The Best Private Schools in Harrisville, Rhode Island
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Harrisville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Gordon School
Independent
The Gordon School is a highly regarded independent school serving students from preschool through eighth grade. Known for its progressive educational approach and commitment to diversity and inclusion, Gordon offers a challenging academic program that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility. The school features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Gordon provides personalized attention and strong community engagement, serving families from Harrisville and throughout the greater Providence area.
Programs:
Moses Brown School
Independent
Moses Brown School is one of New England's most prestigious independent schools with a rich Quaker heritage. Serving students from nursery through grade 12, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional STEM programs, arts education, and athletics. The 33-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a focus on character development and intellectual growth, Moses Brown attracts students from Harrisville and across Rhode Island, maintaining strong college placement records and comprehensive student support services.
Programs:
Lincoln School
Independent
Lincoln School is Rhode Island's only independent school for girls, offering education from preschool through grade 12. The school provides a challenging International Baccalaureate curriculum alongside innovative STEM and arts programs. Lincoln emphasizes leadership development, global perspective, and academic excellence in a supportive all-girls environment. The school features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and dedicated spaces for innovation and collaboration. Serving students from Harrisville and surrounding communities, Lincoln prepares young women for college success with a 100% college acceptance rate and strong alumnae network.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Harrisville, Rhode Island
Are there any private schools physically located within Harrisville, Rhode Island, or will we need to commute to nearby towns?
Harrisville itself is a village within the town of Burrillville and does not have a major private school campus within its immediate boundaries. The top private schools serving Harrisville families, like The Gordon School (East Providence), Moses Brown School (Providence), and Lincoln School (Providence), are located in the greater Providence area, typically a 30-45 minute commute. Some families also consider smaller parochial options in neighboring Woonsocket or North Smithfield. Transportation is often a key logistical consideration, with most schools offering bus service for an additional fee from centralized locations rather than door-to-door in Harrisville.
How does Rhode Island's tax-advantaged 529 plan work for private K-12 tuition, and can it be used for schools like Gordon, Moses Brown, or Lincoln?
Rhode Island's CollegeBound 529 plan can be used for up to $10,000 per year per beneficiary for K-12 tuition expenses under federal law. This applies to all the mentioned private schools. Contributions to the plan are made with after-tax dollars, but earnings grow tax-free and withdrawals for qualified K-12 tuition are not subject to Rhode Island state income tax. This provides a specific financial planning advantage for Rhode Island residents investing in private education. It's important to consult with a financial advisor to understand the impact on your specific finances and potential implications for future college savings.
What unique outdoor or environmental education programs do private schools near Harrisville, RI, offer that leverage the local geography?
Schools serving the Harrisville area often integrate Rhode Island's distinct environmental resources into their curricula. The Gordon School emphasizes place-based learning and sustainability, with programs that might include studies of the Blackstone River Valley heritage. Moses Brown School features a robust environmental science program and a campus farm. Lincoln School offers interdisciplinary projects connected to local ecosystems. For Harrisville families, this means your child's education can connect directly to the woods, watersheds, and historical mill towns of northern Rhode Island and Massachusetts, providing a meaningful context that large, generic programs cannot replicate.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and key deadline for applying to competitive Providence-area private schools from Harrisville?
The timeline for day schools like Gordon, Moses Brown, and Lincoln is highly structured. The process typically begins in the fall (September-October) a full year before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (Oct-Nov), submitting applications by January (often Jan 15 or 31), completing student visits/assessments in January-February, and receiving decisions in mid-March. For Harrisville families, it's crucial to start early due to the travel time required for visits and interviews. Financial aid applications (SSS) are usually due concurrently with admission applications. We recommend initiating inquiries in the summer before you plan to apply.
For a family in Harrisville, how do the class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios in local public schools compare to the leading private school options?
Burrillville public schools, which serve Harrisville, are well-regarded but have larger average class sizes, typically ranging from 18-25 students in elementary grades. In contrast, the leading private options offer significantly lower ratios. For example, The Gordon School averages 14-16 students per class with a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Moses Brown maintains a 8:1 ratio, and Lincoln School boasts a 6:1 ratio. This difference translates to more individualized attention, differentiated instruction, and student participation. For parents seeking a highly personalized learning environment, the private schools provide a distinct advantage, albeit at a significant financial investment.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities