Photo: Eric Harrison · CC BY-SA 2.0Cranston’s public schools score below 55% of Rhode Island districts on tests and graduation
In Cranston, 21% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Rhode Island average (27%). The grade covers the public school district serving Cranston, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Rhode Island, not nationally.
From Rhode Island state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Cranston’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 41 Rhode Island towns with household incomes within a quarter of Cranston’s, its schools beat 15%, lower than their 45% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state in reading, below in math
Reading proficiency is 34% and math 21% in spring 2022, against 33% and 27% statewide; 87% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 84%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $19,030 per student, against $23,945 across Rhode Island (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
14 elementary schools, then four middle and two high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Achievement First Iluminar, AF Iluminar Mayoral Middle Sch, Apprenticeship Exploration Sch, Ocean State Academy (private), St. Mary Elementary School (private), St. Paul School (private) and Cornerstone School (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Cranston’s grade
B−: better than 45% of Rhode Island school districts, #29 of 38 Rhode Island towns. Graduation is above the Rhode Island average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Cranston, with each school’s own grade.
9th grade in Cranston · depends on your address
Cranston High School West
Grades 9–12 · 1,653 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Cranston High School East
Grades 9–12 · 1,525 students · 13:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Cranston · depends on your address
Cranston High School West
Grades 9–12 · 1,653 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Cranston High School East
Grades 9–12 · 1,525 students · 13:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Cranston · depends on your address
Cranston High School West
Grades 9–12 · 1,653 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Cranston High School East
Grades 9–12 · 1,525 students · 13:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Cranston · depends on your address
Cranston High School West
Grades 9–12 · 1,653 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Cranston High School East
Grades 9–12 · 1,525 students · 13:1 students per teacher
Cranston’s public schools are run by Cranston School District. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Close to the state in reading
Cranston vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Rhode Island towns that share Cranston’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Cranston | B− | Cranston |
| Warwick | C+ | Warwick |
| Johnston | B− | Johnston |
| Providence | D | Providence |
| Scituate | A− | Scituate |
| Coventry | B− | Coventry |
| East Providence | C+ | East Providence |
| West Warwick | C | West Warwick |
Every school in Cranston
28 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Rhode Island’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Cranston Career & Tech Center).
Questions about Cranston’s schools
Are Cranston’s schools good?
On Rhode Island’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Cranston children attend score below 55% of Rhode Island’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B− Schools grade, #29 of 38 Rhode Island towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 15%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Cranston in?
Cranston School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 9,861 students in 22 schools (2024–25).
Where do Cranston kids go to high school?
One of 2 high schools, depending on your address: Cranston High School West and Cranston High School East.
What is Cranston’s graduation rate?
87% of the class of 2023 in Cranston School District graduated in four years, against 84% across Rhode Island.
How much does Cranston spend per student?
$19,030 in Cranston School District (FY2024), against $23,945 across Rhode Island. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Cranston?
Yes: Ocean State Academy (special education, grades K–12, 184 students), St. Mary Elementary School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 161 students), St. Paul School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 143 students) and Cornerstone School (special education, grades PK–12, 57 students). Cranston also has 3 charter schools, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Cranston families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Cranston → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Rhode Island. Stars are from neighbors.