For the 2026 school year, there are 167 private schools serving 22,705 students in Rhode Island (there are 315 public schools, serving 134,720 students). 14% of all K-12 students in Rhode Island attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
The average private school tuition is $20,884 for elementary schools and $34,245 for high schools (view national tuition averages).
The top-ranked private schools in Rhode Island include Portsmouth Abbey School, St. George's School, and Moses Brown School.
The average acceptance rate is 77% (view national acceptance rates). Minority enrollment is 29% and the student-teacher ratio is 10:1.
Overview
This State (RI)
US
# Schools
167 Schools
Student Body:
# Students
22,705 Students
5,709,608 Students
% Average Students of Color
29%
34%
Student By Grade
Academics and Faculty:
# Teachers
2,253 Teachers
508,013 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
11:1
% Average Faculty w/Advanced Degree
56%
55%
Average Class Size
15 students
15 students
Average Number of AP Courses
14 courses
13 courses
Average SAT score
1303
(Out of 1600)
1233
Average ACT score
31
(Out of 36)
26
Tuition and Acceptance Rate:
Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$22,367
$14,889
Average Summer Program Cost
$472
$1,154
Average % on Financial Aid
43%
35%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$9,460
$7,118
Average Acceptance Rate
77%
82%
Average Endowment Size
$48.48 million
$61.83 million
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.62
0.65
# American Indian Students
63 Students
30,180 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
1%
# Asian Students
635 Students
265,302 Students
% Asian Students
3%
5%
# Hispanic Students
1,855 Students
507,894 Students
% Hispanic Students
9%
9%
# Black Students
1,341 Students
417,176 Students
% Black Students
6%
7%
# White Students
12,231 Students
2,937,451 Students
% White Students
55%
52%
# Hawaiian Students
19 Students
22,254 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
5,982 Students
1,473,886 Students
% of Others Students
27%
26%
All Ethnic Groups
Extracurriculars and Sports:
Average Number of Extracurriculars
12 extracurriculars
9 extracurriculars
Average Number of Sports
8 sports
7 sports
Top-Ranked Rhode Island Private Schools by County (2026)
County
# Schools
# Students
% of K-12 Students in Private Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked private schools in Rhode Island?
The top-ranked private schools in Rhode Island include Portsmouth Abbey School, St. George's School, and Moses Brown School.
How many private schools are located in Rhode Island?
There are 167 private schools are located in Rhode Island.
How much do private schools cost in Rhode Island?
The average private school tuition in Rhode Island is $20,884 for elementary schools and $34,245 for high schools
How diverse are private schools in Rhode Island?
Approximately 29% of students in Rhode Island private schools are minority students (compared to the national percentage).
What percentage of students in Rhode Island go to private school?
14% of all K-12 students in Rhode Island attend private schools (compared to the national average of 10%).
What percentage of private schools are religiously affiliated in Rhode Island?
Which private schools in Rhode Island are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of private schools in Rhode Island include: St. George's School vs. Portsmouth Abbey School, St. Teresa School vs. St. Cecilia School, Ocean Tides School vs. The Prout School
Recent Articles
Private School Fees Increase Mid-Year: A Parent Action Plan
A 2026 parent action plan for managing mid-year private school tuition increases, including contracts, negotiation tips, and financial options.
Private School Scholarship Scams & Red Flags to Watch Out For (2026 Guide)
Learn how to spot private school scholarship scams in 2026, including red flags, real examples, and expert tips to protect families.
Diversity in Private Schools: Progress and Obstacles in 2026
Explore how private schools are advancing diversity in 2026, key gains made, ongoing challenges, and what families should know.
