The Best Private Schools in North Kingstown, Rhode Island
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in North Kingstown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Rocky Hill School
Independent
Rocky Hill School is a prestigious independent day school serving students from preschool through grade 12. Located just 15 minutes from North Kingstown, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional STEM programs and unique marine science opportunities leveraging its coastal location. The 84-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, innovation spaces, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes personalized learning with small class sizes and has a strong track record of college placements to top universities.
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Moses Brown School
Independent Quaker School
Moses Brown School is one of New England's most respected independent schools with a rich Quaker heritage. Serving students from nursery through grade 12, the school offers a challenging academic program with extensive Advanced Placement options and innovative STEM facilities. The 33-acre campus includes modern science centers, arts facilities, and athletic complexes. The school's Quaker values inform its educational approach, emphasizing community, social responsibility, and intellectual curiosity. Many families from North Kingstown commute to this Providence-based institution for its exceptional college preparation and comprehensive programs.
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Lincoln School
Independent Girls' School
Lincoln School is Rhode Island's only independent school for girls, offering education from preschool through grade 12. The school provides a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college preparatory courses. Known for its strong emphasis on developing female leaders in STEM fields, the school features specialized science and technology facilities. The urban campus in Providence serves students from throughout the region, including North Kingstown families seeking single-gender education with proven academic outcomes and extensive extracurricular opportunities in arts, athletics, and community service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in North Kingstown, Rhode Island
What are the primary private school options serving families in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, and are they located directly in the town?
While North Kingstown itself has a limited number of private schools within its immediate borders, it is exceptionally well-positioned to access some of Rhode Island's most prestigious institutions. The most prominent options for North Kingstown families include The Rocky Hill School (located in nearby East Greenwich), Moses Brown School (in Providence), and Lincoln School (in Providence). Many families also consider Wheeler School in Providence and the French-American School of Rhode Island in Providence. The commute to Providence is typically 25-40 minutes via Route 4 and I-95, making these top-tier day schools a viable option for North Kingstown residents seeking a private education.
How does tuition for private schools in the North Kingstown, RI, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools accessible from North Kingstown varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, upper school tuition at Moses Brown and Lincoln School can exceed $45,000, while The Rocky Hill School's tuition is generally slightly lower. It's important to budget for additional costs like transportation, technology fees, and extracurricular activities. Fortunately, these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid. For example, Moses Brown awards over $7 million annually in aid. Rhode Island also offers the **Rhode Island School Choice Initiative**, which provides tax-credit scholarships to eligible families, and the **Children's Scholarship Fund Rhode Island**, which offers need-based partial scholarships, both of which can help North Kingstown residents offset costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near North Kingstown offer that leverage Rhode Island's coastal environment?
Several private schools in the area have developed distinctive programs that capitalize on Rhode Island's maritime heritage and Narragansett Bay. The Rocky Hill School features its **Center for Innovation, Design, and Engineering** and a renowned **Marine Science** program that includes hands-on work at their waterfront campus on the Potowomut River. Moses Brown School emphasizes environmental stewardship and offers courses and projects connected to the bay's ecosystem. These schools often incorporate field trips to local sites like the URI Graduate School of Oceanography in Narragansett and the Save The Bay headquarters in Providence, providing North Kingstown students with unparalleled access to marine biology and environmental science education.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Moses Brown or Rocky Hill for a North Kingstown family?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry in the fall, the key steps typically start 12-18 months in advance. Most schools require an application by **January or February** for the following academic year. The process includes a campus tour/interview (often scheduled in the fall), submission of standardized test scores (like the ISEE or SSAT), teacher recommendations, and school records. For North Kingstown families, it's crucial to note that many of these schools host open houses in the autumn. Given the competitive nature, especially for middle and upper school entry points, initiating contact with admissions offices by the spring before you intend to apply is strongly advised to secure testing and visit dates.
For a family living in North Kingstown, what are the key considerations when deciding between the high-performing North Kingstown Public Schools and a private independent school?
This decision hinges on several local factors. North Kingstown Public Schools (NKSD) are consistently ranked among the top districts in Rhode Island, offering robust AP programs and a traditional public school experience. The choice for a private school often centers on specific educational philosophies (like Moses Brown's Quaker values), smaller class sizes, and specialized facilities (like Rocky Hill's innovation labs). A major practical consideration is the **daily commute** to Providence versus the local bus to NKHS. Private schools may also offer more flexibility in curriculum and deeper resources in areas like arts, robotics, or independent study. Ultimately, North Kingstown parents are in the unique position of choosing between an excellent, convenient public system and investing in a private education that may offer a distinct community and pedagogical approach.
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