17 RI Schools Honored as 2016 Commended Schools, Few in Urban Communities

#51 Central High School

2014 Rank: #46

Enrollment: 1087

Mascot: Knights

Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Ed Cooley (Providence College men's basketball coach) and Marvin Barnes (2nd overall draft pick in the 1974 NBA draft).

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 56.3% (-7.6%)

District spending per pupil: $16,909

Student-teacher ratio: 12:1

#50 Mount Pleasant

2014 Rank: #47

Enrollment: 868

Mascot: Kilties

Claim to Fame: School principal Scott Sutherland was named Rhode Island Principal of the Year in 2014 by the Rhode Island Association of School Principals.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 56.4% (-1%)

District spending per pupil: $16,909

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

#49 Woonsocket

2014 Rank: #45

Enrollment: 1,556

Mascot: Villa Novans

Claim to Fame: Part of the Urban Debate League, a community partnership between Brown University and a number of Rhode Island schools.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 59.5% (-2.1%)

District spending per pupil: $13,134

Student-teacher ratio: 17:1

#48 RI Nurses Charter HS

2014 Rank: N/A

Enrollment: 218

Claim to Fame: RI Nurses Charter HS offers a study abroad program where students are sent to Cape Verde to gain both academic and hands on learning. 

2015 Performance at a Glance 

Graduation rate: 66% 

District spending per pupil: $11,398

Student-teacher ratio: 14:1

#47 Dr. Jorge Alvarez HS

2014 Rank: #44

Enrollment: 407

Claim to Fame: An interactive online Student Action Plan to help students focus and achieve for each year of school.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 70.5% (+1.5%)

District spending per pupil: $16,909

Student-teacher ratio: 12:1

#46 W. B. Cooley HS

2014 Rank: N/A

Enrollment: 684

Mascot: Cavaliers 

Claim to Fame: Michaela Keegan, principal of W.B. Cooley High School, was awarded the First Year Principal of the Year in 2013-14 by the Rhode Island Association of School Principals.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 71.9%

District spending per pupil: $16,909

Student-teacher ratio: 12:1

#45 Hope High School

2014 Rank: N/A

Enrollment: 856

Mascot: Blue Wave

Claim to Fame: Hope High School was founded in 1898, and has notable alumni such as: Richard S. Aldrich (former RI Representative), Ray Jarvis (former Boston Red Sox player), and H. P. Lovecraft (horror author). 

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 71.7%

District spending per pupil: $16,909

Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

#44 Providence CTA

2014 Rank: #39

Enrollment: 624

Claim to Fame: PCTA offers 10 career and technical programs, including media arts, pastry arts, and electrical and automotive.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 77.3% (+3.8%)

District spending per pupil: $16,909

Student-teacher ratio: 8:1

#43 E-Cubed Academy

2014 Rank: #41

Enrollment: 353

Claim to Fame: A structure based on the Diploma Plus Model fosters positive relationships between parents, students, teachers, and administrators and creates powerful learning experiences that will motivate students to grow and succeed.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 78.5% (+.9%)

District spending per pupil: $16,909

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

#42 Central Falls HS

2014 Rank: #34

Enrollment: 742

Mascot: Warriors

Claim to Fame: The Central Falls School District gained nation attention when in 2010 they fired their entire teaching staff while in a disagreement with the teacher's union. Ultimately the Obama Administration sided with the school board.

In a more positive light, Central Fall’s Chess Team has experienced incredible success and finished in the top 10 at a national tournament that had over 5,000 competitors, as well as receiving funding from star powerhouses such as Alec Baldwin’s Foundation.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 72% (-1.8%)

District spending per pupil: $17,982

Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

Photo Credit: John Phelan

#41 ACE

2014 Rank: #43

Enrollment: 190

Claim to Fame: At Academy for Career Exploration, students’ four years of study culminates with a year-long Senior Internship/Project experience.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 88.4% (-1.3%)

District spending per pupil: $16,909

Student-teacher ratio: 13:1

#40 Paul Cuffee Charter

2014 Rank: N/A

Enrollment: 258

Claim to Fame: Paul Cuffee School has a maritime theme that is incorporated throughout its educational programs and takes full advantage of the local waterways of Providence. 

