Private schools in Rhode Island
Rhode Island tax-credit scholarships average about $3,245 (2024). Rhode Island school-age students registered at a qualified school whose household income is no more than 250% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Figures read from each program’s official pages, October 2, 2026. Sources and how to apply
428 students in 2024, according to EdChoice. State law caps credits at $1.6 million a year, and only $298,750 was left for the July 2026 round, which went to a drawing.
Worth knowing: One of the smallest programs in the country. Business donations are capped and oversubscribed.
By city
The number is how many private schools sit within 6 miles of each town (12 miles for smaller towns), so nearby towns can overlap.
- East Providence (42 nearby)
- Providence (42 nearby)
- Pawtucket (35 nearby)
- Cranston (27 nearby)
- Portsmouth (24 nearby)
- West Warwick (22 nearby)
- Johnston (21 nearby)
- Barrington (19 nearby)
- Warwick (19 nearby)
- East Greenwich (17 nearby)
By kind of school
By county
- Bristol County (5)
- Kent County (19)
- Newport County (5)
- Providence County (51)
- Washington County (5)
The largest private schools in Rhode Island
| School | Grades | Students |
|---|---|---|
| La Salle Academy | 6-12 | 1,443 |
| Moses Brown School | PreK-12 | 756 |
| Wheeler School | PreK-12 | 755 |
| Bishop Hendricken High School | 8-12 | 610 |
| Mount St. Charles Academy | 6-12 | 565 |
| St. Raphael Academy | 9-12 | 430 |
| Lincoln School | PreK-12 | 414 |
| St. Philomena School of the Sacred Heart | PreK-8 | 376 |
| Providence Country Day School | PreK-12 | 371 |
| St. Mary Academy-Bay View | PreK-12 | 364 |
| Portsmouth Abbey School | 9-12 | 337 |
| Monsignor Matthew Clarke Catholic Regional School | PreK-8 | 309 |
| Gordon School | PreK-8 | 309 |
| Rocky Hill Country Day School | PreK-12 | 252 |
| Our Lady of Mercy School | PreK-8 | 222 |
What private school costs in Rhode Island
We have read published tuition on 13 Rhode Island school websites. The middle price is $18,600 for kindergarten to grade 5 (9 schools), $14,495 for grades 6 to 8 (11 schools), $23,775 for grades 9 to 12 (8 schools). Published prices run from $5,500 to $52,000 a year.
These are the schools we have verified so far, mostly larger ones, so treat the figures as a guide rather than an average. Each school's page links its source. Private school tuition in Rhode Island, school by school. Tuition in every state.
Run your own numbers
What would you pay?
Enter amounts of $0 or more.
We could not confirm this year’s RI scholarship tax credit amount, so type in the figure from your award letter. An award can never be more than the school actually charges. This is arithmetic, not a quote.
Get one email when applications open
Most programs open once a year, and several ran out of money or seats in 2026. Pick your state and we will email you the day the next window opens, with the official link. That is the only email you get.
One email per application window. No calls, no sharing your details.
Questions parents ask
How much does Rhode Island pay toward private school?
About $3,245 on average (2024). Each scholarship organization sets the amount. The average is from EdChoice.
Who can get it?
Rhode Island school-age students registered at a qualified school whose household income is no more than 250% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Is there still room?
428 students in 2024, according to EdChoice. State law caps credits at $1.6 million a year, and only $298,750 was left for the July 2026 round, which went to a drawing.
How do I know a school takes RI scholarship tax credit?
The Division of Taxation posts a PDF list of qualified scholarship organizations (updated for 2025), not a list of schools. Ask the school which organization it works with.