Homeschool Requirements in Rhode Island

Contact Your Local School Committee

Rhode Island requires that home instruction be approved by the school committee of the town where your child resides. Contact your local school superintendent's office to request the home instruction approval process and any forms required by your specific district.

• Call your town's superintendent office and ask about their home instruction approval procedure
• Request any home instruction application forms or information packets
• Ask about the timeline for approval and when school committee meetings are held
• Confirm the deadline for submitting your application if approval is needed before starting

Prepare Your Home Instruction Proposal

Develop a written proposal showing how your home instruction program will be substantially equal to public school instruction. Your proposal should address the required subjects and demonstrate that instruction will be thorough and efficient.

• Outline your planned curriculum for each required subject
• Describe your teaching methods and how they meet educational standards
• Include information about your qualifications and teaching approach
• Provide a sample schedule showing instructional time
• Address how you will assess your child's progress

Submit Your Application to the School Committee

Submit your home instruction proposal to your school committee for approval. This typically means delivering it to the superintendent's office or presenting it at a school committee meeting. Request written confirmation of approval once the committee approves your program.

• Submit your proposal according to your district's procedure
• Attend the school committee meeting if in-person presentation is required
• Request a letter of approval in writing for your records
• Keep a copy of all submitted materials and approval documents

Teach All Required Subjects

Rhode Island law requires instruction in reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, United States history, Rhode Island history, and the principles of American government. Instruction in these subjects must be substantially equal to what public schools provide and must be thorough and efficient.

• Reading and writing are foundational to all subjects
• Geography, history, and civics can be integrated into social studies units
• Arithmetic can use any curriculum at your child's level
• These subjects should receive instructional time comparable to public schools

Maintain Attendance and Instruction Records

Keep detailed records showing the days your child received instruction and the subjects covered. These records should be available for review by the school committee if requested. They demonstrate that your program is operating as approved.

• Track attendance by date in a calendar, spreadsheet, or learning log
• Document which subjects were covered each day or week
• Keep samples of completed work, tests, and projects
• Maintain records for at least three years

Cooperate with Any School Committee Inquiries

If your school committee requests information about your program or wants to visit, cooperate fully and provide the requested documentation. This helps maintain good relationships and ensures your program remains in compliance.