Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel · CC BY-SA 4.0Johnston’s public schools score below 53% of Rhode Island districts on tests and graduation
Math proficiency in Johnston’s districts is 22%, below the Rhode Island average (27%). The grade covers the public school district serving Johnston, 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 98% 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.
Johnston’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 41 Rhode Island towns with household incomes within a quarter of Johnston’s, its schools beat 12%, lower than their 47% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 33% of tested students were proficient in reading and 22% in math, against 33% and 27% statewide; 98% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
85–89% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 84% across Rhode Island (the state reports Johnston’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $20,838 per student, against $23,945 across Rhode Island (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Two elementary schools, then one middle and one high school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 6 the district’s path is Nicholas A. Ferri Middle, then Johnston Senior High. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
St. Rocco School (private) is 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 Johnston’s grade
B−: better than 47% of Rhode Island school districts, #28 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 Johnston, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Johnston · depends on your address
Sarah Dyer Barnes School
Grades K–5 · 266 students · 11:1 students per teacher
Early Childhood Center
Grades K · 201 students · 11:1 students per teacher
6th grade in Johnston
Nicholas A. Ferri Middle
Grades 6–8 · 720 students · 12:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Johnston
Nicholas A. Ferri Middle
Grades 6–8 · 720 students · 12:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Johnston
Nicholas A. Ferri Middle
Grades 6–8 · 720 students · 12:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Johnston
Johnston Senior High
Grades 9–12 · 826 students · 10:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Johnston
Johnston Senior High
Grades 9–12 · 826 students · 10:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Johnston
Johnston Senior High
Grades 9–12 · 826 students · 10:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Johnston
Johnston Senior High
Grades 9–12 · 826 students · 10:1 students per teacher
Johnston’s public schools are run by Johnston 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
Johnston vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Rhode Island towns that share Johnston’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Johnston | B− | Johnston |
| Providence | D | Providence |
| Cranston | B− | Cranston |
| North Providence | B− | North Providence |
| Scituate | A− | Scituate |
| Smithfield | A− | Smithfield |
Every school in Johnston
9 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).
Questions about Johnston’s schools
Are Johnston’s schools good?
On Rhode Island’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Johnston children attend score below 53% of Rhode Island’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B− Schools grade, #28 of 38 Rhode Island towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 12%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Johnston in?
Johnston School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 3,136 students in 8 schools (2024–25).
Where do Johnston kids go to high school?
Johnston Senior High, with 826 students; its own test results earn a B−.
What is Johnston’s graduation rate?
85–89% of the class of 2023 in Johnston School District graduated in four years, against 84% across Rhode Island.
How much does Johnston spend per student?
$20,838 in Johnston School District (FY2024), against $23,945 across Rhode Island. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Johnston?
Yes: St. Rocco School (Catholic, grades PK–8, 203 students).
Parents talk
What Johnston families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Johnston → 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.