Click here to learn more about Portsmouth Abbey through our admissions video.
Founded: In 1926 by Rev. Hugh Diman
Location: Portsmouth, Rhode Island, on a 500-acre campus along the shores of Narragansett Bay, 10 miles from Newport, 28 miles from Providence, 60 miles from Boston
Students: 360 male and female boarding and day students in grades 9-12
Student Demographics: Evenly split between boys and girls; boarders from 22 U.S. states and 20 foreign countries; 70 percent boarding students, 30 percent day students
Average Class Size: 12 to 14
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 7 to 1
Teaching Faculty: 50; 23 have advanced degrees
Financial Aid: $3.1 million awarded to 36 percent of the student body
Curriculum: 76 courses offered, including 19 Advanced Placement courses
Housing: 7 residential houses for students, with 23 faculty apartments within the houses
Interscholastic Sports: Member of the Eastern Independent League - 24 varsity teams with junior varsity teams for each; world-class, 18-hole, Scottish links-style golf course; 8 squash courts and state-of-the-art fitness center; 6-lane, all-weather track; 9 tennis courts; indoor ice hockey rink; 2 gymnasiums; equestrian facilities; multiple outdoor playing fields
Performing Arts: Wide range of visual and performing arts; state-of-the-art fine arts center; art gallery; chamber orchestra; drama program; 3 annual stage productions; private music lessons; dance program
Community Service: Daily opportunities available in the afternoons for those in all Forms; 10 hours of community service required by the end of the IV Form
Extracurriculars: Clubs include: Appalachia Service Project; TheBeacon (student newspaper); TheRaven (art and literary magazine); Math League; Human Rights Group; Future Problem Solvers; Cultural Awareness at Portsmouth (CAAP); Big Brothers and Big Sisters; Creative Writing Workshop; community service projects; Debate Club; the Gregorian (yearbook); Model United Nations; Red Key (campus tour guides); Social Committee; Student Council; Humanities Forum; WJHD Radio Station; Environmental Club; and much more.
Green Initiatives: A faculty solar home, an organic community kitchen garden, and a Vestas 660kW wind turbine generator are all located on the north edge of campus. The wind turbine stands a proud 240 feet, from the ground to the tip of the highest blade. For its important contributions to conservation in Rhode Island, Portsmouth Abbey & School received the 2007 Environmental Merit Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the 2007 Conservation Award by the Garden Club of America, and the 2006 Senator John H. Chafee Award for Outstanding Conservation Project.
