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Rhode Island · Detailed rules
Rhode Island asks you to file a notice before you begin. Here is what goes in it, when it is due, and what happens after.
VerifiedMarch 2026
Written from Rhode Island's own rules. If a step is missing below, it is because your state does not ask for it.
Withdraw from the school your child attends now
If your child is currently enrolled in a public school, tell the school in writing that you are moving to home education. Keep a dated copy for yourself — it is the record that closes out their enrollment.
Send your notice of intent
Rhode Island asks families to file a notice before they begin. The deadline is: Present your at-home instruction plan to your local school committee and get approval before you begin. RIDE says this may start with a letter of intent to your superintendent's office; ask your district how it handles renewals. You will do this again at the start of every school year. It goes to Your local school committee approves at-home instruction; RIDE does not directly supervise it but hears appeals (RIDE Legal Office).
Cover the subjects the state names
Rhode Island names 10 subject areas to teach. How you teach them, in what order, and with which materials is entirely up to you.
Keep a light record as you go
Attendance, a few work samples each term, and a running list of what you covered. Rhode Island does not require you to keep records, but a simple folder of work samples makes transcripts and college applications far easier later on.
Plan the assessment early
Rhode Island asks for an assessment. You can choose from: Periodic testing in required subjects at intervals agreed upon by parent and school committee; Progress reports or test scores kept by you and shared with your superintendent, if you and the school committee agree on that; Evaluation method mutually agreed upon between parent and local school committee. Deciding early which route you will take saves a scramble.
No program on file yet
We do not have a verified Rhode Island education savings account, scholarship, or tax credit for homeschooling families on file. That may mean the state has none, or it may mean we have not confirmed one yet — we would rather say so than point you at something we have not checked. State programs change often, so it is worth asking Your local school committee approves at-home instruction; RIDE does not directly supervise it but hears appeals (RIDE Legal Office) directly.
Is homeschooling legal in Rhode Island?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in Rhode Island. Rhode Island has stricter homeschool regulations than most states. Koydo's calendar and records tools can help you keep track of the dates and paperwork it lists.
Do I need to file a Notice of Intent to homeschool in Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island requires families to file a Notice of Intent by Present your at-home instruction plan to your local school committee and get approval before you begin. RIDE says this may start with a letter of intent to your superintendent's office; ask your district how it handles renewals.. This notice must be renewed annually.
How many instruction days are required in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires 180 days / 1,080 hours a year.
What subjects are required by law in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires instruction in the following subjects: Reading, Writing, Geography, Arithmetic, History of the United States, History of Rhode Island, Principles of American government, Civics, Health, Physical education.
Does Rhode Island require annual assessment for homeschoolers?
Yes. Rhode Island requires annual assessment. Accepted methods include: Periodic testing in required subjects at intervals agreed upon by parent and school committee, Progress reports or test scores kept by you and shared with your superintendent, if you and the school committee agree on that, Evaluation method mutually agreed upon between parent and local school committee.
Do I need a teaching certificate to homeschool in Rhode Island?
No. Rhode Island does not require parents to hold a teaching certificate or any specific educational credential to homeschool their children.
Can homeschoolers participate in public school sports in Rhode Island?
Rules about homeschooled students taking part in public school sports and activities differ by state and by district. Check with your local school district and your state athletic association.
Approval comes from your local school committee, and districts vary. For appeal questions, call the RIDE Legal Office at 401-222-8979 or email Legal@ride.ri.gov. Textbook loans from the State Approved list are available. Compulsory attendance runs from age 6 (by September 1) up to 18 (R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-19-1).
The free tools below work whether or not you ever pay us a penny; each tile says what it needs. Use what helps with Rhode Island's requirements and ignore the rest.
Last checked in March 2026. Laws change between checks, so confirm anything you are about to file with Your local school committee approves at-home instruction; RIDE does not directly supervise it but hears appeals (RIDE Legal Office). This is information for families, not legal advice.