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Aerial view of Portsmouth Abbey School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Portsmouth Abbey School

  • LocationPortsmouth, RI
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 337 students
Official website

Portsmouth Abbey School is a Catholic coeducational Benedictine boarding and day school for grades 9-12 in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. The school's Sunday and Holy Day Mass is attended by students and faculty, confession is heard weekly, and Eucharistic adoration is offered in the Church. Theology is required in Form IV and Form VI, and the program includes Lectio Divina groups, a Spiritual Life Committee, student retreats, and a Lourdes volunteer pilgrimage.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Portsmouth Abbey School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miAbbey Church of St Gregory The Great and Queen of Peace: 0.0 mi1Saint Anthony Catholic Church: 1.2 mi2Saint Barnabas Catholic Church: 1.8 mi3Church of St. Gregory the Great and the Spiritual Life program: 0.2 miPortsmouth Abbey School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Abbey Church of St Gregory The Great and Queen of Peace — 0.0 mi · 285 Corys Lane, Portsmouth
  2. Saint Anthony Catholic Church — 1.2 mi · 2836 East Main Road, Portsmouth
  3. Saint Barnabas Catholic Church — 1.8 mi · 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

ASacramental life: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

88 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearWeekly (The school's Spiritual Life page says that on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation students and faculty gather in the Church for the Eucharist, and that School Masses are served by students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “On Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, students and faculty gather in the Church to pray and contemplate the one ineffable mystery: the Eucharist. At School Masses, students serve as lectors, singers, gift-bearers, and altar servers.”
      Students and faculty gather for Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, and School Masses are served by students.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearMonthly or more often (The Spiritual Life page says confessions are heard weekly.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confessions are heard weekly, with a schoolwide reconciliation service held every term. Eucharistic Adoration is offered in the Church regularly.”
      Confession is heard weekly, with a schoolwide reconciliation service each term, and Eucharistic adoration is offered in the Church regularly.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (The Spiritual Life page says Eucharistic Adoration is offered in the Church regularly. The wording 'regularly' is recorded.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Confessions are heard weekly, with a schoolwide reconciliation service held every term. Eucharistic Adoration is offered in the Church regularly.”
      Confession is heard weekly, with a schoolwide reconciliation service each term, and Eucharistic adoration is offered in the Church regularly.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (Masses and confession are offered by the monastic community. The Abbot teaches theology and is not presented as chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “On Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, students and faculty gather in the Church to pray and contemplate the one ineffable mystery: the Eucharist. At School Masses, students serve as lectors, singers, gift-bearers, and altar servers.”
      Students and faculty gather for Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, and School Masses are served by students.
CTheology and curriculum: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Theology and curriculum

67 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredTwo years (Theology is stated as required in Form IV (the Humanities course, which provides all Fourth Form students with a foundation in Theology) and in Form VI (the Schola fulfills the Theology requirement for Form VI). Basic Theology (Form III) and Advanced Theology (Form V) are described; no page says they are required; they are not counted. Counted as two full-year equivalents, not confirmed as taken in every grade.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Departments & Curriculum | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/departments-and-curriculum · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Humanities curriculum provides all Fourth Form students with a solid foundation in English, History and Theology”
      All Fourth Form students take the Humanities course, which includes Theology.
    2. Spiritual Life | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “It also fulfills the Theology requirement for Form VI.”
      The Schola course fulfills the Theology requirement for Form VI.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (Christian Philosophy is one of the three Form VI Topics in Theology elements.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Departments & Curriculum | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/departments-and-curriculum · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “In Christian Philosophy, we see an array of approaches to the transcendentals of ancient and medieval theology: the good, the true, and the beautiful.”
      Christian Philosophy is one of the Form VI Topics in Theology elements.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Yes (The English department's program description says the school's Benedictine character calls teachers to explore the spiritual dimension of the works students read.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Departments & Curriculum | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/departments-and-curriculum · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our Benedictine character calls us in a particular way to explore the spiritual dimension of the works we read and to teach with an eye toward the development of our students’ characters.”
      The English program aims to explore the spiritual dimension of the works students read.
BCampus culture: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture

