Serving 170 students in grades 9-12, Sheila Skip Nowell 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% (which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 29%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≤20% (which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 33%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Rhode Island state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 90% 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: 170 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 30-39% (Btm 50% in RI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Sheila Skip Nowell ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Rhode Island for:
Category
Attribute
Science Proficiency
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
School Overview
Sheila Skip Nowell's student population of 170 students has grown by 82% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has grown by 142% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
170 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
Year Founded
2013
School Motto
Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
School Rankings
Sheila Skip Nowell 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 Sheila Skip Nowell is 0.53, 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
#203 out of 287 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
29%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
33%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
31%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
13:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
65%
30%
Black
20%
9%
White
10%
51%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
30-39%
83%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
38%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (21-22)
1%
4%
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 Sheila Skip Nowell's ranking?
Sheila Skip Nowell is ranked #203 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?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 29% RI state average), while ≤20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 33% RI state average).
What is the graduation rate of Sheila Skip Nowell?
The graduation rate of Sheila Skip Nowell is 30-39%, which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 83%.
How many students attend Sheila Skip Nowell?
170 students attend Sheila Skip Nowell.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Sheila Skip Nowell students are Hispanic, 20% of students are Black, 10% of students are White, 3% 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 Sheila Skip Nowell?
Sheila Skip Nowell has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 13:1.
What grades does Sheila Skip Nowell offer ?
Sheila Skip Nowell offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Sheila Skip Nowell part of?
Sheila Skip Nowell is part of Sheila Skip Nowell Leadership Academy School District.
In what neighborhood is Sheila Skip Nowell located?
Sheila Skip Nowell is located in the Downtown Providence neighborhood of Providence, RI. There are 4 other public schools located in Downtown Providence.
School Reviews
Review Sheila Skip Nowell. 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.