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 91.5%

District spending per pupil: $12,965

Student-teacher ratio: 9:1

#39 Times 2 Academy

2014 Rank: #38

Enrollment: 148

Claim to Fame: Times 2 Academy constantly exposes its students to guest speakers, internship opportunities, college fairs and job shadowing opportunities to encourage their students to embrace their futures.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 78.1% (-16.5%)

District spending per pupil: $16,909

Student-teacher ratio: 14:1

#38 The Met School

2014 Rank: #30

Enrollment: 837

Claim to Fame: The school offers a Entrepreneur 360 Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a 60-hour program for students supported by NFTE. Students learn about the concepts and the skills necessary to create a business, sharpen their work ethic and help grow their confidence.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 86.7% (+8.5%)

District spending per pupil: $16,909

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

#37 Tolman High School

2014 Rank: #40

Enrollment: 996

Mascot: Tigers

Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include: Peter Kilmartin (Rhode Island state representative and current attorney general), Kevin Lima (Disney animator and film director of the films A Goofy Movie, Tarzan, 102 Dalmatians, Eloise at the Plaza, Eloise at Christmastime, and Enchanted), and Abraham Nathanson (developer of the game Bananagrams).

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 78.8% (+7.8%)

District spending per pupil: $13,478

Student-teacher ratio: 9:1

#36 Shea High School

2014 Rank: #42

Enrollment: 863

Mascot: Raiders

Claim to Fame: LL Cool J and Representative Patrick Kennedy both visited in 2005.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 88.1% (+4.8%)

District spending per pupil: $13,478

Student-teacher ratio: 8:1

#35 Blackstone Academy

2014 Rank: #37

Enrollment: 171

Claim to Fame: Blackstone Academy Charter School has partnered with more than 25 Rhode Island organizations as part of its programming.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 82.9% (-4.6%)

District spending per pupil: $13,478

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

#34 West Warwick HS

2014 Rank: #27

Enrollment: 952

Mascot: Wizards

Claim to Fame: The school sports a School Improvement Team that brings staff, students, community members, and parents together once a month to have their voices heard concerning how the school can be tailored for success.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 82.2% (+8.2%)

District spending per pupil: $15,633

Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

#33 Cranston East HS

2014 Rank: #32

Enrollment: 1,545

Mascot: Thunderbolts

Claim to Fame: Famous athletic alumni include Tom Mellow (played in the NHL, won a silver medal at the 1972 Olympics), Vinny Pazienza (former World Champion professional boxer), Mike Stenhouse (played in the MLB for the Expos and Boston Red Sox), Curt Bennett (an All-Star NHL player), Joe Cavanagh (Captained Harvard University’s hockey and tennis teams), Ray Jamieson (Oakland Raider’s fullback), Greg Oden (New England Champion Springboard Diver).

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 82.3% (+3.8%)

District spending per pupil: $14,353

Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

#32 East Providence HS

2014 Rank: #35

Enrollment: 1,481

Mascot: Townies

Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Jamie Silva (Indianapolis Colts free safety), Claudia Jordan (model and reality TV star), T.J. Del Santo (Meterologist at WPRI-TV), Brent Martineau (Sportscaster), David Franklin (Scientist/Entrepreneur), Kim Schifino (Musician in Matt and Kim), Jennifer Lee (co-writer of Disney’s Wreck It Ralph).

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 79.6% (+5.7%)

District spending per pupil: $14,363

Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

#31 Beacon Charter School

Beacon Charter HS for the Arts

2014 Rank: #29

Enrollment: 230

Mascot: Knight

Claim to Fame: The school honors “Beacon Charter High Artists of the Year” to students that demonstrate a passion and prowess for the arts.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 92.9% (-1.9%)

District spending per pupil: $13,134

Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

#30 Burrillville HS

2014 Rank: #31

Enrollment: 725

Mascot: Broncos

Claim to Fame: The school offers unique clubs such as Dead Poet’s Society and Mountain Biking Club.

