For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public elementary schools serving 1,353 students in 02871, RI.
The top ranked public elementary schools in 02871, RI are Howard Hathaway School, Melville School and Portsmouth Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 02871 have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the Rhode Island public elementary school average of 27%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 31% statewide average). Elementary schools in 02871, RI have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Rhode Island public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Rhode Island public elementary school average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Best 02871, RI Public Elementary Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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
02871, 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 elementary schools in 02871, RI?
The top ranked public elementary schools in 02871, RI include Howard Hathaway School, Melville School and Portsmouth Middle School.
How many public elementary schools are located in 02871?
3 public elementary schools are located in 02871.
What is the racial composition of students in 02871?
02871 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Rhode Island public elementary schools average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.