Rhode Island Homeschool Funding
What’s available (and what isn’t): approval, services, and private-school alternatives.
RI
Funding guide
State programs
Main program
Program name: No state ESA or homeschool stipend
Admin: Homeschooling is approved locally by your town/city School Committee
Typical award
Amount: $0 (families self-fund)
Disbursement: Not applicable
Who qualifies
- Residency: Rhode Island resident; approval by your local School Committee
- Age/grade: Children subject to compulsory attendance (generally ages 6–18)
- Needs/other: Parent provides “thorough and efficient” instruction in English in required subjects for 180 days; keep attendance and satisfy any local review conditions
Timeline
- Application opens: Year-round (submit before the school year or before withdrawing)
- Deadline: No statewide deadline; approvals happen via local School Committee meetings
- Fund availability: Not applicable
Overview
Rhode Island does not offer an ESA or statewide funding for homeschooling. Home instruction is legal when a parent is approved by the local School Committee and provides instruction in English in the subjects required in public schools for at least 180 days, keeping attendance and following any local oversight requirements. Some districts may allow part-time classes or activities, but this is not guaranteed statewide. Private-school scholarships and district textbook/transportation programs exist, but they apply to students enrolled in eligible private schools—not homeschools.
Programs
No ESA / direct homeschool funding
- Type: None
- Award: $0
- Uses: Families cover curriculum, tutors, materials, tests, tech, etc.
- Admin: Homeschool approval by local School Committee
Tip: Some families offset costs with used curricula, co-ops, libraries, and community programs.
Private-school Tax Credit Scholarships (alternative)
- Type: Corporate tax-credit funded scholarships via Scholarship Organizations (for private-school tuition)
- Award: Varies by SGO and financial need
- Uses: Private-school tuition & fees (not homeschool purchases)
- Admin: State-authorized scholarship organizations
District supports for private schools (not homeschools)
- Textbooks: Loan of certain textbooks to nonpublic school students
- Transportation: Transportation available to some private/Career & Tech programs across districts
- Note: These apply to private-school enrollees; homeschools are approved home instruction, not private schools.
Eligibility
- Residency: Live in the Rhode Island district whose School Committee approves your home instruction.
- Age/grade: Children of compulsory-attendance age must be enrolled in public/private school or have approved home instruction.
- Prior enrollment: Not required statewide; if withdrawing from a school, obtain local approval first.
- Instructional requirements: Provide “thorough and efficient” instruction in English in the subjects required in public schools for at least 180 days; keep attendance; comply with any local review/reporting conditions.
- Special education: Services in homeschools are not guaranteed; consult your district about any available evaluations or services and whether part-time enrollment is permitted.
How to apply
- Write a Letter of Intent to your district’s School Committee stating you will provide home instruction for your child(ren) for the upcoming school year.
- Attach a brief plan of instruction (subjects, resources/curriculum, 180-day schedule), and agree to keep an attendance register.
- Submit to the district (usually the Superintendent’s office). Your request goes on the next School Committee agenda for approval.
- After approval, withdraw (if applicable) and begin instruction. Renew annually per district practice and provide any requested end-of-year documentation (e.g., attendance and basic progress summary).
Covered expenses
There is no state reimbursement for homeschool purchases. Families typically cover:
- Curriculum & textbooks
- Tutoring / instruction
- Tests & assessments
- Educational software
- Co-op / class fees
- Supplies & materials
- Field trips (educational)
- Tech (device/accessories)
- Exam & lab fees
- Community classes (arts, PE)
Deadlines
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Submit Letter of Intent | Before school year starts | Earlier is better so your request can be placed on a School Committee agenda. |
| Annual renewal (local) | Each summer | Most districts expect yearly renewal/acknowledgment. |
| Private-school scholarship windows | Varies by SGO | Only relevant if enrolling in an eligible private school. |
Docs & forms
Official sources
FAQs
Does Rhode Island fund homeschool purchases?
No. There is no ESA, voucher, or reimbursement program for homeschools. Families fund their own materials. Private-school scholarships exist if you enroll in an eligible private school.
Can my homeschooled student take public-school classes or join activities?
Possibly. Access to classes/extracurriculars is a local decision and may be space-available. Ask your district about part-time enrollment and activity policies.
What proof do I submit to the School Committee?
Typically a Letter of Intent, brief plan of instruction (subjects/resources), and agreement to keep attendance for 180 days. Some districts ask for an end-of-year summary. Requirements may vary by district.
Are special-education services available to homeschoolers?
Services are not guaranteed. Contact your district to discuss evaluations and any services they may offer or whether part-time public-school enrollment is possible.
Contacts
Your local School Committee / District
For approval, timelines, and any local forms, contact your Superintendent’s office.
Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE)
Law & regulations
- R.I. Gen. Laws §16-19-2 — Compulsory attendance; local approval of home instruction; instruction in English in required subjects; 180 days; attendance register.
- R.I. Gen. Laws §16-23-2 — Textbook loans to nonpublic school pupils (private-school program).
- Title 44, Ch. 62 — Tax Credit for Contributions to Scholarship Organizations (private-school scholarships).