The Best Private Schools in Oakland, Rhode Island
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Oakland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Moses Brown School
Independent Quaker School
Moses Brown School is one of Rhode Island's most prestigious independent schools with a rich Quaker heritage. Serving students from preschool through 12th grade, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional facilities including state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes experiential learning, community service, and character development alongside academic excellence. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Moses Brown consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier colleges and universities.
Programs:
The Wheeler School
Independent School
The Wheeler School is a highly regarded independent school serving students from nursery through 12th grade. Known for its innovative approach to education, Wheeler combines rigorous academics with strong arts and athletic programs. The school features the unique Hamilton School program for students with language-based learning differences. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic fields. Wheeler emphasizes project-based learning and community engagement, preparing students for success in college and beyond with a focus on critical thinking and creativity.
Programs:
Worcester Academy
Independent Day and Boarding School
Worcester Academy is a premier independent school located just across the border in Massachusetts, serving students from Oakland and surrounding Rhode Island communities. Offering both day and boarding options for grades 6-12, the school provides a challenging college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement offerings. The campus features modern academic buildings, science centers, arts facilities, and athletic complexes. Worcester Academy is particularly noted for its strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and diverse student body. The school's proximity to Oakland makes it a popular choice for families seeking a comprehensive private education with both day and boarding options.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Oakland, Rhode Island
What are the primary private school options available for families in Oakland, Rhode Island, and are they located directly in Oakland?
While Oakland itself is a small village in Burrillville, RI, it does not host major private school campuses within its immediate borders. Families in Oakland typically look to nearby cities for top-tier private education. The schools you mentioned—Moses Brown School in Providence, The Wheeler School in Providence, and Worcester Academy in Worcester, MA—are the most prominent options. Additionally, families may consider other Providence-area schools like Lincoln School or La Salle Academy. The commute from Oakland to these schools is a significant factor, with drives to Providence taking about 45-60 minutes and to Worcester about 30-45 minutes, making transportation logistics a key consideration for Oakland residents.
How does tuition at top Rhode Island private schools compare, and are there state-specific financial aid resources for Oakland families?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Oakland, RI, for the 2024-2025 academic year typically ranges from approximately $40,000 to $55,000 for upper schools. Moses Brown and Wheeler are on the higher end of this spectrum. Importantly, Rhode Island offers the Rhode Island School Choice Tax Credit, which allows businesses to receive tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations that provide need-based aid to students attending private schools. This can increase the pool of available financial aid. All major schools have robust need-based financial aid programs, and Oakland families are encouraged to apply for aid early, as deadlines often align with admission applications in January or February.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Oakland, RI, area offer that leverage their New England setting?
Schools accessible to Oakland students often have distinctive programs tied to Rhode Island's resources. Moses Brown School, with its 33-acre campus, has a strong emphasis on sustainability and outdoor education. The Wheeler School in Providence integrates arts and innovation through its "Aerie" program and has partnerships with local colleges like RISD and Brown. While Worcester Academy is in Massachusetts, its urban setting offers unique civic engagement programs. For Oakland families interested in specific tracks like STEM, the arts, or college-prep with a New England liberal arts focus, these schools provide specialized facilities and curricula that are generally more extensive than those found in local public districts due to their larger endowments and resources.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Oakland, RI, families, and how can we prepare?
The enrollment process for competitive day schools like Moses Brown and Wheeler follows a strict timeline. Key steps include: attending open houses (usually September-November), submitting applications by early January (often with standardized test scores like the SSAT or ISEE), completing student interviews and visits (fall/winter), and receiving decisions in mid-March. For Oakland families, planning for transportation and the commute is a critical part of the decision process that should be explored during visits. It's advisable to start research 12-18 months before desired entry, especially for middle or high school grades. Many schools also host "feeder" events in the greater Providence area that are accessible to Oakland residents.
How do the private school options near Oakland, RI, compare academically and culturally to the Burrillville public school system?
The Burrillville Public School District, which serves Oakland, is a well-regarded, small-town district. The primary differences with nearby private options are scale, resources, and specialization. Private schools like Moses Brown and Wheeler offer smaller class sizes, more extensive arts and athletic facilities, a wider range of Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses, and often a more geographically diverse student body. Culturally, Oakland's public schools provide a strong community-centered environment, while the private schools offer a preparatory culture with a focus on college admissions to highly selective universities. The decision often hinges on a family's priorities for specific academic programs, religious affiliation (some private schools are secular, others are faith-based), and willingness to manage the daily commute to Providence or Worcester.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities