The Best Private Schools in Bradford, Rhode Island
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bradford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Montessori School of Westerly
American Montessori Society
The Montessori School of Westerly is a highly respected private school serving the Bradford/Westerly area with authentic Montessori education for children ages 3-12. The school features beautifully prepared classrooms, extensive outdoor learning environments, and a dedicated faculty trained in Montessori methodology. Their program emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on materials, and development of the whole child. The school maintains small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios and offers comprehensive enrichment programs including music, art, foreign language, and physical education. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and the strong academic foundation it provides.
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Kingston Hill Academy
Independent
Kingston Hill Academy is an innovative independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade in the Southern Rhode Island region, including Bradford. The school's unique approach combines project-based learning with comprehensive academic foundations, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Their campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces including nature trails and gardens. The curriculum integrates STEAM education with humanities, and small class sizes ensure personalized attention. Parents consistently highlight the school's engaging learning environment, dedicated teachers, and strong sense of community that fosters student growth and achievement.
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The Prout School
Diocese of Providence
The Prout School is a premier Catholic, coeducational college preparatory high school serving Southern Rhode Island, including Bradford families. As the only Catholic high school in Washington County, Prout offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive college counseling. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic facilities, and technology-integrated classrooms. The school emphasizes character development, community service, and spiritual growth alongside academic excellence. With strong athletic programs and extensive extracurricular opportunities, Prout consistently graduates students who attend top-tier colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bradford, Rhode Island
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Bradford, Rhode Island?
While Bradford itself is a small village, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Washington County area. The most prominent options include The Prout School (a Catholic, co-educational college preparatory school in Wakefield), Kingston Hill Academy (a private school in Kingston focusing on individualized learning), and The Montessori School of Westerly. Many Bradford families also consider schools in nearby Connecticut. It's important to note that Bradford does not host a major private school campus within its immediate borders, so commuting is a standard expectation.
How does the tuition for private schools near Bradford, RI, compare to the state average, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for day schools in the Bradford area typically ranges from approximately $10,000 to $20,000+ per year, aligning with or slightly below the average for Rhode Island private schools. Rhode Island offers the "Rhode Island School Choice" tax deduction, allowing families to deduct up to $1,000 per student for educational expenses, including private school tuition. Additionally, the state's "Corporate Scholarship Tax Credit" program can provide need-based scholarships. Schools like The Prout School and Kingston Hill Academy have their own financial aid and merit scholarship programs, and it's highly recommended to apply for aid directly during the admissions process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Bradford, RI community?
Schools in this region often leverage their coastal New England setting. The Prout School offers robust marine biology and environmental science programs, with potential for fieldwork in the local salt ponds and ocean access points near Bradford. Kingston Hill Academy emphasizes project-based and experiential learning, often incorporating local history and ecology. The Montessori School of Westerly provides the distinctive Montessori curriculum for younger students. Many schools also have strong arts programs and, given the proximity to universities like URI, may offer advanced STEM partnerships or dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Bradford, RI area?
The admissions cycle for most private schools in South County, RI, including those serving Bradford, follows a traditional independent school calendar. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in fall, September-November), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, and completing student visits/assessments. Notification dates are typically in March. Given the limited seats, especially in popular schools like The Prout School, starting the process early in the fall is crucial. Some schools, like Kingston Hill Academy, may have rolling admissions if space allows, but planning for the main cycle is advisable.
For a family in Bradford, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (Chariho Regional School District) and a private school?
The primary consideration is the district model. Bradford is part of the Chariho Regional School District (serving Charlestown, Richmond, and Hopkinton), which means students attend centralized schools outside the village. Private schools offer an alternative to this regional busing system, often with smaller class sizes and specific pedagogical approaches (e.g., college-prep, Montessori). However, this comes with tuition costs and a commute, often south to Wakefield or Kingston, or north to Westerly. Academically, Chariho High School offers a wide array of AP courses and vocational programs, while private schools provide a focused environment. The decision often hinges on desired educational philosophy, budget, and the value placed on a community-based versus regionally-drawn student body.
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