When you walk into The Pennfield School, you see the words "Joy, Understanding, and Respect" over the main entry.
These are the three words that define the School and its philosophy.
While the building is new and sits on 19 breath-taking acres, the School holds true to its traditional roots and its values.
A family-oriented school, Pennfield creates a partnership among all its members.
Children leave Pennfield having acquired a true love of learning and a confidence to excel at the secondary school level.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked RI School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 218 students
- Yearly Tuition: $26,760
- Acceptance rate: 95%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Pennfield School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Rhode Island for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1971
Campus Size
19 acres
Student Body
Total Students
218 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
4%
State avg.: 28%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
90%
Average Class Size
16 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$26,760
Tuition Notes
$11750 for full day PS and PK . $15,250 K-3 $16,800 4-5 $21,500 6th-8th
% on Financial Aid
34%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$5,000
Acceptance Rate
95%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Kristin Emory
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
School Notes
- School Motto: The joyful pursuit of understanding.
- The Pennfield School creates a safe, nurturing environment for all of its students. Children gain confidence in themselves through a process of teaching which is both creative, hands-on, and positive. Each child gains a voice and an audience while at the School. Performances and Assembly Speeches are a part of the educational process, which develop solid public speaking skills. Pennfield is a joyous, happy place and a school which students often refer to as a "second home."
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Pennfield School cost?
The Pennfield School's tuition is approximately $26,760 for private students and $350 for summer students.
What schools are The Pennfield School often compared to?
The Pennfield School is often viewed alongside schools like St. Michaels Country Day School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of The Pennfield School?
The acceptance rate of The Pennfield School is 95%, which is higher than the national average of 76%.
What sports does The Pennfield School offer?
The Pennfield School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse and Soccer.
What is The Pennfield School's ranking?
The Pennfield School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Rhode Island for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for The Pennfield School?
The application deadline for The Pennfield School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Calendar
View the The Pennfield School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of Soccer, Cross Country, and Pony Tales
September 15, 2025 (Monday)
First day of Hot Lunch
September 15, 2025 (Monday)
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: The Pennfield School vs. St. Michaels Country Day School
People that viewed The Pennfield School also viewed these schools: Rocky Hill Country Day School, St. Michaels Country Day School, St Philomena School of the Sacred Heart, Providence Country Day School and Meadowbrook Waldorf School.
The nearest high school to The Pennfield School is Portsmouth Abbey School (3.4 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Sea Rose Montessori Co-op (0.6 miles away)
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Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
530 Ives Road
East Greenwich, RI 02818
(401) 884-9070
East Greenwich, RI 02818
(401) 884-9070
11.7 miles
Gr: NS-12 | 271 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 10 | Extracurrculars: 25 Tuition listed
180 Rhode Island Ave
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 849-5970
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 849-5970
5.2 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 221 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 8 | Extracurrculars: 5 Tuition listed
324 Cory's Lane
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-0268
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-0268
3.5 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 452 students Avg. class size: 22 students Sports: 5 | Extracurrculars: 9 Tuition listed
660 Waterman Ave
East Providence, RI 02914
(401) 438-5170
East Providence, RI 02914
(401) 438-5170
19 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 389 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 17 | Extracurrculars: 13 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
300 Kingstown Road
West Kingston, RI 02892
(401) 491-9570
West Kingston, RI 02892
(401) 491-9570
20.4 miles
Gr: NS-8 | 141 students Avg. class size: 16 students Tuition listed
School Reviews
5 5/17/2016
Pennfield School is an amazing nurturing environment and so much more! The classes are small and curriculum's offer a respectful differentiated teaching for the students. There are numerous extracurricular activities to choose from but most important is the sense of community. Not only is the school on a beautiful campus in a new facility, everyone treats one another with respect and kindness and instills that in our children. I feel very fortunate to have such a great school in our area!
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