Claiborne Pell Elementary

Summary:

Claiborne Pell Elementary is a public elementary school located in Newport, Rhode Island, serving grades PK-4 with a total enrollment of 697 students. Despite the school's relatively high per-student spending and low student-teacher ratio, Claiborne Pell Elementary has consistently underperformed compared to the state and Newport district averages in academic proficiency.

In the 2023-2024 school year, only 17.9% of Claiborne Pell students were proficient or better in English Language Arts, compared to 14.7% for the Newport district and 37.8% statewide. In Mathematics, 21.2% of Claiborne Pell students were proficient or better, compared to 13.6% for Newport and 39.1% statewide. The school also has a very high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 63.98% to 72.97% over the past three school years, significantly higher than the state average.

When compared to nearby schools, such as Fishing Cove Elementary School in North Kingstown and Fort Barton School in Tiverton, Claiborne Pell Elementary is an outlier in terms of academic performance. Despite the additional resources directed to the school, it has not shown significant improvement in its academic outcomes over the past several years, suggesting that the current strategies may not be effectively addressing the needs of the students.

Detail:

Public PK, KG-4

35 Dexter Street
Newport, RI 02840

(401) 842-1900

District: Newport

SchoolDigger Rank:
141^st of 166 Rhode Island Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $17,849

Students who attend Claiborne Pell Elementary usually attend:

Middle:	Frank E. Thompson Middle
High:	Rogers High School

Student/teacher ratio: 10.0

Number of students: 716

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:

39.4%

White:

32.5%

Two or more races:

14.4%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 71.4%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details Claiborne Pell Elementary ranks worse than 84.9% of elementary schools in Rhode Island. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 17.65. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Student population at Claiborne Pell Elementary is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (39.4%), White (32.5%), two or more races (14.4%). (See more...)

Compare Details 71.4% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Claiborne Pell Elementary is 10. (See more...)

Compare Claiborne Pell Elementary employs 71 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Claiborne Pell Elementary is $17,849.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Claiborne Pell Elementary was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Newport:

SchoolDigger ranks Newport 46^th of 60 Rhode Island school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Claiborne Pell Elementary

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	RI State Percentile
2015	44.39	98^th	169	42.0%
2016	43.86	103^rd	170	39.4%
2017	34.42	111^th	168	33.9%
2018	20.15	140^th	169	17.2%
2019	16.97	147^th	169	13.0%
2021	16.47	137^th	166	17.5%
2022	18.13	135^th	166	18.7%
2023	13.74	151^st	167	9.6%
2024	17.65	141^st	166	15.1%

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

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 5)

100%

Reviews:

by a parent
Wednesday, May 22, 2019

I have loved my experience with Pell Elementary over the last three years. The staff and teachers are caring and attentive. There is a rich diversity of children. The building is beautiful. Despite the poor ratings on this site, my children and I have loved our time here. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Claiborne Pell Elementary

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2014	394	110	9	209	14	3	115	854
2015	389	107	8	232	21	3	130	890
2016	401	100	9	246	22	4	151	933
2017	370	103	12	255	20	3	155	918
2018	377	98	19	247	19	1	137	898
2019	313	88	16	256	20	3	134	830
2020	288	81	20	273	19	2	127	810
2021	244	72	16	277	20	3	108	740
2022	265	75	17	276	20	2	89	744
2023	243	66	14	268	18	2	86	697
2024	233	69	11	282	16	2	103	716

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 Claiborne Pell Elementary

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2014	854	44.2	19.3	64.1
2015	890	52.0	17.1	63.1
2016	933	60.0	15.5	65.5
2017	918	61.3	14.9	68.1
2018	898	63.1	14.2	64.7
2019	830	63.1	13.1	69.3
2020	810	61.1	13.2	71.4
2021	740	60.1	12.3	73
2022	744	68.3	10.8	64
2023	697	66.3	10.5	69.7
2024	716	71.0	10.0	71.4

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 Claiborne Pell Elementary

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2014	854	44.2	19.3	64.1
2015	890	52.0	17.1	63.1
2016	933	60.0	15.5	65.5
2017	918	61.3	14.9	68.1
2018	898	63.1	14.2	64.7
2019	830	63.1	13.1	69.3
2020	810	61.1	13.2	71.4
2021	740	60.1	12.3	73
2022	744	68.3	10.8	64
2023	697	66.3	10.5	69.7
2024	716	71.0	10.0	71.4

