Homeschooling Regulations by State: Rhode Island

by Christina Yeager

Have you considered homeschooling? Knowing how to get the ball rolling and how to keep pace is invaluable information! First, you’ll need to know what your state requires. Every state has different laws pertaining to homeschooling. If you’re ready to move forward with teaching your children at home in the State of Rhode Island, we know how you can get started!

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Each state is the U.S. has a very specific set of regulations for homeschooling. If you are thinking about teaching your child at home, you'll need to know the ins and outs of what needs to be done beforehand and during. In this series, Homeschooling Regulations by State, we'll explore information to help with the decision, what to do to get started and what to do correctly to continue.
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The regulations, laws and suggestions in this post may not reflect the needs for your particular situation. Not all apply to each individual family. To learn more about the laws and regulations in this state on homeschooling, click the link at the end of the post! This will direct you to the states’ Board of Education or government education site.

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Compulsory School Age	Enrollment is required of all children in the state that have turned six before September 1st of that year. If a child is already enrolled in Kindergarten before they are six, they must still attend. Attendance is mandatory until age eighteen. If your child graduates before age eighteen, a waiver can be issued by the local superintendent.
Notice	A notice of intent to homeschool needs to be filed with the superintendent of your school district. It must contain information about the child, a state of compliance to teach the same numbers of instruction days as public school, use the requires curriculum and maintain an attendance record. Your homeschool proposal needs approval by the local school committee.
Curriculum	The State of Rhode Island requires all students learn: Reading Writing Geography Arithmetic History of the United States History of Rhode Island Principles of American Government Health Physical Education History and Government of Rhode Island U.S. Constitution Rhode Island Constitution ​​Local school districts loan textbooks for science, math, and modern foreign languages​ as well as other subjects. Varies by district.
Instruction	Instruction days for homeschooled students in Rhode Island need to be the exact same as public schools. Five and a half hours per day is sufficient and student must attend at least 180 days per year. Instruction does not have to take place at the same time as public school's academic year.
Record Keeping	Attendance records and testing results should be kept and maintained to be submitted to your local school district at the end of each school year.
Testing	The homeschooling parent and the school district must come up with an appropriate testing plan to evaluate the students' progress. Testing at home is an option.

It's important to note that each school district may change their requirements at any time. Contact your local district. To learn more about homeschooling in Rhode Island, visit the Rhode Island Department of Education!

Are you a homeschooler (new or veteran) seeking to share insight? Read our guidelines and thenreach out introducing yourself to obtain blogging credentials! And if you're a homeschool parent, be sure to follow the Homeschooling Heroes page on Facebook for tons of resources and insight, and join the Unschool Homeschool group to expand your horizons as to what homeschooling is/can be. And finally, if you're looking for activities to join, we have a group with New Orleans-based activities, which will be expanding to an area near you - so join our group! And be excited about that, because we offer tons of exceptional educational and extracurricular activities for homeschoolers and parents, and can't wait to include you.

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