Homeschooling in Rhode Island: How To Homeschool While Following State Laws

by Rita Onyx

This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.

Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular. Just in the last years alone, homeschooling rose up by 700%. What was once seen as old-fashioned and outdated is now a modern way to educate the next generation.

There are many benefits to homeschooling; it gives parents freedom in choosing the curriculums and subjects their children learn. Remote learning also ensures their children are kept safe, away from potential dangers like bullying or viruses in public schools. It’s a win-win situation.

Thinking of homeschooling your children too? Then follow this quick guide on how to homeschool your children if you live in Rhode Island. Know the Rhode Island homeschool state laws and regulations in your state so you can homeschool properly.

Quick Facts:

• There is one way to homeschool 

• Children between 6-18 of age must be in school 

• You MUST notify your local school district of your intentions

Requirements:

• There are NO teacher qualifications 

• There ARE state mandated subjects 

• There are NO required assessments or testing 

• There are NO immunization requirements

How to Homeschool in Rhode Island

• File a notice of intent to homeschool to the local school committee in the school district

• Include in the notice:

1. Affirmation that you will teach the same number of days as the public school which is at least 180 days
2. Statement that you will keep an attendance record
3. Confirmation that you will teach the following:

• Math
• Reading
• Writing
• Geography
• Health
• Physical education
• U.S. history
• Rhode Island history
• Civics

• Follow any additional local district requirements

Helpful links:

https://www.ride.ri.gov/StudentsFamilies/EducationPrograms/HomeSchooling.aspx

http://enrichri.org/

https://www.rihomeschool.com/rhode-island-home-school-laws/

https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/non-public-education/regulation-map/rhodeisland.html

Contact Information–State and Federal Departments of Education

• Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
  255 Westminster Street
  Providence, RI 02903-3400
  Phone: 401-222-8979
  Website: http://www.ride.ri.gov

• U.S. Department of Education, Rhode Island

This is meant to be a summary and NOT legal advice. It is your responsibility to interpret and understand the laws that you will be homeschooling under.