For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 3,288 students in Barrington, RI (there are , serving 690 private students). 83% of all K-12 students in Barrington, RI are educated in public schools (compared to the RI state average of 86%). Barrington has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Rhode Island.
The top-ranked public schools in Barrington, RI are Nayatt School, Barrington High School and Sowams Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Barrington, RI public schools have an average math proficiency score of 63% (versus the Rhode Island public school average of 29%), and reading proficiency score of 70% (versus the 33% statewide average). Schools in Barrington have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of Rhode Island public schools.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is less than the Rhode Island public school average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Barrington, RI (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Nayatt School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
400 Nayatt Road
Barrington, RI 02806
(401) 247-3175
Barrington, RI 02806
(401) 247-3175
Gr: K-3 | 357 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #22.
Barrington High School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 83%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
220 Lincoln Avenue
Barrington, RI 02806
(401) 247-3150
Barrington, RI 02806
(401) 247-3150
Gr: 9-12 | 1,101 student Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
Sowams Elementary School
(Math: 70-79% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
364 Sowams Road
Barrington, RI 02806
(401) 247-3180
Barrington, RI 02806
(401) 247-3180
Gr: K-3 | 261 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #44.
Barrington Middle School
(Math: 63% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
261 Middle Highway
Barrington, RI 02806
(401) 247-3160
Barrington, RI 02806
(401) 247-3160
Gr: 6-8 | 762 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #55.
Hampden Meadows School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
297 New Meadow Road
Barrington, RI 02806
(401) 247-3166
Barrington, RI 02806
(401) 247-3166
Gr: 4-5 | 446 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #66.
Primrose Hill School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
60 Middle Highway
Barrington, RI 02806
(401) 247-3170
Barrington, RI 02806
(401) 247-3170
Gr: PK-3 | 361 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Barrington, RI?
The top-ranked public schools in Barrington, RI include Nayatt School, Barrington High School and Sowams Elementary School. Barrington has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Rhode Island.
How many public schools are located in Barrington?
6 public schools are located in Barrington.
What percentage of students in Barrington go to public school?
83% of all K-12 students in Barrington are educated in public schools (compared to the RI state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in Barrington?
Barrington public schools minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is less than the Rhode Island public schools average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Barrington are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Barrington include: Primrose Hill School vs. Nayatt School, Sowams Elementary School vs. Nayatt School, Nayatt School vs. Primrose Hill School
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.