Homeschooling in Rhode Island
Tend Wonder makes it easy to start homeschooling in Rhode Island. This guide explains who can homeschool, how to give notice, what to plan and record, and how testing works. Tend Wonder then follows your child’s curiosity and helps you find hands-on ideas, books, resources and nearby experiences around Rhode Island. Document your learning together in a Learning Journey, and use Education Coverage to see how your child’s activities connect to learning areas in Rhode Island.
Requirements
How to start homeschooling in Rhode Island
Register or give notice
You must obtain your local school committee’s approval of your instruction plan before beginning homeschooling.
If you move to a new district, you must register and enroll your child there before your homeschooling program is approved.
Plan instruction
You must provide an attendance period substantially equal to that legally required in public schools.
You must teach reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, United States and Rhode Island history, American government, civics, health and physical education.
You must teach all subjects in English but may also teach them in another language.
You do not need a minimum level of education to homeschool your child.
Keep records
You must keep attendance records like public school records and return them to the listed education authorities.
Assessments and testing
You should agree with your local school committee on how your child’s academic progress will be evaluated.(recommended)
Official resources
- Homeschooling - RI Department of Education - RI.gov
Rhode Island Department of Education
Sources checked November 4, 2026
General information, not legal advice. Requirements can change. Check the official resources for your family's circumstances.
Financial support
Homeschool funding in Rhode Island
Programs open to homeschoolers
You can borrow textbooks free of charge for your homeschooled child through your local school committee.
Good to know
You must purchase other instructional materials for your child's homeschooling program.
Your homeschooled child is included in the proposed Bright Today scholarship legislation.
Official sources
- https://ride.ri.gov/students-families/education-programs/home-schooling
- https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Billtext25/SenateText25/S0112.pdf
Last checked November 4, 2026. Eligibility rules change, so confirm with the program before applying.
Your homeschool journey starts with their curiosity.
Discover activities, books, and nearby experiences around your child’s interests. Record their learning and see the learning areas they explore along the way.