Rhode Island Homeschool Getting Started Checklist: First Steps

Ready to start homeschooling in Rhode Island? This step-by-step checklist walks you through everything you need to do—from initial planning to filing your Letter of Intent to launching your first school day.

Key Takeaways

• 8-10 weeks of prep before school start is ideal
• Contact your school district first; understand their expectations
• File Letter of Intent 4-6 weeks before intended start date
• Prepare curriculum selections and basic schedule
• Set up record-keeping system
• Ensure evaluation method is approved
• Gather supplies and organize your space
• You’re ready when approval is in hand

Timeline: When to Start Preparation

Ideal timeline if starting September:
– May-June: Initial research, understand RI requirements
– June-July: Contact school district, research curriculum
– July-August: File LOI, finalize curriculum choices, setup logistics
– August: Final preparations, gather materials, launch

If starting mid-year: Still allow 4-6 weeks for preparation and district approval.

Phase 1: Research and Planning (Weeks 1-4)

Week 1: Understand Rhode Island Law

Checklist:
– [ ] Read the Rhode Island homeschool law overview (INTERNAL: /rhode-island/homeschool-laws-rhode-island/)
– [ ] Note the 10 required subjects
– [ ] Understand the 1,080 hour requirement
– [ ] Clarify that approval is LOCAL (district level)
– [ ] Review your state’s compulsory age (5-18 in RI)

Key document: Bookmark RI Department of Education website for reference.

Week 2: Contact Your School District

This is critical. Do this first.

Checklist:
– [ ] Identify your school district (based on home address)
– [ ] Call district office, ask for “homeschool coordinator” or “superintendent’s office”
– [ ] Ask these specific questions:
– [ ] Do you have a Letter of Intent template?
– [ ] What information must the LOI include?
– [ ] What is your approval timeline (typically 30 days)?
– [ ] What is your evaluation requirement/preference?
– [ ] Do you require documentation or just final evaluation results?
– [ ] Any specific subjects you want addressed differently?
– [ ] Are you homeschool-friendly or more rigorous?
– [ ] Get contact name, email, mailing address, phone
– [ ] Ask if they have written guidelines or handouts
– [ ] Request any sample LOI or documentation expectations

Result: You now know your district’s specific expectations.

Week 3: Assess Your Child

Understand your starting point so curriculum makes sense.

Checklist:
– [ ] Document your child’s current academic level (reading, math, etc.)
– [ ] Note learning style (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, hands-on, etc.)
– [ ] Identify strengths and challenge areas
– [ ] Consider pace preference (accelerated, on-level, slower, flexible)
– [ ] Note any special needs or giftedness
– [ ] Think about schedule preference (structured vs. flexible, 4-5 days/week, hours per day)
– [ ] Assess family needs (do you need flexibility? part-time outside classes?)

Result: You have a clear profile of your child’s needs.

Week 4: Initial Curriculum Research

Start exploring options.

Checklist:
– [ ] Visit Rainbow Resource Center or Homeschool Curriculum.com (browse by grade/subject)
– [ ] Join ENRICHri Facebook group; ask about popular curricula in RI
– [ ] Check curriculum reviews (Rainbow Resource, Cathy Duffy, Well-Trained Mind)
– [ ] List 2-3 options for each major subject (math, reading, science, history)
– [ ] Note price range for each
– [ ] Start building preliminary budget

Result: You have curriculum options to choose from.

Phase 2: Detailed Planning and Selection (Weeks 5-6)

Week 5: Finalize Curriculum Choices

Select specific curricula.

Checklist:
– [ ] For Reading/Language Arts: Choose program (traditional, classical, literature-based, etc.)
– [ ] For Math: Choose program (Saxon, Math Mammoth, Singapore Math, etc.)
– [ ] For Science: Choose approach (textbook, project-based, online, etc.)
– [ ] For History/Social Studies: Decide on program and RI history approach
– [ ] For PE: Plan approach (community sports, home activities, etc.)
– [ ] For Health: Select curriculum or approach
– [ ] Consider co-ops or online classes needed
– [ ] Decide on evaluation method (testing, portfolio, narrative, combination)
– [ ] Create shopping list with costs
– [ ] Calculate preliminary budget

Result: You have a concrete curriculum plan.

Week 6: Prepare Letter of Intent

Draft your LOI based on district feedback.

Checklist:
– [ ] Using your district’s template/expectations, draft LOI with these elements:
– [ ] Intent statement (“I plan to homeschool [child name]…”)
– [ ] Student information (names, DOB, grades)
– [ ] Curriculum overview (brief description of approach and materials)
– [ ] Teaching plan (how you’ll teach, schedule, hours)
– [ ] Evaluation method (testing, portfolio, narrative, etc.)
– [ ] Acknowledgment of required subjects
– [ ] Have someone review it (partner, mentor, homeschool group member)
– [ ] Proofread for clarity and completeness
– [ ] Ready to file (but don’t submit yet if still 8+ weeks away from start)

Result: Your LOI is written and ready to file.

Phase 3: Logistics and Approval (Weeks 7-8)

Week 7: File Letter of Intent

Submit your formal notification.

Checklist:
– [ ] File LOI according to district instructions (email, mail, in-person)
– [ ] Get confirmation of receipt
– [ ] Note filing date and approval deadline (typically 30 days)
– [ ] Ask when you can expect to hear results
– [ ] If district offers interview or meeting, schedule it
– [ ] File hard copy in your records

Result: Your LOI is officially submitted.