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 Claiborne Pell Elementary

Year	Expenditures from Federal Funds	Expenditures from State and Local Funds	Total Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2018	$1,396 (9.1%)	$13,968 (90.9%)	$15,364
2019	$1,630 (10.4%)	$14,635 (93.3%)	$15,678
2020	$1,732 (11.0%)	$14,065 (89.0%)	$15,797
2021	$2,166 (12.1%)	$15,683 (87.9%)	$17,849

Data source: Rhode Island Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Claiborne Pell Elementary

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 147^th of 169 Elementary schools	Ranks 151^st of 167 Elementary schools	3.4%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Claiborne Pell Elementary)	26.9	14.7	12.2%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Newport)	26.7	14.6	12.1%
3rd Grade English Language Arts (Rhode Island)	47.9	36.8	11.1%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Claiborne Pell Elementary)	24.7	17.1	7.6%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Newport)	24.6	17	7.6%
3rd Grade Mathematics (Rhode Island)	36.1	34.5	1.6%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Claiborne Pell Elementary)	23.1	17.3	5.8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Newport)	23.1	17.3	5.8%
4th Grade English Language Arts (Rhode Island)	37.2	33.3	3.9%
4th Grade Mathematics (Claiborne Pell Elementary)	17.9	17.8	0.1%
4th Grade Mathematics (Newport)	17.9	17.8	0.1%
4th Grade Mathematics (Rhode Island)	32.6	36	3.4%
All Grades English Language Arts (Claiborne Pell Elementary)	25	15.8	9.2%
All Grades English Language Arts (Newport)	25.5	12.2	13.3%
All Grades Mathematics (Claiborne Pell Elementary)	21.4	17.4	4%
All Grades Mathematics (Newport)	20.4	12	8.4%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	830	697	16%
African American	88	66	25%
American Indian	20	18	10%
Asian	16	14	12.5%
Hispanic	256	268	4.7%
Pacific Islander	3	2	33.3%
White	313	243	22.4%
Two or More Races	134	86	35.8%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	69.3%	69.7%	0.5%

