History of The Pennfield School
The Pennfield School is an Independent preschool to eighth-grade school where students are provided with a safe and supportive environment in which they are encouraged to take academic, artistic, and athletic risks. Social Justice (DEIB) and Sustainability are signature programs at the school. Founded as the New School in 1971, it was renamed in 1993 after a beloved teacher. Pennfield serves approximately 170 students annually, with an average class size of 12 children.
Throughout its history, the school has served diverse families from across Newport County, including international students and military families, with most students being residents of Aquidneck Island. Approximately 17 percent of Pennfield’s student body self-identifies as BIPOC. Our population is also quite neurodiverse, with 15% of students receiving support for learning differences. Our student body is 15% military families.
Pennfield serves a predominately middle-class demographic. To keep our school accessible, financial assistance is offered to one-third of Pennfield students.