The Best Private Schools in Charlestown, Rhode Island
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Charlestown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Wheeler School
Independent
The Wheeler School is a highly regarded independent day school serving students from nursery through grade 12. Located in Providence, it serves families throughout Rhode Island including Charlestown area. Wheeler offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on both academics and character development. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic complexes. Notable for its innovative Aerie program that integrates design thinking and entrepreneurship across all grade levels. The school maintains small class sizes with a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics, performing arts, and community service programs.
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Moses Brown School
Independent (Quaker)
Moses Brown School is one of New England's oldest and most prestigious independent schools, serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Located in Providence, it draws students from Charlestown and throughout southern Rhode Island. The school offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program alongside its Quaker-inspired educational philosophy that emphasizes inquiry, reflection, and social responsibility. Features include a 33-acre campus with modern science and technology centers, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. The school is particularly known for its strong STEM programs, competitive robotics teams, and championship athletic programs. Maintains a diverse community with students from over 60 communities.
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The Williams School
Independent
The Williams School is an independent college preparatory day school serving students in grades 6-12, with many families commuting from Charlestown and surrounding Rhode Island communities. Located just across the state line in New London, Connecticut, the school offers a challenging academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and specialized programs in marine science leveraging its coastal location. The school features small class sizes with an average of 12 students per class and a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Notable for its strong arts programs, competitive athletics, and partnership with nearby Connecticut College which provides access to college-level resources and facilities. The school emphasizes global perspectives and community engagement through various international programs and service learning opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Charlestown, Rhode Island
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Charlestown, Rhode Island, and are they located within the town?
While Charlestown itself is a smaller coastal community with limited on-site private schools, families typically look to nearby Providence and the greater South County region. The top-tier independent schools like The Wheeler School and Moses Brown School are located in Providence, approximately a 45-60 minute commute. The Williams School is in New London, CT, across the state line. For a closer option, parents often consider smaller parochial schools in neighboring Wakefield or Westerly. Transportation is a key consideration, as most Charlestown families will need to drive or arrange for busing to these institutions.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Charlestown, RI, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are specifically available for Rhode Island residents?
Tuition for schools like Wheeler and Moses Brown ranges from approximately $40,000 to $50,000+ for the upper grades, which is above the Rhode Island private school average. However, these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid, with many families receiving grants that significantly reduce the cost. Rhode Island residents should also explore the Rhode Island School Choice Initiative, which allows students in underperforming districts to attend participating private schools, though this program has specific eligibility requirements. Additionally, the state's tax-advantaged 529 college savings plans can be used for K-12 private school tuition up to $10,000 per year.
Given Charlestown's coastal environment, are there private schools in the area that offer specialized programs in marine science or environmental studies?
Yes, Charlestown's location near the Atlantic Ocean and numerous salt ponds influences educational opportunities. While the major Providence schools have strong science departments, parents should look specifically at schools with outdoor and environmental programs. For example, The Wheeler School's "Aerie" program emphasizes outdoor education. More locally, the Prout School in Wakefield (a Catholic, co-ed option) has a renowned Marine Science program that utilizes the nearby coastline for hands-on learning, making it a popular choice for South County families interested in this specialization.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Charlestown, RI, families, and how far in advance should we apply?
The timeline for competitive day schools like Wheeler and Moses Brown is rigorous and begins over a year in advance. The process typically starts in the fall (September-October) for admission the following academic year. Key steps include attending open houses (often virtual or in-person in Providence), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments/interviews, and receiving decisions in March. For families in Charlestown, it's crucial to start research and school visits in the spring or summer before applying, as travel to Providence for tours and interviews requires planning. Waiting lists are common, so having alternative options is wise.
How do the class sizes and educational approaches of private schools accessible from Charlestown compare to those of the Chariho Regional Public School District?
The Chariho Regional School District (serving Charlestown, Richmond, and Hopkinton) has an average class size that is generally larger than those at top private options. Private schools like Moses Brown and Wheeler often maintain student-to-teacher ratios of 8:1 or 9:1, allowing for highly individualized attention. Educationally, these private schools often offer more progressive or specific pedagogical approaches (e.g., Wheeler's "Mind, Heart, and Character" motto, Moses Brown's Quaker foundation) compared to the standard public curriculum. However, Chariho offers certain strengths, including extensive extracurriculars and newer facilities, without tuition. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for a specific educational philosophy and the value placed on small, discussion-based classrooms versus the comprehensive, community-based public system.
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