Serving 252 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Joseph A. Whelan School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Rhode Island for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-24% (which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 29%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 25-29% (which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 33%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is equal to the Rhode Island state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Rhode Island state average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 252 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 55%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in RI
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 25-29% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Joseph A. Whelan School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Rhode Island for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Joseph A. Whelan School's student population of 252 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has grown by 35% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
252 students
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Joseph A. Whelan School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 287 schools in Rhode Island (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Joseph A. Whelan School is 0.70, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#169 out of 287 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
29%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
25-29%
33%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
31%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
3%
Hispanic
26%
31%
Black
16%
9%
White
45%
50%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
9%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
45%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
14%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
North Providence School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Joseph A. Whelan School's ranking?
Joseph A. Whelan School is ranked #169 out of 287 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Rhode Island.
What schools are Joseph A. Whelan School often compared to?
Joseph A. Whelan Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Stephen Olney School, James L. Mcguire School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 29% RI state average), while 25-29% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 33% RI state average).
How many students attend Joseph A. Whelan School?
252 students attend Joseph A. Whelan School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Joseph A. Whelan School students are White, 26% of students are Hispanic, 16% of students are Black, 9% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Joseph A. Whelan School?
Joseph A. Whelan School has a student ration of 13:1, which is equal to the Rhode Island state average of 13:1.
What grades does Joseph A. Whelan School offer ?
Joseph A. Whelan School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Joseph A. Whelan School part of?
Joseph A. Whelan School is part of North Providence School District.
School Reviews
Review Joseph A. Whelan School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