2015 Performance at a Glance 

Graduation rate: 75% (-10.3%)

District spending per pupil: $13,543

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

#29 Rogers HS

2014 Rank: #14

Enrollment: 568

Mascot: Vikings

Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Bebe Buell (model, singer, mother of actress Liv Tyler), The Cowsills (family singing act that was the inspiration for TV’s The Partridge Family), Tanya Donelly (co-founder and guitarist of the band Throwing Muses), Joanna Going (actress) Paul Gordon (keyboardist and guitarist for the B-52’s and the Goo Goo Dolls), Kristin Hersh (co-founder of Throwing Muses), P.H. Horgan III (PGA Tour player), Van Johnson (actor), John Mellekas (professional football player), David Narcizo (drummer for the band Throwing Muses), M. Teresa Paiva-Weed (President of the Rhode Island Senate), Jerry Sullivan (sports columnist at The Buffalo News), Noah Jewell (Olympic gymnast).

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 72.7% (+4.5%)

District spending per pupil: $19,770

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

#28 Johnston HS

2014 Rank: #25

Enrollment: 838

Mascot: Panthers

Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include reality TV star and celebrity Paul (DJ Pauly D) DelVecchnio.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 88.5% (+3.2%)

District spending per pupil: $17,321

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

#27 Coventry HS

2014 Rank: #26

Enrollment: 1,558

Mascot: Oakers

Claim to Fame: WCVY 91.5 FM is the school’s own student-operated rock radio station that continues to expand.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 84.9% (-4.6%)

District spending per pupil: $13,999

Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

#26 Cranston West HS

2014 Rank: #28

Enrollment: 1,462

Mascot: Falcons

Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Mark van Eeghen (former NFL Pro Bowl running back and the only person ever from Cranston West to have their number retired in any sport), Anthony Meo (baseball player), Jeff Diehl (baseball player), Tom Denucci (actor), Amber van Eeghen (former cheerleader for the New England Patriots).

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 94.8% (+2.3%)

District spending per pupil: $14,353

Student-teacher ratio: 12:1

#25 Cumberland HS

2014 Rank: #36

Enrollment: 1,283

Mascot: Clippers

Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include David Macaulay (author and Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator), Aaron Fricke (gay rights activist), Johnny Goryl (MLB player for Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins), Jon LaRose (MLB player for Boston Red Sox), Daniel Stewart (first openly gay elected mayor in New York State history-Mayor of Plattsburgh, New York), Linda Nochlin (leading abstract expressionist artist), Peter and Bobby John Farrelly (film directors, producers, authors), Suzanne Martin (Emmy-award winning television producer), and Annette Nazareth (a Commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission).

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 87.5% (+2.4%)

District spending per pupil: $12,278

Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

#24 Davies Career & Tech

2014 Rank: #22

Enrollment: 826

Mascot: Patriots

Claim to Fame: Davies ensures that Parents are heavily involved in the curriculum through the Parent Involvement Policy, which is a program supporting the development, implementation, and regular evaluation that includes parents in all grade levels.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 81.4% (+0.7%)

District spending per pupil: $16,683

Student-teacher ratio: 9:1

#23 Warwick Veterans HS

2014 Rank: #20

Enrollment: 834

Mascot: Hurricanes

Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Bill Almon (baseball player who played in the MLB from 1974 through 1988) and Damian Costantino (baseball player, set NCAA record with hits in 60 consecutive games while playing at Salve Regina in Newport). 

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 79.8% (+2.5%)

District spending per pupil: $17,685

Student-teacher ratio: 9:1

#22 Pilgrim HS

2014 Rank: #23

Enrollment: 967

Mascot: Patriots

Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include James Woods (Emmy-award winning actor), Chris Terreri (College All-American, Olympian, and two time Stanley Cup winning NHL goalie), Patrick Sheehan (PGA professional golfer), Dan Wheeler (Major League Baseball pitcher).

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 83.1% (+2.8%)

District spending per pupil: $17,685

Student-teacher ratio: 9:1

#21 Walsh School

Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing and Visual Arts

2014 Rank: #33

Enrollment: 192

Claim to Fame: The schools shares prestigious artistic patnerships with RISD, Sandra-Feinstein Gamm Theatre, Fusionworks Dance Company, Athletics, Pawtucket Boys and Girls Club, Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School, and Aurea.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 91.9% (+12.2%)

District spending per pupil: $13,478

Student-teacher ratio: 7:1

#20 Toll Gate HS

2014 Rank: #18

Enrollment: 952

Mascot: Titans

Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Janice Anderson (Assistant Production Manager of Cirque de Soleil), Tom Cavanagh (Forward, Worcester Sharks), Sara DeCosta (Goalie, 1998 and 2002 U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team), Tony Petrarca (Chief Meteorologist, WPRI-TV), Brian Shanley (President of Providence College), David Petrarca (Director whose work has included Big Love, True Blood, and Hung for HBO; over 40 world premieres including Marvin’s Room on Broadway and West End, Fuddy Meers in NYC, and A Year With Frog and Toad on Broadway).

