BLOCK ISLAND SCHOOL

Block Island School is a Title I public school that is part of the New Shoreham school district, located in Block Island, RI with about 120 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 22 teachers, Block Island School has a student/teacher ratio of about 5:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Block Island School, located on Block Island, Rhode Island, is a unique K–12 institution that serves as the heart of its small, remote island community. Because the island is separated from the mainland by the Atlantic Ocean, the school operates as a single, consolidated facility that provides a comprehensive education for all local students from kindergarten through high school graduation. Due to the island’s small population, the school is characterized by a close-knit environment where students often experience multi-age learning opportunities and highly personalized attention from a dedicated faculty.

The school is deeply integrated into the fabric of the island, often leveraging its distinct coastal environment as a living laboratory for science, ecology, and maritime studies. Beyond academics, the institution acts as a central hub for community events and extracurricular activities, fostering a strong sense of school spirit and civic responsibility. While it faces the logistical challenges typical of an offshore school, it offers a distinct educational experience that prioritizes small class sizes, strong teacher-student relationships, and a supportive atmosphere that reflects the island's independent and resilient culture.

For more information, contact Block Island School at (401) 466-5600 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.