84 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    RetreatsRetreats for some grades (Student retreats are offered at various times of the year; no page says a retreat is held for every grade.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Student Retreats help recharge and recalibrate. Offered at various times of the year, the retreats center on both the sacraments and on topics related to faith and reason in today’s world.”
      Student retreats are offered at various times of the year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Two named or titled staff roles appear: the Director of Spiritual Life (named only by role) and the Assistant Director of Spiritual Life, Berenice Garcia.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Departments & Curriculum | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/departments-and-curriculum · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Schola has the opportunity to work with both the school's Director of Music as well as with the Director of Spiritual Life”
      The school has a Director of Spiritual Life.
    2. Directory | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Berenice Garcia Assistant Director of Spiritual Life 401-643-1175”
      Berenice Garcia is the Assistant Director of Spiritual Life, reachable at 401-643-1175.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Lectio Divina groups, the Spiritual Life Committee and the Spiritual Life/Lectio Divina club are listed as faith-based student groups.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Life | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our lectio groups are student-led and meet by house.”
      Lectio Divina groups are student-led and meet by house.
      “This committee plans activities, retreats and events relevant to the Abbey’s faith community.”
      The Spiritual Life Committee plans faith activities, retreats and events for the school community.
    2. Clubs and Organisations | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/clubs-and-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Spiritual Life/Lectio Divina”
      A Spiritual Life/Lectio Divina club is listed among the student clubs.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayNot enough information: not found in official sources.
BService and Catholic social teaching: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

81 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required service hoursFewer than 40 hours (Community service is a required afternoon activity in which students take part in fall and spring terms; no page states a number of required service hours.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Service Programming | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/community-service-programming · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Students may select the community service program in the fall and spring terms to satisfy their required afternoon activity.”
      Community service satisfies a required afternoon activity in the fall and spring terms.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (The Catholic Social Teaching course is one of the three Form VI Topics in Theology elements and includes a service-learning component.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Departments & Curriculum | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/departments-and-curriculum · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Catholic Social Teaching considers the responsibilities and obligations of a just society. How can society be structured to be just?”
      Catholic Social Teaching is one of the Form VI theology elements and considers the obligations of a just society.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Students volunteer on the annual Lourdes pilgrimage, take part in community service with local agencies, and the Human Rights Club is listed.)
    Sources (3)
    1. Spiritual Life | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each year, Abbey students are in the privileged position to have the opportunity to travel to Lourdes, France, to volunteer in helping the Assisted Pilgrims (AP), or malades, who seek healing”
      Students have the opportunity each year to travel to Lourdes and volunteer with pilgrims.
    2. Community Service Programming | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/community-service-programming · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Portsmouth Abbey students engage in a wide range of community service activities within and outside the local community.”
      Students take part in community service with local agencies and nonprofits.
    3. Clubs and Organisations | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/clubs-and-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Human Rights Club”
      A Human Rights Club is listed among the student clubs.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Students and faculty gather for Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, and the school's Spiritual Life page says confession is heard weekly.
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “On Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, students and faculty gather in the Church to pray and contemplate the one ineffable mystery: the Eucharist. At School Masses, students serve as lectors, singers, gift-bearers, and altar servers.”
      Students and faculty gather for Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, and School Masses are served by students.
      “Confessions are heard weekly, with a schoolwide reconciliation service held every term. Eucharistic Adoration is offered in the Church regularly.”
      Confession is heard weekly, with a schoolwide reconciliation service each term, and Eucharistic adoration is offered in the Church regularly.
  • Theology is stated as required in Form IV and Form VI, and Form VI includes a Catholic Social Teaching course.
    Sources (2)
    1. Departments & Curriculum | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/departments-and-curriculum · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Humanities curriculum provides all Fourth Form students with a solid foundation in English, History and Theology”
      All Fourth Form students take the Humanities course, which includes Theology.
      “Catholic Social Teaching considers the responsibilities and obligations of a just society. How can society be structured to be just?”
      Catholic Social Teaching is one of the Form VI theology elements and considers the obligations of a just society.
    2. Spiritual Life | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “It also fulfills the Theology requirement for Form VI.”
      The Schola course fulfills the Theology requirement for Form VI.
  • Students can volunteer on an annual Lourdes pilgrimage and take part in community service.
    Sources (2)
    1. Spiritual Life | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Each year, Abbey students are in the privileged position to have the opportunity to travel to Lourdes, France, to volunteer in helping the Assisted Pilgrims (AP), or malades, who seek healing”
      Students have the opportunity each year to travel to Lourdes and volunteer with pilgrims.
    2. Community Service Programming | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/community-service-programming · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Portsmouth Abbey students engage in a wide range of community service activities within and outside the local community.”
      Students take part in community service with local agencies and nonprofits.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Church of St. Gregory the Great and the Spiritual Life program

