Wheeler School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked RI School
Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
Enrollment: 796 students
Yearly Tuition: $44,320
Acceptance rate: 25%
Average class size: 15 students
Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Wheeler School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Rhode Island for:

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Nursery/Preschool-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Wheeler School
Nursery	33
Pre-K	28
Kind	24
1	21
2	24
3	32
4	39
5	39
6	53
7	60
8	62
9	92
10	98
11	92
12	99

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Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Learning Programs Supported

Language-Based Learning Differences

Year Founded

1889

Colors

Purple, Gold

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

796 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

40%

State avg.: 28%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

84 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

9:1

National avg.: 11:1

Average Class Size

15 students

Number of AP Courses

10 courses

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Feb. 1 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$44,320

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Tuition varies based on age

% on Financial Aid

25%

Acceptance Rate

25%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Anna Curtis

Admissions Associate

Meg Kiley

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

17 sports

Sports

BaseballBasketball

Cross CountryField Hockey

Track and FieldVolleyball

Winter Track

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Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

46 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

Academic DecathlonAdvocacy and Activism Club

Best Buddies ProgramBiomedical Club

Book ClubChess Team

Chinese Culture and Language ClubClassical Music Club

Club for a CureCommunity Standards Board

Cosmos ClubDebate Team

Economics ClubEmpowerment Club

Entrepreneurship ClubEnvironmental Action Club

Envirothon TeamFilm Club

French ClubGotta Have Sole (Community Service)

Great Outdoors ClubGyre (Yearbook)

JSU (Jewish Student Union)Latin Club

Math AssistantsMath Team

Mental Health Awareness ClubMock Trial

Model United NationsPeer Support

Photography ClubPoets and Writers Club

Programming TeamQueer Straight Alliance (QSA)

Robotics Teams—FTC and FRCSave the Bay Club

Science MentorScience Olympiad Team

SICA (Students Involved in Cultural Awareness)Social Committee

Spoke (Student Newspaper)Student Ambassadors

Writing Mentor

Show More (27)Hide

Arts and Music Programs:

A Capella Group

Recreational Athletic Programs:

Snow Sports Club/Ski TripTable Tennis Club

School Notes

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.

School Motto: The Spirit Giveth Life
School Mascot: The Warrior

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

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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 76%. 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

5.00 out of 5 (2 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!

- Posted by Parent - Happy Parent!

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!

- Posted by Parent - PSA

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Providence, RI is $22,811 for elementary schools and $29,216 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Providence, RI is 69% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).