Schools Near Claiborne Pell Elementary

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 6th Grade	RICAS English Language Arts 7th Grade	RICAS English Language Arts 8th Grade	RICAS English Language Arts All Grades	RICAS Mathematics 3rd Grade	RICAS Mathematics 4th Grade	RICAS Mathematics 5th Grade	RICAS Mathematics 6th Grade	RICAS Mathematics 7th Grade	RICAS Mathematics 8th Grade	RICAS Mathematics All Grades	Per Pupil Expenditures Total	Sub-total from Federal Funds	Sub-total from State/Local Funds
Claiborne Pell Elementary	Public	PK, KG-4	35 Dexter Street	Newport	02840	Newport County	Newport	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(401) 842-1900	716	71	10.0	71.4%	233 (32.5%)	69 (9.6%)	282 (39.4%)	11 (1.5%)	16 (2.2%)	2 (0.3%)	103 (14.4%)	17.7	141^st of 166 public elementary schools	15.1%		13.7	151^st of 167 public elementary schools	9.6%	10		26.0	10.4					17.9	27.1	15.7					21.2	$17,849	$2,166	$15,683
Aquidneck School	Public	PK, KG-3	70 Reservoir Avenue	Middletown	02842	Newport County	Middletown	No	(n/a)	No	No	(401) 847-4921	303	22	13.7	22.8%	202 (66.7%)	15 (5.0%)	54 (17.8%)	9 (3.0%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	22 (7.3%)	56.2	61^st of 166 public elementary schools	63.3%		45.7	86^th of 167 public elementary schools	48.5%	25		44.4							42.1							$16,935	$418	$16,518
Gaudet Learning Academy	Public	4-5	1113 Aquidneck Ave.	Middletown	02842	Newport County	Middletown	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(401) 846-6395	273	21	13.0	32.6%	172 (63.0%)	18 (6.6%)	54 (19.8%)	11 (4.0%)	2 (0.7%)	1 (0.4%)	15 (5.5%)								(n/a)	36.1		41.4	29.2				35.4		26.3	18.8				22.4	$14,039	$633	$13,406
Forest Avenue School	Public	K-3	315 Forest Avenue	Middletown	02842	Newport County	Middletown	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(401) 849-9434	309	25	12.3	36.2%	161 (52.1%)	26 (8.4%)	83 (26.9%)	6 (1.9%)	2 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	31 (10.0%)	47.4	82^nd of 166 public elementary schools	50.6%		50.1	75^th of 167 public elementary schools	55.1%	7		37.3							40.6							$16,865	$1,219	$15,646
Jamestown School-Melrose	Public	PK, KG-4	76 Melrose Avenue	Jamestown	02835	Newport County	Jamestown	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(401) 423-7020	208	18	11.5	6.3%	189 (90.9%)	1 (0.5%)	3 (1.4%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	14 (6.7%)	94.5	6^th of 166 public elementary schools	96.4%		94.1	8^th of 167 public elementary schools	95.2%	2		91.2	65.8					77.8		59.0					78.1	$18,200	$1,490	$16,710
Melville School	Public	PK, KG-4	1351 West Main Road	Portsmouth	02871	Newport County	Portsmouth	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(401) 683-1650	330	27	12.2	12.7%	263 (79.7%)	5 (1.5%)	27 (8.2%)	9 (2.7%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	26 (7.9%)	94.1	7^th of 166 public elementary schools	95.8%		86	28^th of 167 public elementary schools	83.2%	21		64.6	62.5					63.6	67.7	76.8					71.9	$16,674	$751	$15,923
Wilbur and McMahon Schools	Public	PK, KG-8	28 Commons	Little Compton	02837	Newport County	Little Compton	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(401) 592-0363	210	28	7.5	13.3%	192 (91.4%)	3 (1.4%)	6 (2.9%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (3.8%)	96.5	2^nd of 166 public elementary schools	98.8%		96.4	6^th of 167 public elementary schools	96.4%	4	54.8	71.4	85.0	70.0	66.7	70.4	50.0	68.8	78.6	90.0	80.0	66.7	51.9	31.8	65.9	$25,915	$859	$25,056
Hamilton School	Public	K-5	25 Salisbury Avenue	North Kingstown	02852	Washington County	North Kingstown	No	(n/a)	No	No	(401) 268-6520	454	30	15.1	9.0%	393 (86.6%)	5 (1.1%)	16 (3.5%)	12 (2.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	28 (6.2%)	92	13^th of 166 public elementary schools	92.2%		90.7	14^th of 167 public elementary schools	91.6%	1	60.0	74.6	54.5	52.3				60.3	67.2	61.8	57.6				62.2	$14,193	$370	$13,824
Howard Hathaway School	Public	K-4	53 Tallman Avenue	Portsmouth	02871	Newport County	Portsmouth	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(401) 683-0500	401	32	12.5	16.5%	321 (80.0%)	6 (1.5%)	34 (8.5%)	5 (1.2%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	33 (8.2%)	84.6	29^th of 166 public elementary schools	82.5%		81.6	32^nd of 167 public elementary schools	80.8%	3		47.9	56.1					52.3	58.9	67.1					63.2	$14,405	$656	$13,749
Fishing Cove Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	110 Wickford Point Road	North Kingstown	02852	Washington County	North Kingstown	No	(n/a)	No	Yes	(401) 268-6580	334	22	15.1	26.3%	257 (76.9%)	8 (2.4%)	24 (7.2%)	11 (3.3%)	4 (1.2%)	1 (0.3%)	29 (8.7%)	87	23^rd of 166 public elementary schools	86.1%		92.6	11^th of 167 public elementary schools	93.4%	12	47.5	55.1	56.3	44.7				52.6	61.2	66.7	70.0				65.7	$17,383	$793	$16,589

Frequently Asked Questions about Claiborne Pell Elementary

What schools do graduates of Claiborne Pell Elementary attend?

Students who attend Claiborne Pell Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Frank E. Thompson Middle
High : Rogers High School

Is Claiborne Pell Elementary a good school?

Claiborne Pell Elementary ranks in the bottom 15.1% of Rhode Island elementary schools.

What district is Claiborne Pell Elementary in?

Newport

What is the racial makeup of Claiborne Pell Elementary?

Students at Claiborne Pell Elementary are 39% Hispanic, 33% White, 14% Two or more races, 10% African American, 2% American Indian, 2% Asian.

How many students attend Claiborne Pell Elementary?

In the 2023-24 school year, 716 students attended Claiborne Pell Elementary.

Rate Claiborne Pell Elementary!

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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.