Sowams Elementary School

Summary:

Sowams Elementary School is a high-performing public elementary school located in Barrington, Rhode Island, serving grades K-3 with a total enrollment of 257 students. The school consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in the state, with a statewide ranking of 10th out of 166 schools and a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Sowams Elementary School's academic performance is exceptional, with 3rd-grade proficiency rates in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics significantly higher than the state averages, at 68.1% proficient or better in both subjects, compared to the state averages of 37.8% in ELA and 39.1% in Mathematics. The school also has a very low percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, at only 6.61%, indicating a relatively high socioeconomic status of the student population. Additionally, Sowams Elementary School has a high per-student spending of $17,023 and a low student-teacher ratio of 15.3, suggesting a strong investment in educational resources and individualized attention for students.

Compared to nearby schools, such as Primrose Hill School and Nayatt School, Sowams Elementary School outperforms them in both ELA and Mathematics proficiency rates for 3rd-grade students. This consistent high performance, along with the school's low percentage of free/reduced lunch recipients and high spending per student, contribute to Sowams Elementary School's reputation as a top-performing elementary school in Barrington and the state of Rhode Island.

Detail:

Public K-3

364 Sowams Road
Barrington, RI 02806

(401) 247-3180

District: Barrington

SchoolDigger Rank:
10^th of 166 Rhode Island Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $17,023

Students who attend Sowams Elementary School usually attend:

Middle:	Barrington Middle School
High:	Barrington High School

Student/teacher ratio: 15.3

Number of students: 261

Racial breakdown:

White:

77.4%

Asian:

9.2%

Hispanic:

6.5%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 6.9%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Sowams Elementary School ranks better than 94% of elementary schools in Rhode Island. It also ranks first among 3 ranked elementary schools in the Barrington School District! (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 92.58. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Sowams Elementary School has the smallest elementary school student body size in the Barrington School District. Racial makeup is: White (77.4%), Asian (9.2%), Hispanic (6.5%). (See more...)

Compare Details 6.9% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Sowams Elementary School is 15.3, which is the highest among 4 elementary schools in the Barrington School District! (See more...)

Compare Sowams Elementary School employs 17 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Sowams Elementary School is $17,023, which is the highest among 4 elementary schools in the Barrington School District!

Schooldigger Rankings:

Sowams Elementary School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Barrington:

SchoolDigger ranks Barrington 4^th of 60 Rhode Island school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for Sowams Elementary School

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	RI State Percentile
2009	95.26	3^rd	169	98.2%
2010	91.26	7^th	169	95.9%
2011	85.59	14^th	165	91.5%
2012	91.62	2^nd	165	98.8%
2013	78.74	36^th	165	78.2%
2014	76.65	36^th	159	77.4%
2015	85.26	23^rd	169	86.4%
2016	80.14	26^th	170	84.7%
2017	86.58	15^th	168	91.1%
2018	88.39	16^th	169	90.5%
2019	69.15	52^nd	169	69.2%
2021	92.93	8^th	166	95.2%
2022	93.66	7^th	166	95.8%
2023	97.71	1^st	167	99.4%
2024	92.58	10^th	166	94.0%

See the entire list of Rhode Island Elementary School Rankings!

Data source: test scores: Rhode Island Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

Data source: Rhode Island Department of Education

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Enrollment information for Sowams Elementary School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
1993	276	1	5	1	0	n/a	n/a	283
1994	291	2	3	2	0	n/a	n/a	298
1995	319	1	3	0	1	n/a	n/a	324
1996	319	1	3	0	1	n/a	n/a	324
1997	300	1	8	1	2	n/a	n/a	312
1998	295	0	11	1	1	n/a	n/a	308
1999	294	0	11	1	0	n/a	n/a	306
2000	314	2	9	1	0	n/a	n/a	326
2001	288	4	6	1	0	n/a	n/a	299
2002	246	3	9	2	1	n/a	n/a	261
2003	246	3	9	2	1	n/a	n/a	261
2004	233	4	12	2	0	n/a	n/a	251
2005	215	6	10	2	0	n/a	n/a	233
2006	223	2	12	2	0	n/a	n/a	239
2007	222	2	14	1	0	n/a	n/a	239
2008	243	1	17	0	0	n/a	n/a	261
2009	246	0	14	6	0	n/a	n/a	266
2010	253	0	17	2	1	n/a	n/a	273
2011	254	1	10	5	0	0	9	279
2012	241	1	5	7	0	0	7	261
2013	222	1	8	7	0	0	13	251
2014	214	1	17	7	0	0	12	251
2015	227	0	13	8	0	0	12	260
2016	204	0	17	9	0	0	16	246
2017	216	0	12	11	0	0	7	246
2018	221	2	11	9	0	0	7	250
2019	220	2	11	7	0	0	10	250
2020	219	4	16	10	0	0	11	260
2021	209	6	17	5	0	0	14	251
2022	220	6	17	7	0	0	18	268
2023	200	5	25	12	0	0	15	257
2024	202	2	24	17	0	0	16	261

