Newport School District operates 18 schools (grades PK–12). Individual school names, addresses, and attendance zone boundaries are available directly from the district.
| Metric | Newport School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 11,000 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 18 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $18,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Suburban | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Near average |
- Frank E. Thompson Middle — Grades 5–8 · 499 students
- Rogers High School — Grades 9–12 · 599 students
- Newport Area Career Tech Ctr — Grades 9–12 · 0 students
- Claiborne Pell Elementary — Grades PK–4 · 657 students
- Western Hills Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 727 students
- Park View Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 711 students
- Hugh B. Bain Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 527 students
- Hope Highlands Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 366 students
- Newport High School West — Grades 9–12 · 1,653 students
- Newport High School East — Grades 9–12 · 1,525 students
- Apprenticeship Exploration Sch — Grades 9–12 · 176 students
About Newport School District
Newport School District is the public school district assigned to zip code 02840 in Newport, Rhode Island. Serving students from K–12, this district is the primary public education system for families living in and around zip code 02840. The sections below cover the district’s resources, scale, rating, and everything families need to know about enrollment and school assignment.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, Newport School District spends approximately $18,000 per student per year, placing it near the Rhode Island state average of approximately $18,000 and above the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Above-average spending generally translates to more instructional resources per student, stronger program variety at the middle and high school levels, and better-maintained facilities. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At 4 schools serving grades K–12, Newport School District qualifies as a mid-sized district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 1,906 students in total. Mid-sized districts strike a balance between community-scale relationships and sufficient program breadth. Most offer core academic tracks, basic extracurricular programs, and adequate student support services.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
With a rating of 3/10 (below average), Newport School District ranks among Rhode Island’s below average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection. We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Rhode Island is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Newport School District carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Rhode Island benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 02840
Children in zip code 02840 are assigned to Newport School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 02840, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Newport School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Rhode Island districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Newport
For families considering a purchase in the Newport area, district assignment matters financially. Because Newport School District serves zip code 02840, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 02840. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Rhode Island, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Newport School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 02840.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Newport School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 02840 data.