Beacon Charter High School for the Arts is a charter high school in Woonsocket, Rhode Island that first opened in 1997. It combines a high school college preparatory program with a visual, performing, and culinary arts. In September 2015, Beacon opened Founders Academy, serving grades 6–8.
Serving 199 students in grades 9-12, Beacon Charter 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 11-19% (which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 29%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-49% (which is higher than the Rhode Island state average of 33%).
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the Rhode Island state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Rhode Island state average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 199 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Minority Enrollment: 51%
- Graduation Rate: 70-79% (Btm 50% in RI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Beacon Charter School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Rhode Island for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
Beacon Charter School's student population of 199 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 18 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
199 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Year Founded
2003
School Calendar
School Rankings
Beacon Charter 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 Beacon Charter School is 0.64, which is less 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
#163 out of 287 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
29%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-49%
33%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
31%
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
33%
30%
Black
8%
9%
White
49%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
8%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
70-79%
83%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
40%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Knight
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beacon Charter School's ranking?
Beacon Charter School is ranked #163 out of 287 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Rhode Island.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
11-19% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 29% RI state average), while 40-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 33% RI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Beacon Charter School?
The graduation rate of Beacon Charter School is 70-79%, which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 83%.
How many students attend Beacon Charter School?
199 students attend Beacon Charter School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
49% of Beacon Charter School students are White, 33% of students are Hispanic, 8% of students are Black, 8% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Beacon Charter School?
Beacon Charter School has a student ration of 11:1, which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 13:1.
What grades does Beacon Charter School offer ?
Beacon Charter School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Beacon Charter School part of?
Beacon Charter School is part of Beacon Charter School District.
School Reviews
5 9/6/2013
I am a current senior and I've had a great few years. There is no other school I would rather attend than this one. The teachers are all fun and know what they are doing. They take their time to make sure each individual understands the context.
Review Beacon Charter 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
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