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Sowams Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1993	283	19.0	14.9	1.8
1994	298	19.0	15.7	1.7
1995	324	23.5	13.8	4.6
1996	324	23.5	13.8	4.6
1997	312	21.0	14.9	1.9
1998	308	22.0	14.0	4.2
1999	306	20.5	14.9	6.5
2000	326	21.7	15.0	2.1
2001	299	18.3	16.3	3.3
2002	261	n/a	n/a	0.8
2003	261	n/a	n/a	0.8
2004	251	16.0	15.7	2.4
2005	233	19.5	11.9	1.3
2006	239	25.0	9.6	2.1
2007	239	14.0	17.1	3.3
2008	261	20.0	13.1	5
2009	266	19.0	11.1	n/a
2010	273	20.8	13.1	2.9
2011	279	20.8	13.4	3.6
2012	261	21.0	12.4	5.7
2013	251	18.0	13.9	6
2014	251	17.0	14.7	5.2
2015	260	18.0	14.4	3.1
2016	246	16.0	15.3	3.7
2017	246	15.0	16.4	2.4
2018	250	15.0	16.6	3.2
2019	250	15.7	15.8	3.6
2020	260	15.7	16.5	2.3
2021	251	17.5	14.3	1.2
2022	268	17.5	15.3	2.6
2023	257	16.7	15.3	6.6
2024	261	17.0	15.3	6.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Sowams Elementary School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1993	283	19.0	14.9	1.8
1994	298	19.0	15.7	1.7
1995	324	23.5	13.8	4.6
1996	324	23.5	13.8	4.6
1997	312	21.0	14.9	1.9
1998	308	22.0	14.0	4.2
1999	306	20.5	14.9	6.5
2000	326	21.7	15.0	2.1
2001	299	18.3	16.3	3.3
2002	261	n/a	n/a	0.8
2003	261	n/a	n/a	0.8
2004	251	16.0	15.7	2.4
2005	233	19.5	11.9	1.3
2006	239	25.0	9.6	2.1
2007	239	14.0	17.1	3.3
2008	261	20.0	13.1	5
2009	266	19.0	11.1	n/a
2010	273	20.8	13.1	2.9
2011	279	20.8	13.4	3.6
2012	261	21.0	12.4	5.7
2013	251	18.0	13.9	6
2014	251	17.0	14.7	5.2
2015	260	18.0	14.4	3.1
2016	246	16.0	15.3	3.7
2017	246	15.0	16.4	2.4
2018	250	15.0	16.6	3.2
2019	250	15.7	15.8	3.6
2020	260	15.7	16.5	2.3
2021	251	17.5	14.3	1.2
2022	268	17.5	15.3	2.6
2023	257	16.7	15.3	6.6
2024	261	17.0	15.3	6.9

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Sowams Elementary School

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018	$49 (0.3%)	$15,719 (99.7%)	$15,767
2019	$48 (0.3%)	$15,397 (99.7%)	$15,445
2020	$99 (0.7%)	$14,661 (99.3%)	$14,760
2021	$283 (1.7%)	$16,740 (98.3%)	$17,023

Data source: Rhode Island Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Sowams Elementary School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 52^nd of 169 Elementary schools	Ranks 1^st of 167 Elementary schools	30.2%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Sowams Elementary School)	62.7	72.7	10%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Barrington)	72.8	64.9	7.9%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Rhode Island)	47.9	36.8	11.1%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Sowams Elementary School)	45.8	78.2	32.4%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Barrington)	65	62.9	2.1%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Rhode Island)	36.1	34.5	1.6%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	250	257	2.8%
African American	2	5	150%
American Indian	0	0
Asian	11	25	127.3%
Hispanic	7	12	71.4%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	220	200	9.1%
Two or More Races	10	15	50%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	3.6%	6.6%	3%

