William E. Tolman Senior High School is one of three public high schools located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States. It was built and opened in 1926 along the east bank of the Blackstone River as a "state of the art" educational facility.
Serving 995 students in grades 9-12, William E. Tolman High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Rhode Island for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 6% (which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 29%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 20-24% (which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 33%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the Rhode Island state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Rhode Island state average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 995 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 69% (Btm 50% in RI)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 6% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 15-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
William E. Tolman High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Rhode Island for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
William E. Tolman High School's student population of 995 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 68 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
995 students
Total Classroom Teachers
68 teachers
Year Founded
1926
Colors
Black, Red
School Calendar
School Motto
A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. - Colin Powell
School Rankings
William E. Tolman High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 287 schools in Rhode Island (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of William E. Tolman High School is 0.72, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#243 out of 287 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
6%
29%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
33%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
15-19%
31%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
13:1
American Indian
2%
1%
Asian
1%
3%
Hispanic
39%
31%
Black
26%
9%
White
24%
50%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
69%
83%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
60%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
11%
9%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), RI Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Tiger
Frequently Asked Questions
What is William E. Tolman High School's ranking?
William E. Tolman High School is ranked #243 out of 287 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Rhode Island.
What schools are William E. Tolman High School often compared to?
William E. Tolman High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Charles E. Shea High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
6% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 29% RI state average), while 20-24% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 33% RI state average).
What is the graduation rate of William E. Tolman High School?
The graduation rate of William E. Tolman High School is 69%, which is lower than the Rhode Island state average of 83%.
How many students attend William E. Tolman High School?
995 students attend William E. Tolman High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
39% of William E. Tolman High School students are Hispanic, 26% of students are Black, 24% of students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of William E. Tolman High School?
William E. Tolman High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is higher than the Rhode Island state average of 13:1.
What grades does William E. Tolman High School offer ?
William E. Tolman High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is William E. Tolman High School part of?
William E. Tolman High School is part of Pawtucket School District.
School Reviews
2 10/10/2025
As a former student of this school I definitely would not recommend this school. But my review is not limited to just Tolman High. I would not recommend the majority of the public schools in Pawtucket. As a student there, I was constantly being talked into dropping out and getting my GED. Rather than actually dealing with any of the students' problems they try to get rid of you. I would never in a million years (even if you paid me a million dollars) put my child into this school system....Move elsewhere and save your children.
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