  • Address: 285 Cory's Lane, Portsmouth, RI 02871
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: Church of St. Gregory the Great, Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

View on map ↗

Source: portsmouthabbey.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, portsmouthabbey.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, portsmouthabbey.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

9 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 1 off campus, 7 location not published

Service 2

  • Lourdes pilgrimageOff campus
    Each year
    Students may travel to Lourdes, France, to volunteer with the Assisted Pilgrims.
    portsmouthabbey.org
  • Community service program
    Fall and spring terms, as the required afternoon activity
    Service with local agencies and nonprofits, including food pantries and the Red Cross.
    portsmouthabbey.org, portsmouthabbey.org

Faith formation 2

  • Lectio Divina groupsOn campus
    Student-led groups that meet by house
    Student-led groups that read and reflect on the Sunday scriptures, share prayer intentions and meet by house. The school is associated with the Manquehue Apostolic Movement in Chile.
    portsmouthabbey.org, portsmouthabbey.org
  • RCIA and Confirmation classes
    Weekly meetings through the school year
    Classes preparing students for baptism, first communion or confirmation.
    portsmouthabbey.org

Clubs and groups 2

Liturgy and prayer 2

Retreats 1

  • Student retreats
    Offered at various times of the year
    Retreats centered on the sacraments and on faith and reason.
    portsmouthabbey.org

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (4)
  1. Spiritual Life | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “On Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, students and faculty gather in the Church to pray and contemplate the one ineffable mystery: the Eucharist. At School Masses, students serve as lectors, singers, gift-bearers, and altar servers.”
    Students and faculty gather for Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, and School Masses are served by students.
    “The School has a Marian grotto, modeled on the grotto of Lourdes, that provides a focal point of prayer within the Abbey community.”
    The school has a Marian grotto that is a focal point of prayer.
  2. Directory | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/directory · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Berenice Garcia Assistant Director of Spiritual Life 401-643-1175”
    Berenice Garcia is the Assistant Director of Spiritual Life, reachable at 401-643-1175.
  3. Home | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “285 Cory's Lane Portsmouth, Rhode Island 02871”
    The school's address is 285 Cory's Lane, Portsmouth, Rhode Island 02871.
  4. Campus and Facilities | Portsmouth Abbey Schoolportsmouthabbey.org/campus-and-facilities · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Church of St. Gregory The Great”
    The campus includes the Church of St. Gregory the Great.

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Academic Excellence

AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
98 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.99%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.7.7 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeIndependent Catholic school
DioceseDiocese of Providence, RI
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)337
Students in grades 9–12337
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio7.7 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges99%
SettingSuburb

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Diocese of Providence

The Most Reverend Bruce Lewandowski, Bishop of Providence

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: usccb.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Portsmouth Abbey School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Portsmouth Abbey School is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Providence.
What is Portsmouth Abbey School’s Compass Score?
85 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Is Portsmouth Abbey School Compass Recommended?
Yes. Portsmouth Abbey School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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