For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 2,114 students in 02871, RI (there are 5 private schools, serving 1,067 private students). 68% of all K-12 students in 02871, RI are educated in public schools (compared to the RI state average of 86%).
The top-ranked public schools in 02871, RI are Portsmouth High School, Howard Hathaway School and Melville School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 02871 have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the Rhode Island public school average of 30%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 34% statewide average). Schools in 02871, RI have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Rhode Island public schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Rhode Island public school average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Best 02871, RI Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Portsmouth High School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
120 Education Lane
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-2124
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-2124
Gr: 9-12 | 785 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Howard Hathaway School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
53 Tallman Avenue
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-0500
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-0500
Gr: K-4 | 409 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Melville School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1351 West Main Road
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-1650
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 683-1650
Gr: PK-4 | 316 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #44.
Portsmouth Middle School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
125 Jepson Lane
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 849-3700
Portsmouth, RI 02871
(401) 849-3700
Gr: 5-8 | 604 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 02871, RI?
The top-ranked public schools in 02871, RI include Portsmouth High School, Howard Hathaway School and Melville School.
How many public schools are located in 02871?
4 public schools are located in 02871.
What percentage of students in 02871 go to public school?
68% of all K-12 students in 02871 are educated in public schools (compared to the RI state average of 86%).
What is the racial composition of students in 02871?
02871 public schools minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Rhode Island public schools average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.