Homeschooling in Rhode Island

A practical starting point for Rhode Island families: what to file, what to track, and what state funding (if any) you can use.

At a glance

Laws & requirements

High Regulation

Annual approval from the local school committee. Subject and attendance requirements.

ESA & funding

No ESA Program

No statewide ESA program at this time.

In-depth guides

In-depth guide

Rhode Island homeschool laws

Notification, record-keeping, testing, and umbrella-school rules for Rhode Island families.

Read the guide

In-depth guide

Rhode Island homeschool funding

Rhode Island's funding landscape — what programs exist, who they serve, and why homeschoolers may or may not qualify.

Read the guide

Getting started in Rhode Island

A high-level checklist tailored to Rhode Island’s rules. Specifics like form numbers and deadlines live in the in-depth state laws guide above.

1
Understand Rhode Island's homeschool requirements
All homeschool families in Rhode Island follow the same legal pathway. Annual approval from the local school committee. Subject and attendance requirements. There is no separate umbrella-school or charter option.
2
Apply for school committee approval
Submit an annual application to your local school committee documenting your homeschool plan and required subjects.
3
Meet attendance and progress requirements
Satisfy attendance requirements and document student progress for committee review.
4
Choose curriculum and plan your year
Choose curriculum that fits your child's grade level and any required subjects, then sketch a year-long plan you can adjust as you go.

Frequently asked

Do I need to notify the state to homeschool in Rhode Island?

Yes. You'll file a notice of intent, document curriculum in required subjects, and submit assessments or portfolio reviews on a set schedule.

Does Rhode Island require homeschool standardized testing?

Yes. Standardized testing or portfolio review is required on a set schedule, typically every year or every few years.

Can homeschool families in Rhode Island access ESA or scholarship funding?

No statewide ESA program at this time.

How do I withdraw my child from public school in Rhode Island?

Send a written withdrawal letter to the school's principal or registrar. Keep a dated copy. Once you have filed any state-required notice, your child is considered a homeschooler and the public school no longer needs to mark them absent.