Serving 357 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Paul Cuffee Lower 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 10-14% (which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 29%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 33%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Rhode Island state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Rhode Island state average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Charter School
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 357 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 96%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in RI
- Math Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 10-14% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Paul Cuffee Lower School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Rhode Island for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
Paul Cuffee Lower School's student population of 357 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 30 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
357 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
School Rankings
Paul Cuffee Lower 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 Paul Cuffee Lower School is 0.49, 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
#215 out of 287 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
29%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
33%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
10-14%
31%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
3%
4%
Hispanic
69%
30%
Black
17%
9%
White
4%
51%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
64%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
13%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paul Cuffee Lower School's ranking?
Paul Cuffee Lower School is ranked #215 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?
10-14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 29% RI state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 33% RI state average).
How many students attend Paul Cuffee Lower School?
357 students attend Paul Cuffee Lower School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Paul Cuffee Lower School students are Hispanic, 17% of students are Black, 5% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are White, 3% of students are Asian, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Paul Cuffee Lower School?
Paul Cuffee Lower School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 13:1.
What grades does Paul Cuffee Lower School offer ?
Paul Cuffee Lower School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Paul Cuffee Lower School part of?
Paul Cuffee Lower School is part of Paul Cuffee Charter School District.
In what neighborhood is Paul Cuffee Lower School located?
Paul Cuffee Lower School is located in the Valley neighborhood of Providence, RI.
School Reviews
Review Paul Cuffee Lower 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
Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children鈥檚 wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.
Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.
What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we鈥檒l take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.
