For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public elementary schools serving 1,156 students in Newport, RI.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Newport, RI are Claiborne Pell Elementary School and Frank E. Thompson Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Newport, RI public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 13% (versus the Rhode Island public elementary school average of 30%), and reading proficiency score of 16% (versus the 32% statewide average). Elementary schools in Newport have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Rhode Island public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Rhode Island public elementary school average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Newport, RI (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Claiborne Pell Elementary School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
35 Dexter Street
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 842-1900
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 842-1900
Gr: PK-4 | 657 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #22.
Frank E. Thompson Middle School
(Math: 10% | Reading: 14%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
55 Broadway
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 847-1493
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 847-1493
Gr: 5-8 | 499 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Newport, RI?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Newport, RI include Claiborne Pell Elementary School and Frank E. Thompson Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Newport?
2 public elementary schools are located in Newport.
What is the racial composition of students in Newport?
Newport public elementary schools minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Rhode Island public elementary schools average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Newport are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Newport include: Frank E. Thompson Middle School vs. Claiborne Pell Elementary School, Claiborne Pell Elementary School vs. Frank E. Thompson Middle School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.