The Best Private Schools in Warwick, Rhode Island
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Warwick. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Providence Country Day School
Independent
Providence Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving students from Warwick and throughout Rhode Island. With a 95-year history of academic excellence, PCD offers a rigorous curriculum featuring Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive arts education. The school emphasizes small class sizes with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and athletic facilities. The school maintains strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Moses Brown School
Independent
Moses Brown School is one of New England's most prestigious independent schools with a rich 240-year history. Located in nearby Providence, it serves families from Warwick with its Quaker-inspired education and International Baccalaureate program. The school offers a comprehensive STEAM curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities including innovation labs and performing arts centers, and competitive athletic programs. With a commitment to character development and academic excellence, Moses Brown provides a nurturing environment with small class sizes and extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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The Wheeler School
Independent
The Wheeler School is a highly respected independent school in Providence that serves students from Warwick and surrounding communities. Founded in 1889, Wheeler offers a rigorous academic program with strong arts integration and comprehensive athletic offerings. The school is particularly noted for its Hamilton School program, which supports students with learning differences. Facilities include modern academic buildings, art studios, science labs, and athletic complexes. Wheeler emphasizes innovative teaching methods and maintains excellent college placement records, with graduates attending selective colleges and universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Warwick, Rhode Island
What are the primary private school options available to families living in Warwick, RI, and are there any located directly in the city?
While Warwick itself has a limited number of traditional private day schools, families commonly consider prestigious independent schools in nearby Providence, which are easily accessible via I-95. The top schools often considered include Providence Country Day School (in East Providence), Moses Brown School (in Providence), and The Wheeler School (in Providence). Warwick is also home to several well-regarded Catholic schools, such as St. Kevin School and St. Peter School, which offer Pre-K through 8th grade. For high school, many Warwick students commute to the Providence-area schools. The compact nature of Rhode Island makes this commute manageable, often under 30 minutes.
How does tuition for private schools in the Warwick, RI, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are specific to Rhode Island?
Tuition for the leading Providence-area independent schools (e.g., Moses Brown, Wheeler) typically ranges from approximately $40,000 to $50,000+ for the upper grades, which is above the Rhode Island independent school average. More local options like Warwick’s Catholic elementary schools have significantly lower tuition, often in the $5,000-$8,000 range. A key financial aid resource specific to Rhode Island is the **Rhode Island School Choice Initiative**, which includes tax-credit scholarship programs for lower- and middle-income families. Additionally, most independent schools have substantial need-based financial aid budgets. It's crucial to apply for aid directly through the school and the **School and Student Services (SSS)** platform, as deadlines are often early in the admission cycle.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Warwick, RI, that leverage the state's resources?
Schools in the Providence area offer distinctive programs that connect students to Rhode Island's cultural, marine, and industrial assets. For example, **The Wheeler School** has a strong arts partnership with the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). **Moses Brown School** emphasizes Quaker values and community engagement with Providence organizations. Many schools incorporate Rhode Island's coastal environment into their science curricula, with marine biology programs and access to Narragansett Bay for research. Furthermore, schools often utilize Providence's status as the state capital for robust civics and government programs, including internships and Model Legislature.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for applying to the top private schools in the Providence area from Warwick?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry in the fall, the timeline typically starts **12-18 months in advance**. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by **January** (with some schools having deadlines as early as December 1st), completing standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT) in the fall/winter, and having student interviews and visits between November and February. Admission decisions are usually released in **March**. Given the competitive nature of schools like Moses Brown and Wheeler, it is highly recommended for Warwick families to start research and school visits in the spring or summer before the application year.
For a family in Warwick, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school system to private school options in the area?
Key considerations include class size, specialized programming, and educational philosophy. Warwick Public Schools are the second-largest district in RI, offering a broad curriculum and extensive extracurriculars, but with larger average class sizes. Private options offer smaller, more personalized settings (often 15:1 student-teacher ratios) and distinct educational approaches (e.g., progressive, college-prep, faith-based). A major practical consideration is **transportation**; while Warwick provides busing for its public schools, commuting to a Providence private school requires arranging private transportation or carpooling. Financially, the investment in private tuition must be weighed against the free public option, though financial aid can be a factor. Many families value the private school network and consistent college counseling for the high school years.
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