Founded in 1889, Wheeler is an independent nursery-grade 12 day school for students from Greater Providence and Greater Boston, where we aspire "to learn our powers and be answerable for their use." Wheeler is also home to the Hamilton School, which welcomes students with language-based learning differences.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked RI School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 752 students
- Yearly Tuition: $44,320
- Acceptance rate: 25%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Wheeler School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Rhode Island for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Language-Based Learning Differences
Year Founded
1889
School Calendar
School Motto
The Spirit Giveth Life
School Mascot
The Warrior
Student Body
Total Students
752 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
13%
State avg.: 28%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
84 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
10 courses
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
School Colors
Purple, Gold
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$44,320
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies based on age
% on Financial Aid
25%
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Anna Curtis
Admissions Associate
Meg Kiley
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
17 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
46 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Academic Decathlon, Advocacy and Activism Club, Best Buddies Program, Biomedical Club, Book Club, Chess Team, Chinese Culture and Language Club, Classical Music Club, Club for a Cure, Community Standards Board, Cosmos Club, Debate Team, Economics Club, Empowerment Club, Entrepreneurship Club, Environmental Action Club, Envirothon Team, Film Club, French Club, Gotta Have Sole (Community Service), Great Outdoors Club, Gyre (Yearbook), JSU (Jewish Student Union), Latin Club, Math Assistants, Math Team, Mental Health Awareness Club, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Peer Support, Photography Club, Poets and Writers Club, Programming Team, Queer Straight Alliance (QSA), Robotics Teams—FTC and FRC, Save the Bay Club, Science Mentor, Science Olympiad Team, SICA (Students Involved in Cultural Awareness), Social Committee, Spoke (Student Newspaper), Student Ambassadors, Writing Mentor
Arts and Music Programs:
A Capella Group
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Snow Sports Club/Ski Trip, Table Tennis Club
Academic Decathlon, Advocacy and Activism Club, Best Buddies Program, Biomedical Club, Book Club, Chess Team, Chinese Culture and Language Club, Classical Music Club, Club for a Cure, Community Standards Board, Cosmos Club, Debate Team, Economics Club, Empowerment Club, Entrepreneurship Club, Environmental Action Club, Envirothon Team, Film Club, French Club, Gotta Have Sole (Community Service), Great Outdoors Club, Gyre (Yearbook), JSU (Jewish Student Union), Latin Club, Math Assistants, Math Team, Mental Health Awareness Club, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Peer Support, Photography Club, Poets and Writers Club, Programming Team, Queer Straight Alliance (QSA), Robotics Teams—FTC and FRC, Save the Bay Club, Science Mentor, Science Olympiad Team, SICA (Students Involved in Cultural Awareness), Social Committee, Spoke (Student Newspaper), Student Ambassadors, Writing Mentor
Arts and Music Programs:
A Capella Group
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Snow Sports Club/Ski Trip, Table Tennis Club
School Notes
- Founded in 1889 by visionary artist and educator Mary C. Wheeler, The Wheeler School is a nursery-grade 12 independent day school located on two campuses: in the College Hill neighborhood of Providence, RI and a 120-acre farm in Seekonk, MA. Approximately 800 students come to Wheeler from throughout the Greater Providence and Greater Boston areas. The school's mission, "to learn our powers and be answerable for their use," is incorporated into classrooms, athletic fields, art studios, and STEAM labs, as students are encouraged to think deeply and explore the world. Across Wheeler`s campuses and grades, dedicated faculty and staff identify students` specific learning paths and passions, challenging and supporting them in pursuit of academic excellence, artistic expression, and personal growth. Through this relationship-based approach, Wheeler graduatesare prepared for college and life as creative, ethical, and engaged global citizens. Wheeler is also home to The Hamilton School, where skilled faculty meet students` learning differences with the individualized instruction that leads to success.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Wheeler School cost?
Wheeler School's tuition is approximately $44,320 for private students.
What schools are Wheeler School often compared to?
Wheeler School is often viewed alongside schools like Moses Brown School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Wheeler School?
The acceptance rate of Wheeler School is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 77%. Wheeler School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Rhode Island with low acceptance rates.
What sports does Wheeler School offer?
Wheeler School offers 17 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Winter Track. Wheeler School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Rhode Island for most sports offered.
What is Wheeler School's ranking?
Wheeler School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Rhode Island for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Wheeler School?
The application deadline for Wheeler School is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Wheeler School located?
Wheeler School is located in the College Hill neighborhood of Providence, RI. There are 3 other private schools located in College Hill.
School Reviews
5 2/18/2021
My daughter's experience at The Wheeler School was exceptional. She has been able to build her academic skills, collaborate with peers on innovative projects in STEM, learn a passion for ceramics and contribute to a championship athletic program. Yes, the courses are challenging, but she's thriving with great teachers supporting her educational journey. We are very happy to have her benefit in so many ways!
5 10/9/2020
Our daughter has been a student at Wheeler for four years. She absolutely loves Wheeler and its many creative and caring teachers. The school has proven to be welcoming, innovative in its instruction and outlook and geared towards individualized instruction. The small class sizes allow for teachers to really get to know their students. An added and unique benefit is the Aerie Program through which students can explore or take deep-dives into whatever subject-matter they're interested in. I've never seen a program like this. The school literally finds teachers for whatever subject your child wants to study... whether it's for just one student or several. We wholeheartedly recommend this school!
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