The Best Private Schools in North Providence, Rhode Island
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in North Providence. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Moses Brown School
Independent Friends School
Moses Brown School is a prestigious Quaker independent school serving North Providence families with a commitment to academic excellence and character development. The school offers the International Baccalaureate program alongside advanced STEM courses in their innovation lab and makerspace. With a 68-acre campus featuring modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and arts centers, the school provides a comprehensive educational experience. The Quaker values of community, simplicity, and peace inform the school's approach to education, fostering both intellectual growth and social responsibility.
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La Salle Academy
Independent Catholic School
La Salle Academy is one of Rhode Island's premier Catholic college preparatory schools serving students from North Providence and throughout the state. With a 150-year legacy of academic excellence, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum including 24 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, and vibrant arts programs. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. La Salle maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and is known for its strong community values and character development programs.
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Lincoln School
Independent Girls School
Lincoln School is Rhode Island's only independent school for girls, serving students from North Providence and the greater Providence area. The school emphasizes empowering young women through rigorous academics, leadership development, and STEM education. With small class sizes and personalized attention, Lincoln offers a comprehensive curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, robust arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school's urban campus features modern facilities including science labs, performance spaces, and athletic centers, all designed to support girls' educational and personal growth in a supportive, all-female environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in North Providence, Rhode Island
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in North Providence, Rhode Island, and are they located within the town itself?
While North Providence itself has very few private schools within its municipal borders, families commonly look to prestigious institutions in the surrounding Providence metro area. The most notable are La Salle Academy and Moses Brown School in Providence, and Lincoln School (an all-girls school) also in Providence. These schools are a short commute from North Providence and represent the top tier of private education in Rhode Island. Some families may also consider Catholic elementary schools affiliated with local parishes. It's important for North Providence parents to factor in commute times and transportation options when evaluating these schools.
How does tuition for top private schools like La Salle Academy or Moses Brown compare for North Providence residents, and are there any Rhode Island-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for these elite day schools typically ranges from approximately $30,000 to $40,000+ per year for upper grades. For North Providence families, this is a significant investment. Rhode Island offers specific financial aid resources that can help. Most notable is the Rhode Island School Choice Tax Credit Program, which allows businesses to receive tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations that provide need-based aid to students attending private schools. Additionally, all major private schools have substantial endowment-funded financial aid programs. It is crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are strict and funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from North Providence offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools like Moses Brown and La Salle offer distinct programs not commonly found in North Providence Public Schools. Moses Brown has a renowned Quaker-inspired curriculum with a strong emphasis on community service, ethical leadership, and its innovative "Maker" and engineering programs. La Salle Academy, with its Catholic Lasallian tradition, offers extensive theology and campus ministry programs alongside a robust college-prep curriculum with over 20 Advanced Placement courses. Lincoln School provides a dedicated all-girls STEM and leadership environment from pre-K through 12th grade. All three schools typically have smaller average class sizes, more extensive arts and athletics facilities, and global study or exchange opportunities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools in the Providence area for a North Providence student, and when should we start?
The process is highly structured and begins much earlier than public school registration. For entry into 9th grade, families should start researching schools in the spring of their child's 7th grade year. The formal application process for the following fall opens in the summer before 8th grade. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), registering for and taking the required standardized test (like the SSAT or HSPT) in the fall/winter, submitting applications by January deadlines, and completing interviews and shadow visits. Admissions decisions are usually released in March. For North Providence families, planning for transportation and understanding the daily commute should be part of the decision-making process.
For a North Providence family, what are the key considerations when deciding between the town's highly-rated public schools and a private school in Providence?
The decision hinges on several local factors. North Providence public schools are well-regarded, offering a solid education with no tuition cost. Choosing a private school involves weighing the value of a potentially longer commute against specific offerings. Key considerations include: **Educational Philosophy** (religious vs. secular, single-gender vs. coed), **Program Depth** (access to specialized AP/advanced tracks, arts, or athletics at a higher level), **Class Size** (private schools often have 15:1 ratios vs. larger public school classes), and **Financial Commitment** (tuition vs. property taxes already funding public schools). Many North Providence families choose private options for a specific religious education, a particular learning environment, or to access the extensive alumni networks of these historic Rhode Island institutions.
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