The Best Private Schools in Cumberland, Rhode Island
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cumberland. 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 highly prestigious independent Quaker school renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum and values-based education. It offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with exceptional strengths in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), visual and performing arts, and competitive athletics. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities including modern labs and arts spaces, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Parent satisfaction is high due to its strong community focus, excellent college placement records, and commitment to developing well-rounded students.
Programs:
The Wheeler School
Independent School
The Wheeler School is a top-tier independent institution known for its dynamic and innovative educational approach. It emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and creativity across a robust curriculum that includes strong arts, sciences, and athletics programs. The school boasts excellent facilities such as advanced science laboratories, art studios, and athletic complexes, along with a supportive community and high teacher-student ratios. Wheeler is celebrated for its college preparation, diverse extracurricular offerings, and high levels of parent and student satisfaction, making it a leading choice for families in the region.
Programs:
The Pennfield School
Independent School
The Pennfield School is an esteemed independent day school offering a progressive, Montessori-inspired education for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It focuses on fostering independence, curiosity, and character development through hands-on learning and community engagement. The school features a beautiful campus with modern classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and dedicated teachers who provide personalized attention. Academic excellence is complemented by strong arts, sciences, and extracurricular programs, leading to high parent satisfaction and a nurturing environment that prepares students for future success.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cumberland, Rhode Island
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Cumberland, Rhode Island, and are there any located directly within the town?
While Cumberland itself has a limited number of private schools, families have access to several highly-regarded independent schools in the immediate surrounding area of Northern Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts. The most prominent nearby options include The Pennfield School (Pre-K-8 in Portsmouth), Moses Brown School (Pre-K-12 in Providence), and The Wheeler School (Nursery-12 in Providence). Cumberland residents also frequently consider nearby Catholic schools like St. Mary Academy - Bay View (Pre-K-12 in Riverside) and The Prout School (9-12 in Wakefield). There is no major independent K-12 school physically located within Cumberland's borders, so commuting to neighboring towns is a standard expectation for private school families in the area.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Cumberland, RI, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools accessible to Cumberland families is generally above the Rhode Island private school average. For the 2024-2025 academic year, upper school tuition at schools like Moses Brown and Wheeler can exceed $45,000, while The Pennfield School's 6-8 grade tuition is approximately $38,000. Importantly, these institutions are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It is common for 20-30% of the student body at these schools to receive aid, with grants that can significantly reduce the cost. Rhode Island also offers the Rhode Island School Choice Tax Credit, which allows corporations to receive tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations, indirectly supporting financial aid pools for eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Cumberland, RI, area that leverage local resources or history?
Private schools in the Greater Providence area, accessible to Cumberland students, often integrate Rhode Island's rich historical, marine, and artistic resources into their curricula. For example, Moses Brown School's "Zephyr" engineering program engages with local industries and URI. The Wheeler School's partnership with the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) provides unparalleled arts opportunities. The Pennfield School utilizes its coastal location for environmental science studies at Norman Bird Sanctuary and Sachuest Point. Many schools also participate in the Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) for athletics, competing against both private and public schools across the state, fostering a deep local connection.
What is the typical enrollment and application timeline for competitive private schools near Cumberland, and how can local families prepare?
The admission process for schools like Moses Brown, Wheeler, and Pennfield follows a highly structured timeline. Key steps for the following fall enrollment usually begin 12-14 months in advance. Inquiry and campus tours (often in-person and virtual) are available year-round but are most concentrated in the fall. Application deadlines are typically in mid-January, with standardized assessments (like the ISEE or SSAT) taken in the fall or winter. Admission decisions are released in mid-March. For Cumberland families, it is crucial to plan ahead, as many local applicants also come from Providence, Barrington, and Massachusetts, making spaces competitive. Attending fall open houses and connecting with admission officers familiar with the Cumberland community is highly recommended.
For a family in Cumberland weighing private versus public schools, what are the key considerations specific to this town's educational landscape?
Cumberland operates a well-regarded public school district, which means the decision often hinges on specific educational philosophy, class size, and programmatic offerings. A key consideration is the town's high school configuration: Cumberland High School is a large, comprehensive public school, while private options offer smaller, more intimate settings. Families may seek private education for a particular pedagogical approach (e.g., Wheeler's "Mind, Heart, Character" or Moses Brown's Quaker values), a more consistent trajectory from pre-K through 12th grade, or specialized programs not available in the public system. Conversely, staying with Cumberland Public Schools offers continuity within the community, no commute, and no tuition. The decision often involves touring both Cumberland's public schools and nearby private options to compare culture, resources, and fit for the individual child.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities