State education report card shows mixed results for Westerly schools

October 15, 2026 - 13:00

The Rhode Island Department of Education has released its 2026 statewide report card, breaking down testing and assessment scores across school districts. For Westerly, the results paint a picture of uneven progress, with some schools gaining ground while others struggle to meet state benchmarks.

Districtwide, English language arts scores held roughly steady compared to the previous year, with a slight uptick in elementary grades. Math results, however, slipped in several schools, particularly at the middle school level. Science proficiency remained largely flat, mirroring a trend seen in many districts across the state.

Administrators pointed to ongoing challenges, including chronic absenteeism and the lingering effects of disrupted learning years. They also noted that subgroup performance, including students with disabilities and those learning English, continues to lag behind state averages, a gap that has proven difficult to close.

On the positive side, graduation rates at Westerly High School stayed above the state average, and several elementary schools showed measurable improvement in early literacy. District leaders said they plan to use the report card data to target interventions, adjust staffing, and expand tutoring programs in the coming year.

The state report card is designed to give families and communities a clearer view of how local schools are performing. Westerly officials said they will present a fuller breakdown to the school committee at an upcoming meeting, along with a plan to address the areas of concern.