How to Start Homeschooling in Rhode Island
Have you homeschooled before, or are you thinking about making the switch to homeschooling in Rhode Island?
Homeschooling laws are different in each state, so it’s good to do some research beforehand. Rhode Island homeschool laws are fairly relaxed, leaving plenty of room for customization. Families will find that homeschooling in Rhode Island is a simple and rewarding experience!
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the homeschooling requirements in Rhode Island.
Homeschooling in Rhode Island at a Glance
Rhode Island – The Ocean State
| Required Age | 6-18 |
| Standardized Testing | Not required |
| Subjects | Reading, writing, geography, math, history of the U.S. and Rhode Island, government, health, and physical education |
| Time Requirements | 180 days |
| Graduation Requirements | Determined by parent |
| Special Requirements | None |
| Financial Resources Available | No |
Parent Qualifications
RI homeschool laws do not outline any qualifications for homeschool instructors.
Letter of Intent
Before homeschooling in Rhode Island, you’ll need to get consent from your local school district. You can do this by sending a Letter of Intent (LOI) including your student’s name and birthdate and your contact information. The letter should also include assurance you’ll teach the same number of days as public school, take attendance daily, and teach the required subjects.
Individual school districts may have specific requirements for their homeschool students. If your district has any questions about your letter, they will contact you.
If you plan to start homeschooling in the middle of the year, you’ll have to send your LOI first. You’ll also need to provide a copy of your letter of acknowledgment when you withdraw your student from their current school.
Attendance
Homeschool families in Rhode Island have to provide 180 days of instruction, just like the public schools do. Parents are also required to keep a daily attendance record and submit these records annually to the local school district.
Homeschool Curriculum
Rhode Island homeschool families are required to teach the following subjects:
| Reading | Writing |
| Geography | Math |
| U.S. History | Rhode Island history |
| American government | Health |
| Physical education |
Students should start learning about the history and government of Rhode Island in 4th grade. Public schools in Rhode Island often combine health and physical education into one credit for their graduation requirements.
Parents can create their own curriculum for these subjects using materials provided by local public schools and libraries. They can also choose to homeschool using an online homeschool curriculum that covers these subjects.
Accredited Homeschool Programs
Choosing the best homeschool curriculum can be hard with so many options! If you want to ensure your child is getting a great education, you may be interested in an accredited homeschool curriculum! Accredited homeschool programs must meet high standards of academic quality and rigor to maintain their accreditation status. Miacademy’s online homeschool curriculum is accredited by the ACS-WASC, and can help you meet state requirements with little need for supplementation.
Testing
Homeschool students in Rhode Island do not have to participate in standardized testing. However, students are still strongly encouraged to take college entrance exams, such as the SAT or ACT, as many schools still require them.
Record Keeping
Rhode Island homeschooling laws only require parents to keep attendance records. However, it’s still a good idea to keep track of other important homeschool records. A homeschool portfolio is a great place to keep important documents organized. Other things that can go in a homeschool portfolio include:
- Courses taken
- Subject materials
- Test scores
- Final grades
- Your student’s best work
It’s important to know that you’ll also be required to send an annual End of Year report.This report gives short details of your child’s progress and attendance throughout the school year. Your superintendent may request that additional items be included in the report. Every district is different, so it’s best to check with yours first.
Transcripts
If your homeschool student is college-bound, they’re going to need a high school transcript! Keeping thorough records of all courses, credit hours, and final grades earned from their freshman to senior year is crucial for making a transcript.
You can make your own transcripts or enroll in an online homeschool program that provides them for you.
Graduation Requirements
Rhode Island does not provide requirements for home school graduation. Instead, parents have the unique opportunity to decide when their student is ready to graduate and can issue their own homeschool diploma.
Some homeschool students will opt to take the GED exam, which is a diploma equivalency accepted by employers and colleges nationwide. These tests must be completed at an authorized Rhode Island testing center. Eligible students ages 18 and older can take the test (or as a minor, with parent permission). For more information about the GED, be sure to visit the Rhode Island Department of Education’s GED page.
Financial Resources
Unfortunately, there are no financial resources available for Rhode Island homeschool families at this time.
Other Tips & Resources
For more information about homeschooling in Rhode Island, check out:
- ENRICHri, Rhode Island’s largest secular home education group
- Homeschool FAQ from the Rhode Island Department of Education
If you’re wondering whether Miacademy or MiaPrep would be the best homeschool curriculum for your family, feel free to reach out to our friendly customer service team! They’ll be happy to help you with any questions you may have.
The information provided is intended for research purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. To obtain accurate and comprehensive details on Rhode Island homeschool laws, we recommend consulting the official resources and guidelines provided by your state. Additionally, staying informed about any changes to these laws is important, so be sure to look out for any updates.
FAQ
Is homeschooling legal in Rhode Island?
Yes! Rhode Island has only a handful of rules, and they’re very simple to follow. Parents are still able to enjoy the flexibility and freedom that comes with homeschooling in Rhode Island.
How do I homeschool in RI?
To homeschool in Rhode Island, you’ll need to submit your Letter of Intent, teach the required subjects for 180 days, take daily attendance, and send an End of Year report to your superintendent annually.
Information accurate as of: 07/03/2024. The information provided on this site is intended for research purposes only.Miaplaza is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information, or for the results yielded through use of this information.