2015 Performance at a Glance 

Graduation rate: 81.5% (+5.6%)

District spending per pupil: $17,685

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

#19 Mt. Hope HS

2014 Rank: #16

Enrollment: 928

Mascot: Huskies

Claim to Fame: Students have the opportunity to bask in the spotlight in the Husky News Network (HNN), a student news organization where students can serve as anchors, camera men, and content writers.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 86.8% (-3.1%)

District spending per pupil: $15,322

Student-teacher ratio: 12:1

#18 North Providence HS

2014 Rank: #24

Enrollment: 970

Mascot: Cougars

Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Ernie DiGregorio (basketball player, played for the PC Friars and holds the NBA assist record for a single game with 25. He was also the 1973-74 NBA Rookie of the Year).

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 92% (+4.6%)

District spending per pupil: $14,982

Student-teacher ratio: 9:1

#17 Smithfield HS

2014 Rank: #13

Enrollment: 715

Mascot: Sentinels

Claim to Fame: Students have the opportunity to work in The Confucius Classroom, a public educational institute established in collaboration with the Confucius Institute at Bryant University under the sponsorship of Hanban. The classroom is dedicated to developing globally competent students through an understanding Chinese culture, language, and economic trends. 

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 88.3% (-0.8%)

District spending per pupil: $14,948

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

#16 Tiverton HS

2014 Rank: #15

Enrollment: 563

Mascot: Tigers

Claim to Fame: A Tiverton HS student was named Rhode Island Foreign Language Association Student of the Year in 2013.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 93.9% (+6.2%)

District spending per pupil: $16,413

Student-teacher ratio: 9:1

#15 Classical HS

2014 Rank: #19

Enrollment: 1,118

Mascot: Purples

Claim to Fame: Former RI Governors who attended Classical are John Orlando Pastore (Also a US Senator), Bruce Sundlun, and Frank Licht.

Other famous alumni include S. J. Perelman (American Humorist) Rudolph Fisher (pioneering Black radiologist and writer of the Harlem Renaissance), Irving R. Levine (Former NBC News Economics Correspondent), George Macready (American actor), A.O. Scott (Chief New York Times Movie Critic), Stanley Fish (Literary theorist and legal scholar), Michael Kang (Filmmaker), C. M. Eddy, Jr. (Renowned Author), Lauren Corrao (Comedy Central executive; helped develop That '70s Show and Mad TV for Fox),William A. Barnett (Economist), Robin Green (Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning television producer for The Sopranos and Northern Exposure, among others), S. Hastings Richardson (Author) Alexander Knight (Poet), Angel Taveras (First Latino Mayor of Providence).

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 96.6% (+0.5%)

District spending per pupil: $16,909

Student-teacher ratio: 15:1

#14 Scituate HS

2014 Rank: #6

Enrollment: 467

Mascot: Spartans

Claim to Fame: Scituate High School’s “Schools for Schools” club has raised thousands of dollars for Invisible Children to help Uganda defeat the children soldier crisis there.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 91.4% (+3.2%)

District spending per pupil: $14,296

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

#13 Chariho HS

2014 Rank: #10

Enrollment: 1,137

Mascot: Chargers

Claim to Fame: An aggressive academic program provides students with the opportunity to choose from 13 Advanced Placement courses.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 92.3% (+4.9%)

District spending per pupil: $16,499

Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

#12 Ponaganset HS

2014 Rank: #21

Enrollment: 651

Mascot: Chieftains

Claim to Fame: The school is heated entirely by recycled wood chips in order to preserve the environment. The school also sports an Energy Lab that enables students to develop career pathways in stem agriculture. Their colors are green, and so is their mindset.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 94.3% (+1.1%)

District spending per pupil: $16,243

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

#11 Middletown HS

2014 Rank: #8

Enrollment: 653

Mascot: Islanders

Claim to Fame: Middletown High School has enacted a specific Professional Learning Community in 2013, a program geared to make fundamental shift from focusing on teaching to an area of learning where students and teachers collaborate.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 86.1% (-4.1%)

