How to withdraw your child from public school and homeschool in Rhode Island

Step by step

1. Step 1. Know what Rhode Island requires to start

   Rhode Island requires approval, not just notice. Under R.I. Gen. Laws 16-19-1 and 16-19-2, at-home instruction counts only when the school committee of the town where the child lives approves it, and the state education department's FAQ says to present the proposed program to that committee before starting. The state names no official form, and the FAQ says to call the local superintendent's office for the district's process.

2. Step 2. Leave the school the right way

   The state sources do not describe a separate withdrawal step; they say home instruction needs school committee approval before it begins. A child withdrawn from school without an approved program is not covered by the at-home instruction defense in 16-19-1, so approval should be in place first. The state is silent on exit meetings or district withdrawal forms, so those depend on the local school department, and it is common courtesy to tell the school in writing.

3. Step 3. Watch the deadlines

   No filing deadline appears in the statute; the approval simply has to come before home instruction begins. The state FAQ says home instruction does not have to start in September but must last substantially as long as the public school year, and a denial can be appealed to the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education (16-19-2).

4. Step 4. Ask for your child’s records

   Not found in primary sources: the Rhode Island home instruction FAQ does not address the family's right to school records on withdrawal. Federal FERPA gives a parent the right to inspect and request a copy of the child's education records.

5. Step 5. If your child has an IEP or a 504 plan

   The state FAQ says a family whose child has an IEP or is eligible for special education should discuss how needs will be met with the special education office of the local school district. Federal rule 34 CFR 300.300(b)(4) lets a parent revoke consent to special education services in writing, after which the district gives prior written notice and stops the services.

Before you pull your child out

A letter you can fill in

Fill in the boxes and copy the letter. It is built from what we found above for Rhode Island: Rhode Island does not list required contents, so it covers the basics. Check it against the state office before you send it.

[today's date]

To: The school committee of the town where I live, c/o the superintendent's office [name and address]

Re: Request for approval of home instruction, [child's full name]

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am the parent of [child's full name], born [date of birth], who is currently enrolled in grade [grade] at [name of current school]. Under R.I. Gen. Laws 16-19-1 and 16-19-2, I am asking for approval of a home instruction program for my child beginning [start date]. Please tell me what you need from me and when I can present the program.

I also request a copy of my child's education records, including the cumulative file, attendance and any testing records. Please send them to the address below.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[your name]
[your address]

Who to ask in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Frequently Asked Questions on Home Instruction (Legal Office), last checked October 2026.

A plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice. Laws and forms change, so confirm the current rules with the state office before you send anything.

Questions