Providence County Schools & Education
Providence County, Rhode Island
School Score
49/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
80.6%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
80.6%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 87.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,895
National avg $13,239
State avg $11,264
School Score
49/100
Higher = better
State avg 65/100
State School Rank
#5
of 5 counties (1 = best)
Explore Providence County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Providence County, Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s Largest Educational Hub
Providence County hosts a massive educational network of 202 public schools serving 87,715 students. The landscape is broad and diverse, featuring 111 elementary schools, 40 middle schools, and 43 high schools across 41 districts. This county serves the vast majority of the state's student population with a wide array of specialized facilities.
Navigating Challenges in a Massive System
The county faces significant hurdles with a graduation rate of 80.6%, which trails the state average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $9,895, the lowest among the featured counties and well below the national average of $13,000. Despite these figures, the school score of 54.8 indicates a resilient system working to improve outcomes for its diverse student body.
Providence and Cranston Lead in Choice
The Providence district is the largest in the state, serving 20,463 students across 39 schools, followed by Cranston with 10,029 students. Charter schools play a vital role here, with 37 institutions representing 18.3% of the total schools. This high density of charter and alternative options provides families with significant choice in their children's education.
A Tale of Two Environments: City and Suburb
Providence County schools are split between 128 suburban locations and 61 city locales, with 13 rural schools on the outskirts. Large campuses like Cranston High School West (1,715 students) contrast with an overall county average of 441 students. This mix offers everything from bustling, diverse urban high schools to quiet suburban elementary campuses.
Abundant Choices for Every Family
With over 200 schools and 41 districts, Providence County offers more educational variety than anywhere else in the state. Whether you are looking for specialized charter programs in the city or established suburban districts like Cranston, your home search can be tailored to your specific school needs. Explore this diverse region to find the right fit for your student.
School Overview
Total Schools
202
in Providence County
Total Enrollment
87,715
students
School Districts
41
districts
Charter Schools
37
18% of total
School Type Breakdown
41 School Districts in Providence County
Providence
Cranston
Pawtucket
Woonsocket
East Providence
Cumberland
North Providence
Lincoln
Johnston
Central Falls
202 Public Schools in Providence County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranston High School West | Cranston | 9–12 | High | 1,715 |
| East Providence High | East Providence | 9–12 | High | 1,659 |
| Woonsocket High School | Woonsocket | 9–12 | High | 1,621 |
| Cranston High School East | Cranston | 9–12 | High | 1,499 |
| Cumberland High School | Cumberland | 9–12 | High | 1,446 |
| Central High School | Providence | 9–12 | High | 1,302 |
| Mount Pleasant High | Providence | 9–12 | High | 1,164 |
| Classical High School | Providence | 9–12 | High | 1,113 |
| North Providence High | North Providence | 9–12 | High | 1,090 |
| William E. Tolman High | Pawtucket | 9–12 | High | 1,056 |
| Lincoln Senior High School | Lincoln | 9–12 | High | 976 |
| Ponaganset High School | Foster-Glocester | 9–12 | High | 921 |
| Davies Career-Tech High School | Davies Career and Tech | 9–12 | Vocational | 912 |
| Hope High School | Providence | 9–12 | High | 896 |
| Charles E. Shea High School | Pawtucket | 9–12 | High | 870 |
| Central Falls Sr High | Central Falls | 9–12 | High | 811 |
| Nathanael Greene Middle | Providence | 6–8 | Middle | 808 |
| Johnston Senior High | Johnston | 9–12 | High | 804 |
| Pothier-Citizens Elem Campus | Woonsocket | PK–5 | Primary | 800 |
| Lincoln Middle School | Lincoln | 6–8 | Middle | 778 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,895
State avg $11,264
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Providence County, Rhode Island — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Providence County, Rhode Island?
Providence County hosts a massive educational network of 202 public schools serving 87,715 students. The landscape is broad and diverse, featuring 111 elementary schools, 40 middle schools, and 43 high schools across 41 districts. This county serves the vast majority of the state's student population with a wide array of specialized facilities.
How do schools in Providence County perform academically?
The county faces significant hurdles with a graduation rate of 80.6%, which trails the state average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $9,895, the lowest among the featured counties and well below the national average of $13,000. Despite these figures, the school score of 54.8 indicates a resilient system working to improve outcomes for its diverse student body.
What are the major school districts in Providence County, Rhode Island?
The Providence district is the largest in the state, serving 20,463 students across 39 schools, followed by Cranston with 10,029 students. Charter schools play a vital role here, with 37 institutions representing 18.3% of the total schools. This high density of charter and alternative options provides families with significant choice in their children's education.
What is the school experience like in Providence County?
Providence County schools are split between 128 suburban locations and 61 city locales, with 13 rural schools on the outskirts. Large campuses like Cranston High School West (1,715 students) contrast with an overall county average of 441 students. This mix offers everything from bustling, diverse urban high schools to quiet suburban elementary campuses.
How can I find homes near good schools in Providence County, Rhode Island?
With over 200 schools and 41 districts, Providence County offers more educational variety than anywhere else in the state. Whether you are looking for specialized charter programs in the city or established suburban districts like Cranston, your home search can be tailored to your specific school needs. Explore this diverse region to find the right fit for your student.
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.