Non - Public School Resources
The
Rhode Island Department of
Elementary and Secondary
Education (RIDE) approves
approximately 150 non-public
schools. These schools are
privately operated and include
Catholic Schools, Independent
Schools, faith based, and
non-secular schools. The
approval of non-public schools
is based on criteria that meet
statutory regulations and
guidance for the safety, well
being and academic program
requirements on behalf of all
children who attend these
schools. All non-public schools
in Rhode Island are required to
be substantially equivalent to
the public schools in areas of
curriculum, student safety
procedures, appropriate
schooling environments,
administrative procedures, and
teacher quality. Approximately
30,000 students attend
non-public schools in Rhode
Island. The difference between
non-public and public schools
can be described through various
ways; most significantly, that
non-public schools have much
latitude to design curriculum
and environments that meet the
needs of the school communities
and students they serve.
Main Link to RIDE's Policy Page