Serving 266 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Sarah Dyer Barnes School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Rhode Island for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-24% (which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 29%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30-34% (which is approximately equal to the Rhode Island state average of 33%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Rhode Island state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 266 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 40%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in RI
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: The Sarah Dyer Barnes School serves the northeast part of Johnston, RI, covering an area of approximately 2.6 square miles. Families within this zone can typically reach the school in 5-10 minutes, with an average distance of 0.7 miles to the nearest edge and a maximum distance of 1.4 miles to the furthest edge.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education
School Overview
Sarah Dyer Barnes School's student population of 266 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 24 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
266 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Calendar
School Motto
Our mission is to provide a safe and enriching learning environment where the whole student is nurtured and developed.
School Rankings
Sarah Dyer Barnes School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 287 schools in Rhode Island (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Sarah Dyer Barnes School is 0.57, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#160 out of 287 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
29%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
33%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
31%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
3%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
26%
31%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Black
8%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
White
60%
50%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)22.2%
32.4%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
42%
45%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
9%
9%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sarah Dyer Barnes School's ranking?
Sarah Dyer Barnes School is ranked #160 out of 287 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Rhode Island.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 29% RI state average), while 30-34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 33% RI state average).
How many students attend Sarah Dyer Barnes School?
266 students attend Sarah Dyer Barnes School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
60% of Sarah Dyer Barnes School students are White, 26% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, 3% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Sarah Dyer Barnes School?
Sarah Dyer Barnes School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 13:1.
What grades does Sarah Dyer Barnes School offer ?
Sarah Dyer Barnes School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Sarah Dyer Barnes School part of?
Sarah Dyer Barnes School is part of Johnston School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
The Behavior Specialist worked with my child over the past year (as well as with many of the students) and he is now more confident, social, verbal and happy. I have heard positive feedback from other parents also.
thank you
Review Sarah Dyer Barnes School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Does Your Public School Have Enough Nurses?
Learn whether your public school has enough nurses, how staffing affects student safety, chronic illness management, emergency care, and what parents should ask about available school health services today.
When Your Child Falls Behind Without Special Education
Learn what happens when your child falls behind academically but doesn't qualify for special education, including available school interventions, parent rights, tutoring options, and practical strategies for securing support.
When Your Child Finishes Classwork Faster Than Others
Discover why some children finish classwork faster than classmates, how teachers manage early finishers, and what parents can do to ensure meaningful learning, appropriate challenges, and continued academic growth.