Schools Near Sowams Elementary School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				NGSA Science (2024)	RICAS English Language Arts (2024)				RICAS Mathematics (2024)				Per Pupil Expenditures (2021)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	NGSA Science All Grades	RICAS English Language Arts 3rd Grade	RICAS English Language Arts 4th Grade	RICAS English Language Arts 5th Grade	RICAS English Language Arts All Grades	RICAS Mathematics 3rd Grade	RICAS Mathematics 4th Grade	RICAS Mathematics 5th Grade	RICAS Mathematics All Grades	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Sowams Elementary School	Public	K-3	364 Sowams Road	Barrington	02806	Bristol County	Barrington	No	(n/a)	No	No	(401) 247-3180	261	17	15.3	6.9%	202 (77.4%)	2 (0.8%)	17 (6.5%)	24 (9.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	16 (6.1%)	92.6	10^th of 166 public elementary schools	94.0%		97.7	1^st of 167 public elementary schools	99.4%	9		68.1				68.1				$17,023	$283	$16,740
Hampden Meadows School	Public	4-5	297 New Meadow Road	Barrington	02806	Bristol County	Barrington	No	(n/a)	No	No	(401) 247-3166	446	31	14.3	7.8%	341 (76.5%)	8 (1.8%)	34 (7.6%)	28 (6.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	35 (7.8%)								(n/a)	62.6		52.9	59.2	56.3		61.5	62.2	61.9	$12,859	$171	$12,688
Primrose Hill School	Public	PK, KG-3	60 Middle Highway	Barrington	02806	Bristol County	Barrington	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(401) 247-3170	361	26	13.8	9.7%	264 (73.1%)	5 (1.4%)	27 (7.5%)	37 (10.2%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	28 (7.8%)	85.7	25^th of 166 public elementary schools	84.9%		74.9	42^nd of 167 public elementary schools	74.9%	17		70.4				55.0				$15,927	$628	$15,299
Nayatt School	Public	K-3	400 Nayatt Road	Barrington	02806	Bristol County	Barrington	No	(n/a)	No	No	(401) 247-3175	357	26	13.7	2.5%	273 (76.5%)	3 (0.8%)	24 (6.7%)	26 (7.3%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.3%)	30 (8.4%)	90.7	16^th of 166 public elementary schools	90.4%		96.8	4^th of 167 public elementary schools	97.6%	12		74.5				60.8				$14,622	$349	$14,273
Waddington School	Public	K-5	101 Legion Way	Riverside	02915	Providence County	East Providence	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(401) 433-6235	540	38	14.2	43.0%	385 (71.3%)	31 (5.7%)	52 (9.6%)	13 (2.4%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	58 (10.7%)	53.7	66^th of 166 public elementary schools	60.2%		44.7	88^th of 167 public elementary schools	47.3%	22	29.0	43.8	31.4	33.3	35.9	46.3	44.2	31.2	40.2	$14,129	$1,405	$12,724
James R. D. Oldham School	Public	PK	60 Bart Drive	Riverside	02915	Providence County	East Providence	No	(n/a)	No	(n/a)	(401) 270-2321	215	12	17.9	34.9%	124 (57.7%)	26 (12.1%)	36 (16.7%)	6 (2.8%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	23 (10.7%)								(n/a)
Hugh Cole School	Public	PK, KG-5	50 Asylum Road	Warren	02885	Bristol County	Bristol Warren	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(401) 245-1460	504	37	13.6	40.7%	399 (79.2%)	6 (1.2%)	47 (9.3%)	3 (0.6%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	47 (9.3%)	54.7	63^rd of 166 public elementary schools	62.0%		60.8	62^nd of 167 public elementary schools	62.9%	1	47.8	37.0	24.7	37.3	32.9	37.0	35.6	44.8	39.0	$18,605	$1,736	$16,869
Rockwell School	Public	K-5	1225 Hope Street	Bristol	02809	Bristol County	Bristol Warren	No	(n/a)	No	No	(401) 254-5930	260	15	17.3	13.8%	234 (90.0%)	0 (0.0%)	15 (5.8%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	10 (3.8%)	91.6	14^th of 166 public elementary schools	91.6%		91	13^th of 167 public elementary schools	92.2%	1	65.1	71.9	46.8	48.8	54.1	71.9	68.1	60.5	66.4	$15,017	$1,011	$14,006
Kent Heights School	Public	K-5	2680 Pawtucket Avenue	East Providence	02914	Providence County	East Providence	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(401) 435-7824	243	19	12.7	57.2%	120 (49.4%)	32 (13.2%)	58 (23.9%)	3 (1.2%)	3 (1.2%)	0 (0.0%)	27 (11.1%)	37.5	93^rd of 166 public elementary schools	44.0%		42.9	90^th of 167 public elementary schools	46.1%	3	26.8	48.1	24.3	17.5	27.9	51.9	30.8	14.6	29.9	$16,080	$2,261	$13,819
Silver Spring School	Public	K-5	120 Silver Spring Avenue	East Providence	02914	Providence County	East Providence	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(401) 435-7836	235	21	11.1	52.3%	113 (48.1%)	34 (14.5%)	36 (15.3%)	21 (8.9%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	30 (12.8%)	49.1	77^th of 166 public elementary schools	53.6%		56.3	66^th of 167 public elementary schools	60.5%	11	36.8	32.3	30.6	32.4	31.7	41.9	35.1	31.6	35.8	$18,443	$2,186	$16,257

Frequently Asked Questions about Sowams Elementary School

Is Sowams Elementary School a good school?

Yes. Sowams Elementary School ranks in the top 6.0% of Rhode Island elementary schools.

What schools do graduates of Sowams Elementary School attend?

Students who attend Sowams Elementary School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Barrington Middle School
High : Barrington High School

How many students attend Sowams Elementary School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 261 students attended Sowams Elementary School.

What is the racial makeup of Sowams Elementary School?

Students at Sowams Elementary School are 77% White, 9% Asian, 7% Hispanic, 6% Two or more races.

What district is Sowams Elementary School in?

Barrington

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Rhode Island Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.