Everything you need to know about homeschooling in Rhode Island. Local school committee approval is required annually, with 9 required subjects including Rhode Island History. Requirements vary by district, so contacting your local committee is essential. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
Rhode Island has moderate regulation with a unique feature: your homeschool program must be approved by your local school committee. This makes Rhode Island one of a handful of "approval" states where a local authority reviews and approves your plan before you can legally homeschool.
Requirements vary significantly by district because Rhode Island gives local school committees considerable discretion. What one district requires may be very different from another. Some districts are straightforward and supportive; others may ask for more detailed documentation.
The state requires instruction in 9 subjects, including the unique requirement of Rhode Island History. Assessment requirements vary by district - some require standardized testing, others accept portfolio reviews, and others have minimal evaluation requirements.
Rhode Island also has one of the earliest compulsory education ages in the country: age 5. This means kindergarten-age children are subject to compulsory attendance, and families must plan for homeschooling earlier than in most states.
Because requirements vary by district, your first step should always be to contact your local school committee to learn their specific procedures, required documentation, and timeline. Do not assume that what works in one Rhode Island district will apply to yours.
Rhode Island homeschool law is established by statute under R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-19-1 and § 16-19-2. Children may be excused from public school if the local school committee approves them to receive instruction elsewhere, provided the instruction is "substantially equal" to what is offered in public schools.
| Requirement | Rhode Island Homeschool |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-19-1 & § 16-19-2 |
| Approval | Local school committee (annual) |
| Attendance | "Substantially equivalent" to public school |
| Teacher Qualification | None required by state |
| Required Subjects | 9 subjects (including RI History) |
| Curriculum | Subject to committee review |
| Testing | Varies by district |
| Record-Keeping | Per district requirements |
Rhode Island law requires that homeschool instruction be "substantially equal" to what is offered in the public schools. This does not mean identical - it means equivalent in scope and quality. You do not need to mirror the public school curriculum, but your program should cover the required subjects at an appropriate level.
The school committee in each district has the authority to set specific requirements for approval, request documentation, and determine assessment methods. This means the homeschool experience can differ significantly depending on where you live in Rhode Island.
Most states require only notification - you inform the state that you are homeschooling. Rhode Island requires approval - the school committee must grant permission. This is a more involved process, but in practice most districts approve applications that meet basic requirements.
Starting to homeschool in Rhode Island requires advance planning because you need school committee approval before beginning instruction.
This is the most important first step. Contact your district's school committee (or superintendent's office) and request:
Requirements vary by district, but typically you will need:
Submit all required materials by your district's deadline. Some school committees require a meeting with the parent to discuss the plan.
The committee will review your application and provide written approval. Note any conditions or specific requirements included in the approval.
Once approved, begin teaching according to your approved plan and meet all reporting requirements set by your district.
Do not begin homeschooling before receiving approval from your school committee. Unlike most states where you can start while notification is pending, Rhode Island requires actual approval before instruction begins.
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Rhode Island requires annual approval from your local school committee. This is not a simple notification - it is a review and approval process.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Submit To | Local school committee |
| Frequency | Annual (renewed each year) |
| When to Submit | Before beginning instruction |
| Process | Review and approval required |
| Meeting | May be required (varies by district) |
Each year, you must renew your homeschool approval with the school committee. The renewal process typically involves submitting an updated curriculum plan and any required assessment results from the previous year. Some districts also require a meeting.
If your application is denied:
Each district can have different application procedures, documentation requirements, deadlines, assessment methods, and meeting expectations. Always contact your specific district first to learn their process. What works in Providence may not work in Newport.
Rhode Island requires homeschool instruction to be "substantially equal" to public school instruction in the following 9 subjects:
Rhode Island History is a unique requirement not found in most other states. You must include instruction about the history of Rhode Island alongside U.S. History. Resources are available through the Rhode Island Historical Society and local libraries.
While you must cover the 9 required subjects, you have freedom in how you teach them. You can choose your own textbooks, curriculum programs, teaching methods, and schedule. Some districts may ask for more detail about your curriculum plan as part of the approval process.
For a well-rounded education, especially for college-bound students, consider adding:
When preparing your curriculum plan for the school committee, clearly map your planned activities to each of the 9 required subjects. Showing how each subject will be addressed makes the approval process smoother.
