The Best Private Schools in Little Compton, Rhode Island
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Little Compton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Michael's Country Day School
Independent
St. Michael's Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. Located just 15 minutes from Little Compton in Newport, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with a strong focus on community values and leadership development. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and nurturing environment that prepares students for top secondary schools.
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The Wheeler School
Independent
The Wheeler School is a prestigious independent day school serving students from nursery through 12th grade. Located in Providence approximately 30 minutes from Little Compton, Wheeler offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with exceptional arts and athletics programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including the Angell Street Campus for younger students and the Hope Street Campus for middle and upper school students. Wheeler is known for its innovative approach to education, strong community values, and excellent college placement record. The school provides transportation options for families in the South County area.
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Providence Country Day School
Independent
Providence Country Day School is an independent college preparatory school serving students in grades 6-12. Located about 25 minutes from Little Compton in East Providence, PCD offers a challenging academic environment with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features modern academic facilities, science labs, art studios, and athletic complexes. PCD emphasizes critical thinking, character development, and leadership skills, with a strong focus on preparing students for competitive colleges. The school offers extensive transportation options serving the greater Providence area and South Coast regions, making it accessible to Little Compton families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Little Compton, Rhode Island
Are there any private schools physically located within Little Compton, Rhode Island, and what are the primary options for families in the area?
There are no private schools with campuses physically located within the town of Little Compton itself. Families in Little Compton typically look at well-regarded independent day schools in the broader East Bay and Providence areas. The most commonly considered options include St. Michael's Country Day School in Newport (approximately a 25-minute drive), The Wheeler School in Providence (about a 45-60 minute drive), and Providence Country Day School in East Providence (roughly a 45-minute drive). Many Little Compton families manage these commutes, often forming carpools.
What is the average tuition range for private day schools accessible from Little Compton, RI, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the primary private schools serving Little Compton families typically ranges from approximately $30,000 to $45,000+ per year for the upper grades. Rhode Island offers the Corporate Scholarship Tax Credit program, which provides need-based scholarships to students attending private schools. Families must apply through the participating school, which administers the funds. Additionally, all major schools like St. Michael's, Wheeler, and PCD offer their own substantial need-based financial aid, and it's crucial to apply for aid during the admission application process.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at schools like St. Michael's, Wheeler, and Providence Country Day cater to students from a coastal community like Little Compton?
These schools often integrate their proximity to Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean into their curricula, which resonates with Little Compton students. You may find robust marine biology programs, environmental science electives focused on coastal ecosystems, and sailing teams. St. Michael's, given its Newport location, has a strong maritime connection. Wheeler and PCD, while more urban, offer extensive outdoor education and travel programs that can complement a student's upbringing in a rural, coastal setting. Their arts programs also often draw inspiration from Rhode Island's rich cultural and natural landscape.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for Rhode Island private schools for a family residing in Little Compton?
The admission process for these schools is highly standardized and begins well in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses in the fall (September-November), submitting applications by January/February for the following academic year, and completing student visits and assessments in the winter. Given the distance from Little Compton, planning for visit days requires careful scheduling. Notification dates are typically in March. It is highly advisable for Little Compton families to start the research and visit process 12-18 months before desired enrollment, especially for competitive entry grades.
For a family living in Little Compton with excellent public schools, what are the key factors to consider when deciding between the local public school and a private day school with a significant commute?
This is a central consideration for Little Compton families. The local Little Compton Elementary School and Wilbur & McMahon School (regional for grades 7-12) are highly regarded. Choosing a private school involves weighing the daily commute time (1-2 hours round trip) against perceived benefits such as specialized academic programs, smaller class sizes at certain levels, different extracurricular offerings, and a potentially broader peer network. The financial investment is also substantial. Many families make the choice based on a specific educational philosophy, a need for a different learning environment, or a desire for a college-preparatory focus that begins in earlier grades than the regional public system provides.
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