Education
Schools, colleges, and educational resources in Rhode Island.
30 articles
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.
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.
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.
Best public libraries in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island's best public libraries in 2026 include the Providence Public Library (150 Empire St), the largest in the state with extensive digital resources and historical archives; the Westerly Public Library (44 Broad St), known for its Hoxie Gallery and oceanfront Wilcox branch; the Barrington Public Library (281 County Rd), recognized for innovative programming; and the Warwick Public Library system, featuring five modern branches serving the state's second-largest city. Each offers free library cards to Rhode Island residents and provides access to books, digital media, meeting spaces, and community programs.
Best tutoring services in Providence 2026
Providence offers numerous high-quality tutoring services in 2026, including Sylvan Learning Center on North Main Street, Huntington Learning Center in East Providence, and locally-owned options like Providence Academic Tutoring on Hope Street. Most services charge between $50-$85 per hour for one-on-one sessions, with specialty test prep and STEM tutoring reaching $100+ per hour. Many tutors serve students from elementary through college level, covering Providence Public Schools curriculum, private school requirements at Wheeler, Moses Brown, and Lincoln School, as well as standardized test preparation.
Rhode Island SAT ACT prep guide 2026
Rhode Island students preparing for the SAT or ACT in 2026 have access to numerous prep resources including free courses through public libraries like the Providence Public Library's test prep program, commercial tutoring centers such as Huntington Learning Center in Warwick and Cranston, and school-based programs at institutions like La Salle Academy and Moses Brown School. The average SAT score for Rhode Island students is approximately 1060, slightly below the national average, making targeted preparation particularly valuable for college-bound students seeking admission to competitive institutions like Brown University, University of Rhode Island, or out-of-state 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 summer school programs guide
Rhode Island offers diverse summer school programs through public school districts, private institutions, and community organizations from late June through early August. Most public school districts provide free academic remediation and enrichment programs for enrolled students, while organizations like the Providence After School Alliance, URI's Summer Pre-College Programs, and individual private schools offer specialized camps ranging from $200 to $3,000+ depending on duration and focus. Registration typically opens in March or April, with many programs filling up by mid-May.
Rhode Island FAFSA financial aid guide 2026
Rhode Island students applying for federal financial aid in 2026 must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by submitting the 2026-26 form, which opens on October 1, 2024. Rhode Island's priority deadline is March 1, 2026, for state grant programs administered by the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner. Students attending any of Rhode Island's colleges—including URI, RIC, CCRI, Providence College, Brown, RISD, Bryant, Johnson & Wales, Salve Regina, and Roger Williams—should submit their FAFSA as early as possible to maximize federal, state, and institutional aid eligibility.
Rhode Island charter schools guide 2026
Rhode Island has 25 public charter schools serving approximately 9,000 students across the state as of 2026, operating under authorization from the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). These tuition-free public schools serve students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and admit students through lottery systems when applications exceed available seats. Charter schools in Rhode Island follow state academic standards but have flexibility in curriculum, teaching methods, and school culture while remaining accountable for student performance.
Best preschools and daycare in Providence 2026
Providence offers diverse preschool and daycare options for 2026, with top-rated centers including The Wheeler School Early Childhood Program on the East Side, Community Care for Kids locations in Federal Hill and South Providence, and Gloria Dei Lutheran Preschool in Wayland Square. Families should expect to pay $250-$450 per week for full-time care, with many programs accepting Rhode Island Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) subsidies. Wait lists at popular centers can be 6-12 months, so parents should begin their search early in pregnancy or immediately upon moving to the city.
Best public schools in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island's top-performing public schools in 2026 include several standout institutions based on state assessment scores, college readiness metrics, and academic achievement. The highest-ranked schools include Barrington High School, East Greenwich High School, Rocky Hill School in East Greenwich, and several Barrington elementary schools. These schools consistently demonstrate excellence in standardized testing, with proficiency rates exceeding state averages by significant margins, and boast strong graduation rates above 95%.