#1 Best Independent Schools in Rhode Island
Wheeler School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The largest of 15 independent schools in Rhode Island
Providence, RI
A+Overall grade755 students6 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Independent Schools in Rhode Island
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Rhode Island. Top 12 of 12 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Rhode Island
St. Michaels Country Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 91% of independent schools nationwide
Newport, RI
A+Overall grade187 students4 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Rhode Island
Rocky Hill Country Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The only independent school in East Greenwich
East Greenwich, RI
A+Overall grade252 students5 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in Rhode Island
The Grace School
Independent school · Grades K–12
One of the most diverse private schools in Rhode Island
Providence, RI
A+Overall grade140 students6 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent Schools in Rhode Island
The Croft School
Independent school · Grades K–5
The smallest classes of any independent school in Providence
Providence, RI
A+Overall grade163 students5 students per teacher
#6 Best Independent Schools in Rhode Island
Providence Country Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
One of the 3 largest independent schools in Rhode Island
East Providence, RI
AOverall grade371 students9 students per teacher
#7 Best Independent Schools in Rhode Island
Gordon School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
One of the 3 largest independent schools in Rhode Island
East Providence, RI
AOverall grade309 students8 students per teacher
#8 Best Independent Schools in Rhode Island
School One
Independent school · Grades 9–12
Smaller classes than 65% of independent schools nationwide
Providence, RI
A-Overall grade82 students5 students per teacher
#9 Best Independent Schools in Rhode Island
French-American School of Rhode Island
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Small classes: about 8 students per teacher
Providence, RI
A-Overall grade151 students8 students per teacher
#10 Best Independent Schools in Rhode Island
Community Preparatory School
Independent school · Grades 4–8
One of the most diverse private schools in Rhode Island
Providence, RI
A-Overall grade135 students12 students per teacher
#11 Best Independent Schools in Rhode Island
Bradley School Providence
Independent school · Grades 6–12
Growing: enrollment up 18% since 2017–18
Providence, RI
B+Overall grade135 students7 students per teacher
#12 Best Independent Schools in Rhode Island
The Pennfield School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The only independent school in Portsmouth
Portsmouth, RI
BOverall grade127 students
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.