Bristol County Schools & Education
Bristol County, Rhode Island
School Score
85/100
Higher = better
Rating
High Performing
Graduation Rate
93.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
93.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,588
National avg $13,239
State avg $11,264
School Score
85/100
Higher = better
State avg 65/100
State School Rank
#1
of 5 counties (1 = best)
Explore Bristol County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Bristol County, Rhode Island
A Concentrated and High-Performing Educational Network
Bristol County maintains a focused education infrastructure consisting of 13 public schools across three districts, serving a total of 6,563 students. The landscape features eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. This compact system ensures a streamlined path for students from early childhood through graduation.
Leading the State in Graduation Success
The county boasts an impressive 93.5% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average and national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure is $10,588—slightly below the Rhode Island average of $11,264—the high school score of 63.1 indicates an efficient and effective use of resources. Students here consistently exceed median performance metrics across the board.
Spotlighting Barrington and Bristol Warren Districts
The Barrington district serves as the county's largest hub with 3,382 students across six schools, followed closely by the Bristol Warren district with 2,837 students. School choice is enhanced by the Highlander charter system, which operates two schools and represents 7.7% of the county's total educational facilities. These districts form the backbone of the region's academic reputation.
Suburban Learning with a Small-Town Feel
Education in Bristol County is predominantly suburban, with 12 schools in suburb locales and one in a rural setting. Schools average 505 students, ranging from the large Barrington High School with 1,139 students down to the more intimate Hugh Cole School at 510 students. This mix provides a classic New England community feel where schools are central to local identity.
Secure Your Future Near Top-Tier Schools
For families prioritizing academic excellence, Bristol County offers some of the highest graduation rates in Rhode Island. Exploring homes in Barrington or Bristol allows you to tap into a proven system of student success and high-scoring districts. Consider these top-rated school zones as you search for your next community.
School Overview
Total Schools
13
in Bristol County
Total Enrollment
6,563
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
1
8% of total
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Bristol County
Barrington
Bristol Warren
Highlander
13 Public Schools in Bristol County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barrington High School | Barrington | 9–12 | High | 1,139 |
| Mt. Hope High School | Bristol Warren | 9–12 | High | 879 |
| Barrington Middle School | Barrington | 6–8 | Middle | 789 |
| Kickemuit Middle School | Bristol Warren | 6–8 | Middle | 650 |
| Hugh Cole School | Bristol Warren | PK–5 | Primary | 510 |
| Hampden Meadows School | Barrington | 4–5 | Primary | 484 |
| Primrose Hill School | Barrington | PK–3 | Primary | 375 |
| Highlander Secondary Charter S | Highlander | 7–12 | Charter | 344 |
| Nayatt School | Barrington | KG–3 | Primary | 338 |
| Colt Andrews School | Bristol Warren | PK–5 | Primary | 300 |
| Rockwell School | Bristol Warren | KG–5 | Primary | 264 |
| Sowams Elementary School | Barrington | KG–3 | Primary | 257 |
| Guiteras School | Bristol Warren | KG–5 | Primary | 234 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$10,588
State avg $11,264
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Bristol County, Rhode Island — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Bristol County, Rhode Island?
Bristol County maintains a focused education infrastructure consisting of 13 public schools across three districts, serving a total of 6,563 students. The landscape features eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. This compact system ensures a streamlined path for students from early childhood through graduation.
How do schools in Bristol County perform academically?
The county boasts an impressive 93.5% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state average and national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure is $10,588—slightly below the Rhode Island average of $11,264—the high school score of 63.1 indicates an efficient and effective use of resources. Students here consistently exceed median performance metrics across the board.
What are the major school districts in Bristol County, Rhode Island?
The Barrington district serves as the county's largest hub with 3,382 students across six schools, followed closely by the Bristol Warren district with 2,837 students. School choice is enhanced by the Highlander charter system, which operates two schools and represents 7.7% of the county's total educational facilities. These districts form the backbone of the region's academic reputation.
What is the school experience like in Bristol County?
Education in Bristol County is predominantly suburban, with 12 schools in suburb locales and one in a rural setting. Schools average 505 students, ranging from the large Barrington High School with 1,139 students down to the more intimate Hugh Cole School at 510 students. This mix provides a classic New England community feel where schools are central to local identity.
How can I find homes near good schools in Bristol County, Rhode Island?
For families prioritizing academic excellence, Bristol County offers some of the highest graduation rates in Rhode Island. Exploring homes in Barrington or Bristol allows you to tap into a proven system of student success and high-scoring districts. Consider these top-rated school zones as you search for your next community.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.