Schools in Zip Code 02885

Zip code 02885 has three schools serving grades PK–12: Hugh Cole School (PK–5), Kickemuit Middle School (6–8), and Highlander Secondary Charter School (7–12). Their 2025–26 results show that there is no single performance level that describes the area: the equal-weight average is about the state level in ELA and math, and above it in science. The clearest finding for parents is the sharp divide between the two higher-scoring schools and Highlander, which is far below them in all three subjects.

Kickemuit Middle School leads in ELA (45.6%) and science (53.6%), while Hugh Cole School narrowly leads in math (41.0% versus 40.3%). Both are above state results in every listed subject. By comparison, Highlander Secondary Charter School has 9.4% proficiency in ELA, 13.5% in math, and 10.0% in science—18.4 to 23.7 points below the state, depending on the subject. The gap between the top and lowest school ranges from 27.5 points in math to 43.6 in science. Same-grade results add useful detail: Hugh Cole School is stronger in grades 4 and 5 than in grade 3, while Kickemuit Middle School is above state results in each listed ELA and math grade.

Recent changes are mixed, with some notable gains: from 2024–25 to 2025–26, math rose 8.3 points at Highlander Secondary Charter School, and science increased at all three schools, while ELA fell at each. The math gain leaves Highlander 18.4 points below the state. SchoolDigger gives Kickemuit Middle School and Hugh Cole School four stars; Highlander Secondary Charter School has two stars. Highlander also reports a higher student–teacher ratio (15.4) and free/reduced-lunch rate (87.35%) than the other schools, while its 84.0% graduation rate is above its district’s 80.4%. Because the schools serve different grades, comparing the same grade can help put their overall results in context.