The Best Private Schools in Kingston, Rhode Island
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kingston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The French-American School of Rhode Island
Independent
The French-American School of Rhode Island is a highly-regarded bilingual independent school serving the Kingston area and broader South County region. Offering a comprehensive French immersion program from preschool through 8th grade, the school provides a rigorous academic curriculum combined with international perspectives. The school features small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a strong focus on developing bilingual, bicultural students. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. The school is known for its welcoming community and strong parent satisfaction, with many families commuting from Kingston for the unique bilingual education experience.
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The Montessori Community School of Rhode Island
American Montessori Society
Located just minutes from Kingston in neighboring Narragansett, The Montessori Community School serves families throughout South Kingstown and surrounding communities. This AMS-accredited school offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 3-12, featuring individualized learning plans, hands-on materials, and mixed-age classrooms. The school emphasizes character development, independence, and academic excellence within a nurturing environment. Facilities include purpose-built Montessori classrooms, extensive outdoor play areas, and specialized learning materials. Parents consistently praise the school's dedicated teachers and the strong sense of community, making it a popular choice for Kingston-area families seeking alternative education options.
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The Prout School
Catholic Independent
The Prout School is a comprehensive Catholic independent high school located in nearby Wakefield that serves students from Kingston and throughout South County. As the only Catholic high school in Washington County, Prout offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts offerings. The 40-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science and technology labs, performing arts center, athletic facilities, and chapel. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and character formation, the school attracts students from diverse backgrounds and maintains strong college acceptance rates. Many Kingston families choose Prout for its balanced approach to education and strong community values.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kingston, Rhode Island
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Kingston, Rhode Island?
Kingston itself is home to a few notable private institutions, though many families in the area also consider schools in nearby South Kingstown and the broader Washington County. The most prominent local options include The Prout School, a Catholic, co-educational college preparatory high school located in Wakefield just minutes from Kingston. For younger students, The Montessori Community School of Rhode Island in Peace Dale offers preschool through 6th-grade education. While not in Kingston proper, The French-American School of Rhode Island in Providence is a regional draw for its bilingual curriculum. Many Kingston families also look at independent day schools in neighboring Connecticut or boarding schools throughout New England, given the town's central New England location.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Kingston, RI area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Kingston area is generally aligned with or slightly below the average for Rhode Island private schools, partly due to the suburban/rural setting compared to Providence. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect a range from approximately $10,000-$15,000 for elementary programs like The Montessori Community School to around $20,000-$25,000 for secondary schools like The Prout School. Rhode Island offers the Rhode Island Corporate Scholarship Tax Credit program, which provides need-based scholarships for K-12 students to attend private schools. Additionally, most schools, including Prout, have robust financial aid and scholarship programs funded through endowments and fundraising. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or specialized programs are offered by private schools serving Kingston, RI, students?
Private schools in the Kingston area leverage their proximity to the University of Rhode Island (URI) to offer distinctive programs. The Prout School, for instance, has a renowned STEM program and offers URI-sponsored dual enrollment courses, allowing students to earn college credit. Its environmental science program benefits from local coastal ecosystems. The Montessori Community School emphasizes hands-on, individualized learning rooted in Montessori philosophy. For families seeking language immersion, while not in Kingston, The French-American School of Rhode Island offers a full bilingual curriculum. The academic focus in this region often ties into marine sciences, environmental studies, and leveraging university partnerships, which is a significant advantage over many other locations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like The Prout School for Kingston residents?
The enrollment process for Kingston-area private schools is competitive, especially for sought-after schools like The Prout School. The timeline typically begins in the fall, with open houses held from September through November. Application deadlines are often in January or February for the following academic year. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and for secondary schools, standardized test scores (like the HSPT for Prout). Many schools require a family interview and student visit or assessment day. Kingston families are advised to start research and attend open houses in the fall of the year prior to desired enrollment. Rolling admissions may be available for some grades if spaces remain, but applying by the priority deadline is strongly recommended.
For families considering both, what are the key differences between the Kingston, RI public school system (South Kingstown School District) and the local private school options?
The South Kingstown School District, which serves Kingston, is highly regarded, making the choice between public and private nuanced. Key differences include class size—private schools like Prout or Montessori typically offer smaller student-to-teacher ratios. Curriculum flexibility is another factor; private schools can offer specialized religious education (e.g., Prout's Catholic foundation) or specific pedagogical approaches (e.g., Montessori). Private schools often have more extensive extracurricular and advanced placement offerings relative to their size, thanks to focused funding. However, the public district provides no-cost education, extensive sports and arts programs due to its larger size, and serves as a community hub. Many Kingston families choose private schools for a specific educational philosophy or religious alignment, while others value the strong, comprehensive, and tuition-free public system.
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