| Metric | Pawtucket School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 8,056 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 16 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $18,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 2/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket School District (this district) | 2/10 | 19th | 8,056 |
| Providence Public Schools | 1/10 | 10th | 20,725 |
| East Greenwich School District | 10/10 | 97th | 2,543 |
| Barrington Public Schools | 10/10 | 99th | 3,405 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 31 rated districts in RI → 19th percentile → 2/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
- Henry J. Winters School — Grades PK–5 · 550 students
- Fallon Memorial School — Grades PK–5 · 520 students
- Potter-Burns School — Grades K–5 · 430 students
- Nathanael Greene School — Grades PK–5 · 397 students
- Cunningham School — Grades K–5 · 355 students
- Curvin-McCabe School — Grades PK–5 · 353 students
- Flora S. Curtis School — Grades PK–5 · 331 students
- Agnes E. Little School — Grades K–5 · 320 students
- Elizabeth Baldwin School — Grades K–5 · 320 students
- Francis J. Varieur School — Grades PK–5 · 270 students
- Joseph Jenks Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 697 students
- Lyman B. Goff Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 637 students
- Samuel Slater Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 590 students
- William E. Tolman High — Grades 9–12 · 995 students
- Charles E. Shea High School — Grades 9–12 · 770 students
- Jacqueline M. Walsh School — Grades 9–12 · 173 students
About Pawtucket School District
Zip code 02861 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island is served by Pawtucket School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades K–12. This page provides a data-driven overview of Pawtucket School District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 2/10 Rating
With a rating of 2/10 (poor), Pawtucket School District ranks among Rhode Island’s low-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 (2021–22 school year). 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.
Pawtucket 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 02861
Children in zip code 02861 are assigned to Pawtucket 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 02861, 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 Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket
For families considering a purchase in the Pawtucket area, district assignment matters financially. Because Pawtucket School District serves zip code 02861, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 02861. 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 Pawtucket 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 02861.
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 Pawtucket School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 02861 data.