For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 2,114 students in Portsmouth, RI (there are 5 private schools, serving 1,069 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 30%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 34% statewide average). Schools in Portsmouth have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Rhode Island public schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Rhode Island public school average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Portsmouth, RI (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Portsmouth High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
120 Education Lane
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-2124
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-2124
Gr: 9-12 | 785 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
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
Gr: K-4 | 409 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Melville School
(Math: 55-59% | 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
Gr: PK-4 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #44.
Portsmouth Middle School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
125 Jepson Lane
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 849-3700
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 849-3700
Gr: 5-8 | 604 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
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 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Rhode Island public schools average of 50% (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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