In search of GOOD schooling options in RI (Newport, North Kingstown: rental, school districts)

[Africanme]

Hi,

I have posted before about West Bay christian academy, with few responses. I am looking for any information regrdaing good schools in the Newport/Middletown/Portsmouth/Jamestown/North Kingstown/East Greenwich areas ( I know I its a big area, but the school is going to dictate where we live , as long as the commute is not too far).
We are moving in July. My husband is working in Newport and we are trying to find a rental in an area with good schools. I know about Barrington public schools being great, but we don't want to live there due to the commute.
We would prefer a private school, but not at the cost of a college education . There are several private schools in the area, but since we are not from RI, we have no idea which schools are better than others.
We are considering West Bay Christian academy in N. Kingstown and would be up for that commute... or Aquidneck Island Christian academy in Portsmouth. St Philomena is full and Pennfield is a little too pricey.

Does anyone have any information about the private schools mentioned or any other suggestions for schools. My daughter will be going to first grade and I have a preschooler.
Thanks for any comments

[kristenethom]

If St. Philomenas is full there is another Catholic School in Newport called Cluny School which I have heard good things about. Jamestown, is also a very nice community and their public school is very good as well. If you are looking in Portsmouth, the Elmhurst School is the most desired public school. Portsmouth also has good middle and high schools. Hope this helps.

[jakedog1]

Pennfield and St Phils are probably the best on aquidneck Island. Hence the price etc.
East Greenwich has good schools. Jamestown Elementary is highly regarded. Portsmouth is fine too. Newport public schools are a nightmare. Its sad really. Honestly I think it all needs to be taken with a grain of salt- aside from Newport, none of the school districts in southern rhode island are 'bad'. have you checked the schools on RIliving? I have to say I have lived in this area for 34 years and I have never heard of the two other catholic schools you mentioned.

[ricitykid]

EG school sytems are great compared to the rest of the state, but the sytem's old and it's starting to fail. NK has a HORRIBLE school sytem. Same with Newport. Do NOT send your child there. West Bay Christian Academy is a great school and I'd higly reccomend sending your child there.

[mcbaby]

Newport Schools are great. The city needs a new elementary school but the other building are in good shape. The teachers are top notch, the administration is supportive, and the principals of the schools are very impressive. Don't listen to the negativity.