Homeschooling in Rhode Island
Committee Approval Required
Rhode Island laws are locally administered. You must have your program approved by the local school committee. Requirements for testing and end-of-year reporting can vary by district.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
9
required
Notification
Yes
annual (approval-based)
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Submit Letter of Intent to local superintendent
- Obtain approval from local school committee
- Teach 180 days (approx. 1,080 hours)
- Cover mandated subjects (including RI History)
- Testing requirements determined locally
Legal Framework
Rhode Island General Laws 16-19-1 and 16-19-2.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Rhode Island
The Waldorf Map lists 1 school and 2 kindergartens and playgroups in Rhode Island, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Meadowbrook Waldorf School, West Kingston
- Apple Blossom Preschool, Barrington
- The Nest Early Learning Program, South Kingstown
Required Subjects
Instruction must be 'thorough and efficient'.
Reading
Writing
Geography
Arithmetic
US History
RI History
Civics
Health
Physical Education
Filing Requirements
What to file
Letter of Intent for Approved Home Instruction
When
Before starting (must wait for approval)
Where
Local School Committee (via Superintendent)
How to submit
Submit plan for committee vote
What to include
- • Student name/age/grade
- • Curriculum summary showing 'thorough and efficient' instruction
**STRICT STATE - APPROVAL REQUIRED**. You CANNOT start until Committee votes to approve. Do NOT stop attending public school until approved (stricter than most states). Testing varies by district (state doesn't mandate but districts may require). **Rhode Island History** is a unique required subject. Sports access is unclear/discretionary. 180 days equivalent instruction.
Testing Requirements
Required: Yes
Frequency: Varies (e.g., 3, 5, 8, 11)
Grades: Varies
State law says teaching must be 'substantially equal', which often implies testing, but districts vary on enforcement. Many require tests in grades 3, 5, 8, 11.
How to Get Started
- 1
Write Letter of Intent
Include child's name, age, grade, and a summary of your curriculum plan.
- •Include list of subjects
- •Include attendance plan (180 days)
Tip: Submit this early (summer) to ensure approval before school starts. - 2
Get Committee Approval
The superintendent reviews it and recommends it to the School Committee for a vote.
- •Attend the committee meeting if requested
Before starting (Annually)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Local districts must loan textbooks (Math, Science, Language Arts, etc.)
- ✓Clear structure
Cons
- •Subject to local approval (potential for conflict)
- •Local variability in requirements
- •RI History requirement
Sports & Activities
**Unclear / District Discretion**. State law does not explicitly guarantee access. Check with the RI Interscholastic League and local district.
Questions about homeschooling in Rhode Island
Can the committee reject my plan?
Yes, if they deem it not 'equal' to public school. You have a right to a hearing and appeal to the Commissioner of Education.
Do I need to check in?
Most districts expect an end-of-year report or attendance log. Check your approval letter for specifics.
Can I borrow books?
Yes! RI law requires public schools to loan textbooks in Reading/Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies to homeschoolers.
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Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Keep your Rhode Island records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Rhode Island tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2025-12-17 · RI homeschool law guide