Homeschooling in Rhode Island comes with more local involvement than you might expect. Instead of following statewide rules, families work directly with their local school district to get started and stay on track. This can offer flexibility in some areas, but it also means the process and what’s required can vary slightly from district to district.
In this guide, explore everything you need to know to homeschool legally in Rhode Island. You’ll learn how to submit your home instruction plan, what subjects to cover, and how to maintain compliance throughout the year. We’ll also share how Outschool can support your journey with online classes, enrichment, and community learning.
Homeschooling options in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers one main path for homeschooling: approval through your local school committee. This involves submitting your letter of intent and education plan to the superintendent or school committee where you live. Once approved, you’re free to begin teaching your child at home. This single-option structure keeps things straightforward, but still allows room for you to shape your homeschool plan in a way that fits your child’s learning style.
Requirements for homeschooling in Rhode Island
Most of the homeschooling oversight in Rhode Island happens at the district level, so the exact process may look a little different depending on where you live. Still, there are core expectations that apply statewide every homeschooling parent should know about.
Enrollment paperwork
In Rhode Island, homeschooling starts with submitting a letter of intent to your local school committee. This letter should confirm that you'll cover the required subjects, keep attendance, and follow the public school calendar. While districts may ask for extra documentation, such as an outline of your curriculum or end-of-year summaries, the state law only requires that your plan be approved before you begin. It's worth checking with your district for any additional steps.
Attendance and instruction
In Rhode Island, homeschooling families are expected to provide instruction for roughly the same number of days as their local public school, usually around 180 days. There’s no need for a teaching license or formal certification, so you’re free to guide your child’s learning in a way that fits your family.
Curriculum guidelines
Rhode Island lays out a clear list of required subjects for homeschoolers, including reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, health, physical education, U.S. and Rhode Island history, civics, and American Government. You can absolutely teach other subjects too, and while everything must be taught in English, you're welcome to include additional languages if you'd like.
If you’re planning to use an online program as part of your homeschool approach, just be sure to include that in your proposed instruction plan, as the local school committee will need to review and approve it.
Recordkeeping essentials
When it comes to recordkeeping, Rhode Island gives homeschooling families a fair amount of flexibility. The only official requirement is maintaining an attendance register, which you’ll typically submit to your local school committee at the end of the year.
While that’s all the law asks for, some districts may want to see a bit more, like a short note on your child’s progress. To stay ahead of any extra requests, many parents keep a simple portfolio or learning log throughout the year. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it can be helpful if questions come up.
Testing and assessments
There’s no statewide testing requirement for homeschooled students in Rhode Island, which gives families some flexibility. You and the local school committee must agree on a method to assess progress in the required subjects, and this could include testing or another method entirely, like work samples or a portfolio. If testing is part of the plan, you’ll also decide where it takes place, whether at home or the local public school.
Homeschool with Outschool
Looking for extra support to round out your homeschool plans? Outschool can help you customize your child’s learning experience with flexible classes taught by passionate instructors. Whether you’re covering core subjects or diving into special interests, you’ll find resources that make homeschooling smoother and more engaging.
Here’s what Outschool can offer Rhode Island homeschooling families:
- Live online classes that align with your homeschool goals
- Small group or one-on-one instruction across all grade levels.
- Options to explore everything from phonics and algebra to coding and world languages.
- Support for enrichment, socialization, and electives.
- Flexible scheduling that fits your family’s routine.
Outschool gives you the tools to personalize learning while keeping things fun, structured, and aligned with your homeschooling goals.
How to get started
If you’re ready to homeschool in Rhode Island, you’ll want to follow a few key steps to get your plan in place and meet local requirements.
- Submit a letter of intent to your local superintendent outlining your plan to homeschool.
- Wait for the school committee’s response and don’t begin homeschooling until your plan has been officially approved.
- Begin instruction once approved, meeting the 180-day and core subject requirements.
- Maintain attendance and progress records throughout the year as part of your agreement with the school committee.
- Share end-of-year updates if your district expects a summary or renewed intent for the next school year.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be set to move forward confidently with your homeschool year.
Find support through homeschool communities in Rhode Island
Homeschooling may offer incredible flexibility, but it doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Finding a supportive community can make all the difference, especially when you’re navigating questions about curriculum, state requirements, or just need encouragement from people who get it.
Statewide organizations
- ENRICHRI – A large secular homeschool community offering workshops, field trips, parent support, and co-op classes across the state.
- Rhode Island Families for School Choice – While not homeschool-specific, this group supports families pursuing alternatives to traditional public school, including homeschooling.
- RI Homeschooling and Unschooling – A beginner-friendly group designed to connect homeschool families statewide, with searchable posts, support discussions, and no business promotion or spam.
- RI Homeschool Teen Scene – A group dedicated to homeschool teens in RI, MA, and CT, featuring in-person events, weekly hangouts, and teen-focused updates to help older homeschoolers stay social and connected.
Local groups and co-ops
- East Providence Homeschoolers – A casual, inclusive group offering local events, learning activities, and resources for homeschoolers in and around East Providence.
- Attleboro Area Homeschoolers – Serving southeastern MA and northern RI, this group hosts weekly park days and offers a welcoming space for new and experienced homeschool families alike.
- Northern RI Homeschoolers – A Facebook-based group connecting families in the northern part of the state for activities, advice, and curriculum support.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about homeschooling in Rhode Island
Homeschooling in Rhode Island comes with a unique mix of flexibility and oversight. Below are answers to some of the most common questions families ask when getting started.
Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool my child in Rhode Island?
No, you don't need any teaching credentials or educational certifications to homeschool your child in Rhode Island. The state recognizes that parents are capable of providing quality education without formal teaching qualifications. You simply need to demonstrate that your instruction will be comparable to what your child would receive in public school, as outlined by the Rhode Island Department of Education.
How do I transition my child from public school to homeschooling?
Start by researching your local school committee's specific requirements and deadlines for homeschool approval. Submit your letter of intent and educational plan before withdrawing your child from their current school. Wait for formal approval from the school committee before beginning home instruction, and notify the current school of your withdrawal plans as part of your transition process.
Are homeschoolers in Rhode Island required to take standardized tests?
Rhode Island does not mandate standardized testing for homeschooled students. Some local school committees may request periodic progress reports or portfolio reviews to assess your child's educational development, but this varies by district. You have the freedom to choose assessment methods that work best for your child, whether that's portfolios, parent-created evaluations, or outside assessments.
Can my child participate in public school sports or extracurriculars in Rhode Island?
It depends on your local school committee. Districts are encouraged to allow homeschooled students to join activities if space is available and there’s no added cost, but each committee sets its own policy.
How do homeschoolers earn a diploma in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island doesn't issue standard diplomas to homeschoolers, but you have a few options. Some districts offer a certificate of completion or course-specific certificates to help document academic work. You can also issue your own diploma at home, or your child can take the GED to earn a state-recognized equivalency.
Your next steps as a Rhode Island homeschooler
Rhode Island homeschooling takes some coordination, especially in the beginning, but many families find that the flexibility is worth it. Once you’re approved, you’ll have the opportunity to design an education that grows with your child’s interests, strengths, and pace.
Outschool makes it easy to enrich your homeschool days with engaging online classes taught by experienced teachers. It’s a helpful tool to support your family’s learning goals at any stage.
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