Rhode Island requires that homeschool instruction be "substantially equivalent" to public school in terms of time and scope. The law does not specify an exact number of days or hours, but your schedule should be comparable to what public schools offer in your district.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Days Per Year | "Substantially equivalent" to public school (~180 days) |
| Hours Per Day | Not specifically mandated |
| Schedule | Parent determines (within guidelines) |
| Attendance Tracking | Required (district-specific) |
Some districts require attendance records as part of the annual reporting. Check with your school committee to learn their specific attendance documentation requirements.
Keep detailed attendance records from day one. Since Rhode Island districts may request this information, having organized attendance logs demonstrates your commitment and simplifies the annual renewal process. Blue Folder makes attendance tracking automatic. Try it free →
Assessment requirements in Rhode Island vary significantly by district. The state does not mandate a single assessment method. Instead, your local school committee determines what evaluation is required.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Standardized Testing | Some districts require nationally normed standardized tests |
| Portfolio Review | Some districts accept a collection of student work samples |
| Progress Report | Some districts require a written summary of progress |
| Minimal Requirements | Some districts have very light evaluation expectations |
When you contact your school committee for the first time, ask specifically about their assessment requirements. Key questions:
Do not assume your district's assessment requirements based on what other Rhode Island families report. Requirements can differ dramatically between districts. Some are very relaxed; others are detailed and specific. Always verify with your school committee.
Rhode Island requires record-keeping as part of the approval and renewal process. Specific requirements depend on your district, but most families should maintain the following:
Since Rhode Island requires annual renewal, keeping organized records throughout the year makes the process much easier. Do not wait until renewal time to compile everything. Blue Folder helps you organize records by subject and track all requirements. Try it free →
Rhode Island does not offer financial assistance for homeschool families. There are no ESA programs, vouchers, or tax credits for homeschool expenses.
| Program | Available? |
|---|---|
| ESA Program | No |
| Vouchers | No |
| Tax Credits | No |
| Tax Deductions | No |
Rhode Island colleges accept homeschool graduates. Major options include the University of Rhode Island (URI), Rhode Island College, Brown University (Ivy League), Providence College, and the Community College of Rhode Island. Each school has its own admissions requirements for homeschoolers.
Rhode Island's compulsory education age begins at 5, which means kindergarten is effectively compulsory. Families must plan for homeschooling beginning at age 5, including obtaining school committee approval for kindergarten-age children.
With a compulsory age of 5, Rhode Island requires families to begin formal education a year earlier than many states. This means you need school committee approval even for kindergarten. Plan ahead and contact your district well before your child's 5th birthday.
Rhode Island's approval-based system has more steps than most states. Here are the most common mistakes new homeschool families make.
Get written approval before beginning instruction. Keep copies of all correspondence with the school committee. If you encounter difficulties with your district, contact HSLDA or a Rhode Island homeschool support organization for guidance.
Don't make these mistakes
Blue Folder tracks every requirement and keeps your records organized automatically.
Track Rhode Island ComplianceThey can, but they must have legitimate reasons. If denied, request the reason in writing and ask about the appeals process. Contact HSLDA or a qualified attorney for support if you believe the denial is unjustified. Most districts approve applications that meet basic requirements.
Requirements vary, and some districts are more demanding than others. Contact a Rhode Island homeschool support organization or HSLDA for help navigating difficult districts. They can advise you on what is legally required versus what the district is requesting beyond the law.
Yes. It is specifically mentioned in the statute. Resources are available through the Rhode Island Historical Society, local libraries, and various curriculum providers. Many families integrate RI History into their U.S. History studies.
Yes. Rhode Island's compulsory education age begins at 5, meaning kindergarten is effectively required. If you plan to homeschool, you need school committee approval starting at age 5.
You submit an updated curriculum plan, any required assessment results from the past year, and other documentation per your district's requirements. Some committees also require a meeting. The process is similar to the initial approval but typically smoother.
District procedures vary. Some allow you to include multiple children on one application; others require separate applications. Ask your school committee about their process for families with multiple students.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Homeschool laws can change, and district requirements vary. Always verify current requirements with your local school committee or the Rhode Island Department of Education. For legal support, see HSLDA Rhode Island. Last updated February 2026.