must register online through the Providence Public Schools District (PPSD) enrollment system at ppsd.org or visit the Enrollment Center at 797 Westminster Street in downtown Providence. All families are required to provide proof of residency, birth certificate, immunization records, and previous school records during the enrollment process. The district serves approximately 22,000 students across more than 40 schools, and enrollment is accepted year-round, though it's recommended to register before the school year begins in late August.
Rhode Island homeschooling laws and guide
Rhode Island homeschooling operates under a relatively flexible legal framework that requires parents to provide instruction in subjects comparable to public schools and maintain an attendance record showing at least 180 days or 900 hours of instruction annually. Parents must file a simple notice of intent with their local school district but are not required to submit curriculum for approval, administer standardized tests, or possess teaching credentials. The state law (RIGL 16-19-1) recognizes homeschooling as an alternative to compulsory public school attendance without burdensome oversight.
University of Rhode Island URI complete guide 2026
The University of Rhode Island (URI) is Rhode Island's flagship public research university, located primarily in Kingston with additional campuses in Providence, Narragansett, and West Greenwich. Founded in 1892, URI enrolls approximately 18,000 students across eight colleges, offering over 100 undergraduate majors and 80 graduate programs with tuition for 2024-2026 starting at $15,164 for in-state undergraduates and $36,298 for out-of-state students. The 1,200-acre Kingston campus serves as the main hub, situated about 30 miles south of Providence off Route 138.