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Homeschool laws · Rhode Island

How to homeschool in Rhode Island

District policies vary, so read your school committee’s rules.

Checked November 2026 against the HSLDA summary for Rhode Island. Laws change, so confirm with the source before you file.

Rhode Island requirements at a glance

Notice to the state or district

Yes, every year. A notice of intent to the local school committee (through the superintendent) before each school year. Many committees have their own policies and may ask for more.

Minimum school time

The same number of days as public schools, about 180.

Required subjects

Reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, health, physical education, US history, Rhode Island history and civics.

Parent qualifications

None.

Testing or evaluation

None required by the state; check your district’s policy.

Records to keep

An attendance register, given to the school committee at the end of the year.

Compulsory school ages

6–18

Legal ways to homeschool in Rhode Island

  • Homeschool approved by the school committee

What to do, step by step

  1. 01

    File your notice

    A notice of intent to the local school committee (through the superintendent) before each school year. Many committees have their own policies and may ask for more.

    Write the letter of intent
  2. 02

    Plan 180 school days

    The same number of days as public schools, about 180. Pick your start date and breaks, and the calendar shows the exact day you reach 180 days.

    Plan the school year
  3. 03

    Track attendance as you go

    Records Rhode Island asks for: an attendance register, given to the school committee at the end of the year. Even where nothing is required, a dated log protects you if you move, return to school or apply to college.

    Open the attendance tracker
  4. 04

    Keep everything in one place

    Attendance, report cards, reading and field trip logs, test scores and work samples, in the order an evaluator or a school district usually asks for them.

    See the Records Binder

Rhode Island homeschool questions

Do I have to notify anyone to homeschool in Rhode Island?

A notice of intent to the local school committee (through the superintendent) before each school year. Many committees have their own policies and may ask for more.

How many days do you have to homeschool in Rhode Island?

The same number of days as public schools, about 180.

What subjects are required in Rhode Island?

Reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, health, physical education, US history, Rhode Island history and civics.

Does Rhode Island require testing for homeschoolers?

None required by the state; check your district’s policy.

Do parents need a teaching certificate in Rhode Island?

No. Parents do not need any particular qualification.

Confirm before you file

This page summarizes the law in plain English and is not legal advice. Read the HSLDA legal summary for Rhode Island and your state’s own education department page, and compare all 50 states in our homeschool laws by state guide.

Homeschool laws in other states