The Best Private Schools in Greenville, Rhode Island
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Greenville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Moses Brown School
Independent
Moses Brown School is one of New England's oldest and most prestigious independent schools, located just 15 minutes from Greenville. This Friends school serves students from nursery through grade 12 with a Quaker-inspired education that emphasizes inquiry, reflection, and social responsibility. The 33-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and arts spaces. The school offers a challenging academic program with strong emphasis on project-based learning, character development, and community engagement. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, Moses Brown maintains a 100% college acceptance rate while fostering intellectual curiosity and ethical leadership.
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The Wheeler School
Independent
The Wheeler School is a highly respected independent day school serving students from nursery through grade 12. Located just 15 minutes from Greenville, Wheeler offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional arts integration and STEM programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Wheeler emphasizes personalized learning and character development. The school has a 100% college acceptance rate and is known for its diverse community and comprehensive extracurricular offerings.
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Lincoln School
Independent
Lincoln School is Rhode Island's only independent school for girls, serving students from preschool through grade 12. Located approximately 12 miles from Greenville, Lincoln offers the International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college preparatory courses. The school features outstanding facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. Lincoln emphasizes leadership development, STEM education, and global perspectives. With a strong sense of community and dedicated faculty, the school prepares students for top colleges while fostering confidence and academic excellence in a supportive all-girls environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Greenville, Rhode Island
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Greenville, Rhode Island?
While Greenville itself is a village within Smithfield, RI, families here have access to several prestigious independent schools in the greater Providence area. The most notable are The Wheeler School (in Providence, approx. 15-20 min drive), Lincoln School (in Providence, all-girls), and Moses Brown School (in Providence, Friends education). These are day schools, and while not located directly in Greenville, they are the primary private institutions serving the community. There are also Catholic diocesan schools in nearby towns. Transportation is typically the family's responsibility, though some schools may offer bus routes.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Greenville, RI, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid resources?
Tuition for the leading schools like Wheeler, Lincoln, and Moses Brown for the 2024-25 academic year typically ranges from approximately $40,000 to $48,000 for upper grades. All these schools offer robust need-based financial aid, with many families receiving grants. A key Rhode Island-specific resource is the **Rhode Island School Choice Scholarship**, a tax-credit scholarship program for K-12 students that can provide significant tuition assistance to eligible families. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, using the SSS (School and Student Services) platform.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Greenville, RI, offer that distinguish them?
Schools in this region emphasize distinctive educational philosophies. Moses Brown provides a Quaker-based, reflective education with a strong focus on community and ethics. The Wheeler School is known for its innovative "Aerie" interdisciplinary program and a strong emphasis on design thinking and the arts. Lincoln School, as Rhode Island's only all-girls independent school, focuses on empowering young women with leadership and STEM opportunities. Proximity to Providence also allows for partnerships with local colleges, museums, and hospitals, enriching science, art, and internship programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Greenville, RI, area?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry in Fall, the ideal timeline is to start researching schools in the spring/summer prior. Key steps include: attending open houses (often Sept-Nov), submitting applications by January deadlines (common for grades 1-12), and completing student visits/interviews and standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) in the winter. Admission decisions are typically released in March. For kindergarten, some schools have earlier timelines or lotteries. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry points, it's essential to contact admissions offices at Wheeler, Lincoln, and Moses Brown 12-18 months in advance.
For a family in Greenville, what are the practical considerations when comparing the local public schools (Smithfield) to the nearby private options?
Smithfield Public Schools are highly regarded, which makes the decision nuanced. Key considerations include: **Class Size** (private schools often have 12-18 students vs. larger public classes), **Educational Approach** (private schools offer specific philosophies like Friends or single-gender), and **Program Consistency** (private schools can offer specialized arts, languages, or advanced curricula at all grades). Logistically, consider the **daily commute** to Providence (20+ mins) and **cost** versus the no-tuition, neighborhood-based public system. Many Greenville families choose private schools for a particular pedagogical match or community, not due to a deficiency in the strong local public schools.
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