The Best Private Schools in Cranston, Rhode Island
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cranston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Moses Brown School
Independent Quaker School
Moses Brown School is a prestigious independent Quaker school located just minutes from Cranston in Providence. Founded in 1784, it offers a rigorous college preparatory education for students from nursery through 12th grade. The school features exceptional facilities including a 33-acre campus, state-of-the-art science labs, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and community engagement. The Quaker educational philosophy focuses on developing the whole child while maintaining academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top-tier colleges and universities.
Programs:
The Wheeler School
Independent School
The Wheeler School is a highly respected independent school serving students from nursery through 12th grade, located in Providence's East Side just a short drive from Cranston. Known for its innovative Aerie program and strong college preparatory curriculum, Wheeler combines academic rigor with creative expression across all disciplines. The school features outstanding facilities including the Lower School's "Nest" building, dedicated arts center, modern science labs, and comprehensive athletic facilities. With a focus on developing individual talents and fostering intellectual curiosity, Wheeler maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities in arts, athletics, and community service.
Programs:
Lincoln School
Independent Girls' School
Lincoln School is Rhode Island's only independent school for girls, serving students from nursery through 12th grade in Providence, easily accessible from Cranston. The school provides an empowering educational environment specifically designed to foster girls' leadership and academic achievement. Lincoln offers a comprehensive STEM program, extensive arts curriculum, and competitive athletics. The school's urban campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, performance spaces, and athletic facilities. With a strong emphasis on developing confident, capable young women, Lincoln prepares students for college success and leadership roles, maintaining a reputation for academic excellence and personalized attention with small class sizes.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cranston, Rhode Island
What are the main private school options for Cranston, RI residents, and are they located within the city?
While Cranston itself has a few parochial and independent elementary/middle schools, the most prominent top-tier private schools are located in neighboring Providence. These include Moses Brown School (Friends/Quaker, co-ed, Pre-K-12), The Wheeler School (co-ed, Pre-K-12), and Lincoln School (all-girls, Pre-K-12). Many Cranston families commute to these schools, which are typically a 15-25 minute drive. Within Cranston, options include St. Mary Academy - Bay View (all-girls, Pre-K-12 in Riverside) and several Catholic elementary schools. Transportation is a key consideration, as most schools do not provide bus service from Cranston.
How does tuition for Providence-area private schools compare for Cranston families, and what financial aid is available?
Tuition for the leading Providence-area day schools like Moses Brown, Wheeler, and Lincoln ranges from approximately $35,000 to $45,000+ for the upper grades. For Cranston residents, this is a significant investment compared to no-cost public schools. However, these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid, with many awarding millions annually. Rhode Island also has two unique scholarship programs: the **Rhode Island Corporate Scholarship Tax Credit** and the **Children's Scholarship Fund Rhode Island**, which provide partial scholarships for middle-income families. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs draw Cranston students to private schools in the metro area?
Schools like Moses Brown, Wheeler, and Lincoln offer programs that are distinct from Cranston's public offerings. These include globally recognized curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at Lincoln School, extensive STEM and robotics labs, dedicated arts facilities with professional instruction, and competitive athletic leagues (ISL). Furthermore, their urban Providence location facilitates partnerships with Brown University, RISD, and local hospitals for internships and research, providing unparalleled opportunities for high school students that are easily accessible from Cranston.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for Cranston families applying to competitive private schools in Rhode Island?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th/9th grades, families should start researching schools in the fall, 15-18 months before desired enrollment. Key steps include: attending open houses (often Oct-Nov), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student visits/assessments in winter, and receiving decisions in March. For Cranston families, it's common to apply to multiple schools. Many schools require the ISEE or SSAT standardized test. Early planning is essential, especially for financial aid applications which have similar deadlines.
How do the educational environments of Cranston's top public schools compare to the leading private schools in the Providence area?
Cranston has well-regarded public schools, but the private school experience offers distinct differences. Private schools like Moses Brown and Wheeler typically have much smaller class sizes (10-15 students vs. 20-25+), allowing for highly individualized attention. Their curricula are often more flexible and accelerated, with less standardization than Rhode Island's (RICAS) testing framework. They also emphasize specific educational philosophies (e.g., Quaker values at Moses Brown) and have significantly larger endowments per student, funding advanced facilities and programs. The trade-off for Cranston families is the commute and cost versus the potential for a tailored, resource-rich educational environment.
Private Education Insights
Exploring Non-Religious Private Schools in Cranston, RI: A Parent's Guide
For families in Cranston seeking an exceptional private education that aligns with a secular or pluralistic worldview, the landscape of non religious private schools offers a compelling array of choices. This path is about finding a community that prioritizes academic rigor, character development, and inclusive values without a faith-based curriculum. In our compact state, Cranston residents benefit from proximity to some of Rhode Island’s most prestigious independent schools, many of which are founded on secular, humanistic traditions. Navigating these options requires an understanding of what defines a non-religious school and how their missions translate into daily life for your child.
The distinction often lies in the educational philosophy and community ethos. Schools like Moses Brown School in Providence, though founded by the Quaker Society of Friends, operate as essentially non-sectarian and are widely recognized for their inclusive, values-based education that welcomes families of all beliefs. Their emphasis on community, service, and quiet reflection stems from Quaker principles but is presented in a universal, non-doctrinal way. Similarly, The Wheeler School in Providence’s East Side is fully independent and secular, renowned for its innovative "Aerie" interdisciplinary program and a strong emphasis on connecting arts and academics. For Cranston parents, these schools are a short commute away, offering campuses that feel like a world apart with their extensive facilities and diverse student bodies.
Specifically for families seeking a non religious private school environment, the Lincoln School in Providence stands out as a leading independent school for girls from nursery through grade twelve. Its secular curriculum is deeply focused on empowering young women through leadership, STEM, and the arts, all within a framework that celebrates diverse perspectives without religious affiliation. The practical consideration for Cranston families involves more than philosophy; it's about logistics and fit. Visiting these schools is crucial. A drive from Garden City to Providence’s East Side is manageable, but experiencing the morning drop-off traffic on Hope Street or Elmgrove Avenue provides real-world context. Engage with current parents from Cranston to understand the commute and the carpool culture that often develops.
When evaluating non religious private schools, look beyond the label. Investigate how each institution fosters ethics and community. Many secular schools have robust service-learning programs and advisory systems that build character explicitly through shared human values. Financial investment is significant, but most offer substantial need-based financial aid, making them accessible to a broader range of Cranston families. The ultimate goal is to find a school where your child’s intellectual curiosity is matched by a supportive, open-minded community. The journey to find the right independent school in our area is a deeply personal one, but for those valuing a secular education grounded in excellence, the options within reach of Cranston are both exceptional and transformative, promising an education that prepares students not for a particular creed, but for the complex, interconnected world they will lead.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities