Guide to Homeschooling in Rhode Island

Resources

Rhode Island Homeschool Laws and Requirements

Rhode Island homeschoolers have a variety of resources to learn more about the legal requirements of homeschooling in the state. We recommended that homeschoolers reach out to the Rhode Island Department of Education or Home School Legal Defense Association for specific questions.

RECORD KEEPING

In Rhode Island, homeschoolers will need to keep homeschooling records and submit them to their local school district. This includes attendance and may also include end-of-year reports depending on the school district in which you live.

In addition to the required records that parents must maintain, it is always a good idea to keep records of everything pertaining to a student’s homeschool education. This includes progress reports, transcripts, and samples of course work as well as immunization records and standardized testing results. These things are beneficial to have on hand when the student applies to college or transfers to a public or private school.

Power Homeschool’s online program makes it easy to keep thorough homeschooling records. With their login, parents can access reports, track attendance, and download course materials to keep on file.

HOMESCHOOL STANDARDIZED ASSESSMENTS IN RHODE ISLAND

Although Rhode Island does not require homeschool students to participate in standardized tests, many parents use these to track progress and assess how students are doing compared to their traditionally taught peers. The New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) and the Rhode Island Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) are options available to Rhode Island families. Homeschoolers can also take nationally normed standardized tests. High school students should also consider taking the SAT or ACT if they plan to go to college.

HOMESCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS IN RHODE ISLAND

In Rhode Island, parents are responsible for establishing graduation requirements and issuing high school diplomas to their students. Homeschool diplomas are equal to that of diplomas issued by local school districts. We encourage parents to set graduation requirements based on what students plan to do after high school. Trade schools, colleges, universities, and employers like the military will share their admissions policies for homeschool students.

Resources

Homeschool Associations & Support Groups in Rhode Island

Getting involved in your local homeschool community is a great way to enhance the home education process. Despite Rhode Island being one of the smallest states, it still has a variety of groups that homeschoolers can join.

Homeschool support groups let parents share advice and stories while allowing students to socialize with peers. These groups may meet regularly in person, communicate mostly online, or a combination of both. Homeschool groups may also organize events, field trips, or other enrichment activities.

In addition to homeschool support groups, homeschool cooperatives (co-ops) are beneficial to homeschoolers because they allow students to learn in group settings. While homeschool co-ops can be general, most have a particular focus like a specific subject or providing religion-inspired instruction. Both homeschool support groups and co-ops are usually easy to find online because most of these groups have Facebook pages or websites.

There are many different types of support groups available to Rhode Island homeschoolers. To give you an idea of the support available to homeschoolers in Rhode Island, here are a few examples:

• ENRICHri Homeschoolers
• Rhode Island Guild of Home Teachers
• RI Homeschool Teen Scene
• Home Educators Network of Rhode Island

Check out our Power Homeschool Parent Support groups!

With Rhode Island being in New England, the state is home to plenty of historic sites, art museums, science centers, and more.  The following are just a few examples of field trips in Rhode Island, to give you and your student ideas for where to plan your next field trip.

• Frosty Drew Nature Center and Observatory in Charlestown: Homeschoolers will enjoy learning about space, astronomy, and nature at this nature center and space observatory. Students can partake in education programs and special events.
• Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence: With day camps, workshops, and other educational activities, students have plenty of opportunities to learn about wildlife species from around the world.
• Rhode Island Historical Society in Providence: There is no better way for students to learn about Rhode Island history and culture than by touring the museums and historic sites that make up the Rhode Island Historical Society.
• Rhode Island School of Design in Providence: Touring the expansive collection at this art museum will surely spark the interest of aspiring artists. Guided tours, afterschool programs, and camps are available for students to explore their creativity.
• Museum of Natural History and Planetarium in Providence: With the only planetarium in the state, this museum features exciting exhibits and programming. The Homeschool Adventures program takes place throughout the year, including crafts, activities, and workshops.
• South County Museum in Narragansett: Enhance Rhode Island history lessons with a trip to the South County Museum. With exhibits, walking tours, camps, and special events, families will have many different activities to choose from.
• Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol: With interactive exhibits, trails, and programming, this nature center and aquarium is a great field trip for students learning about the wildlife and habitats of the region.
• Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket: Through nine exhibits, visitors will discover the stories of 19^th and 20^th century immigrants and how these individuals impacted modern day work and culture.
• World War II Veterans Memorial Park in Woonsocket: Homeschoolers can spend the whole day at this memorial park. Explore the Veterans Monument, learn more about WWII events, and enjoy other activities.