District spending per pupil: $15,460 

Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

#10 Lincoln HS

2014 Rank: #11

Enrollment: 918

Mascot: Lions

Claim to Fame: Holds an annual show called The Variety Show, entirely student run, which showcases the talents of the student body.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 90.2% (-1%)

District spending per pupil: $16,683

Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

#9 North Smithfield HS

2014 Rank: #12

Enrollment: 522

Mascot: Northmen

Claim to Fame: The Outstanding Music program was a 2013 semi-finalist for the Grammy Signature School Award.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 90.8% (+3.6%)

District spending per pupil: $14,051

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

#8 North Kingstown HS

2014 Rank: #17

Enrollment: 1,407

Mascot: Skippers

Claim to Fame: The Skippers won 8 awards at the 2014 Cox Rhode Island Sports Awards. 

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 89% (-1.9%)

District spending per pupil: $15,070

Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

#7 Westerly HS

2014 Rank: #7

Enrollment: 912

Mascot: Bulldogs

Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Dr. Thomas DiPaola (Education leader in RI), Henry Nardone, Sr. (Member of URI Foundation, RI Board of Regents), Dennis Algiere (Current RI Senate Minority Leader), Dr. John Toscano, (Chairman of Dept. of Chemistry at Johns Hopkins University), Daryl Finizio (Lawyer, New London Mayoral candidate, Westerly City Council), Peter Lewiss (RI State rep, judge, lawyer) Diana Blanda (Actress/Singer).

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 90.5% (-0.6%)

District spending per pupil: $18,933

Student-teacher ratio: 9:1

#6 Portsmouth HS

2014 Rank: #9

Enrollment: 919

Mascot: Patriots

Claim to Fame: The high school band was invited to President Obama's 2013 Inaugural Parade in Washington, DC.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 96.9% (+6.4%)

District spending per pupil: $14,981

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1

#5 Exeter/West Greenwich

2014 Rank: #4

Enrollment: 524

Mascot: Scarlet Knights

Claim to Fame: Exeter/West Greenwich has never been ranked outside of the top 5 in GoLocalProv's Top High Schools rankings.

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 92% (-0.5%)

District spending per pupil: $19,754

Student-teacher ratio: 8:1

#4 South Kingstown HS

2014 Rank: #2

Enrollment: 1,042

Mascot: Rebels

Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Jhumpa Lahiri (Author), Erika Van Pelt (Finalist on American Idol Season 11), and Uriah Duffy (Former bassist of Whitesnake). 

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 91.5% (+1.8%)

District spending per pupil: $18,035

Student-teacher ratio: 9:1

#3 Narragansett HS

2014 Rank: #1

Enrollment: 421

Mascot: Mariners

Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include David Cicilline (US Congressman and former Mayor of Providence) and John DeCubellis (lawyer/judge, General Counsel to National Education Association RI).

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 88.5% (-2.3%)

District spending per pupil: $19,169

Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 

#2 Barrington HS

2014 Rank: #5

Enrollment: 1,055

Mascot: Eagles

Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Bill Reynolds (Providence Journal Sports Columnist), Phil Madeira (Award-winning Songwriter/Musician), Judy Clapp (Recording Engineer who has worked with Dwight Yoakham and Bill Frisell), Brian Howe (Film and television actor), Marceline Hugot (Film, television and Broadway actress), Brett Quigley (PGA golfer), Shanna Moakler (Former Miss USA and Playboy Magazine model), Spalding Gray (Monologuist/Actor), and Matthew Broome (New England Amateur Golf Champion). 

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 94% (-1.6%)

District spending per pupil: $14,217

Student-teacher ratio: 11:1

#1 East Greenwich HS

2014 Rank: #3

Enrollment: 713

Mascot: Avengers

Claim to Fame: Famous alumni include Donald Carcieri (Governor of RI), Suzanne Carcieri (First Lady of RI), Debra Messing (Actress), Mark Zito (Radio Host) and Leeann Tingley (2006 Miss Rhode Island USA).

2015 Performance at a Glance

Graduation rate: 96.1% (+3.5%)

District spending per pupil: $14,987

Student-teacher ratio: 10:1