For the 2025 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 2,143 students in Portsmouth, RI (there are 6 private schools, serving 1,125 private students). 66% of all K-12 students in Portsmouth, RI are educated in public schools (compared to the RI state average of 86%).
The top ranked public schools in Portsmouth, RI are Portsmouth High School, Howard Hathaway School and Melville School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Portsmouth, RI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the Rhode Island public school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 33% statewide average). Schools in Portsmouth have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Rhode Island public schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Rhode Island public school average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Portsmouth, RI (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Portsmouth High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
120 Education Lane
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-2124
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-2124
Grades: 9-12
| 790 students
Rank: #22.
Howard Hathaway School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
53 Tallman Avenue
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-0500
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-0500
Grades: K-4
| 401 students
Rank: #33.
Melville School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1351 West Main Road
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-1650
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-1650
Grades: PK-4
| 330 students
Rank: #44.
Portsmouth Middle School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
125 Jepson Lane
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 849-3700
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 849-3700
Grades: 5-8
| 622 students
Portsmouth, Rhode Island Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
1 Frank Coelho Dr
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-3899
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-3899
Grades: K-5
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Portsmouth, RI?
The top ranked public schools in Portsmouth, RI include Portsmouth High School, Howard Hathaway School and Melville School.
How many public schools are located in Portsmouth?
4 public schools are located in Portsmouth.
What percentage of students in Portsmouth go to public school?
66% of all K-12 students in Portsmouth are educated in public schools (compared to the RI state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth public schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Rhode Island public schools average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Portsmouth are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Portsmouth include: Melville School vs. Howard Hathaway School, Howard Hathaway School vs. Melville School
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