Week 8: Gather Supplies and Curriculum

Start purchasing materials.

Checklist:
– [ ] Order curriculum (allow 2-3 weeks for delivery)
– [ ] Purchase supplies:
– [ ] Notebooks/journals for each subject
– [ ] Writing supplies (pencils, pens, erasers, etc.)
– [ ] Workbooks if needed
– [ ] Art supplies (if not already home)
– [ ] Index cards, folders, organizational supplies
– [ ] Arrange co-op registration (if using co-ops)
– [ ] Register for online classes (if needed)
– [ ] Purchase technology (if needed—usually optional)
– [ ] Set up basic budget system

Result: Curriculum and supplies are ordered/ready to go.

Phase 4: Final Setup (Week 9-10)

Week 9: LOI Approval + Record System Setup

Checklist:
– [ ] Receive approval from school district
– [ ] If conditional approval: address any additional requests
– [ ] Once approved: celebrate!
– [ ] Set up hour-tracking system:
– [ ] Create spreadsheet (date, subject, hours, notes)
– [ ] OR notebook/log (simple daily or weekly tracking)
– [ ] Test system: log first week’s activities
– [ ] Create subject coverage tracker
– [ ] Plan evaluation timeline (e.g., spring testing, June portfolio)
– [ ] File approval letter with other homeschool records

Result: You’re officially approved and ready to track progress.

Week 10: Setup School Space and Schedule

Organize physical space and daily rhythm.

Checklist:
– [ ] Designate school space (table, desk, corner of room—doesn’t need to be fancy)
– [ ] Organize supplies:
– [ ] Math materials in one spot
– [ ] Reading materials accessible
– [ ] Writing supplies organized
– [ ] Science supplies ready
– [ ] Reference materials (dictionary, atlas, etc.)
– [ ] Create basic daily schedule:
– [ ] What time school starts/ends?
– [ ] Which subjects on which days?
– [ ] When are breaks?
– [ ] How many hours per day?
– [ ] Plan first week lessons
– [ ] Have curriculum ready to open
– [ ] Know first assignments in each subject
– [ ] No need to plan entire year; first 4 weeks is enough
– [ ] If using co-op: confirm schedule, registration, first class date
– [ ] If using online classes: create login/password system, bookmark sites

Result: School space is ready; first week is planned.

Pre-Launch Prep: One Week Before

Final countdown:

Checklist:
– [ ] Curriculum arrives and is organized
– [ ] All supplies purchased and organized
– [ ] District approval letter filed
– [ ] Hour-tracking system ready
– [ ] First week lesson plans prepared
– [ ] Co-op/class registrations confirmed
– [ ] Technology tested (if using online)
– [ ] New school routine discussed with child
– [ ] Enthusiasm built! (Talk about learning goals, fun topics, what’s exciting)

Day 1 Prep: What Actually Happens

First day of school:

Checklist:
– [ ] Start hour log (note start time, first subjects)
– [ ] Open first curriculum lesson
– [ ] Keep first day simple (don’t overload)
– [ ] Expect adjustment period (first 1-2 weeks)
– [ ] Be flexible if something isn’t working
– [ ] Celebrate! You’re officially homeschooling

First Month: Getting Into Rhythm

Checklist:
– [ ] Complete first 4 weeks of lessons
– [ ] Maintain hour logs (adjust if not on pace)
– [ ] Check that all required subjects are covered
– [ ] Assess what’s working vs. what needs adjustment
– [ ] If curriculum isn’t working: it’s fine to switch
– [ ] Connect with local homeschool group (ENRICHri, RICH, RIGHT)
– [ ] Attend first co-op class or co-op meeting
– [ ] Collect first work samples for portfolio/evaluation
– [ ] Take a breath—you’ve got this!

Red Flags: If Something Goes Wrong

If LOI is denied:
– [ ] Request feedback on what was lacking
– [ ] Revise LOI addressing concerns
– [ ] Resubmit with clarification
– [ ] Contact ENRICHri for support
– [ ] Do not start homeschooling until approved (it could affect enrollment)

If approval takes longer than promised:
– [ ] Follow up politely with school committee
– [ ] Confirm you haven’t been forgotten
– [ ] Ask if additional information is needed
– [ ] Be prepared with backup timeline

If curriculum isn’t working:
– [ ] One month trial is reasonable
– [ ] If not working, switch (you’re not locked in)
– [ ] Use first month to test, not permanent decision

If you’re struggling with routine:
– [ ] First month is hardest; give it time
– [ ] Reach out to homeschool groups for tips
– [ ] Remember: homeschooling is flexible—adjust as needed

Resources You’ll Need Bookmarked

Checklist:
– [ ] Rhode island/homeschool laws rhode island — Legal reference
– [ ] — Subject options
– [ ] — Assessment approaches
– [ ] — Documentation
– [ ] ENRICHri website and Facebook group
– [ ] RICH website (Christian co-op)
– [ ] RIGHT contact (established group)
– [ ] Your district’s contact information

Supplies Checklist

Basic homeschool supplies to have on hand:

Writing/Organization:
– [ ] Notebooks or journal per subject
– [ ] Pencils, pens, erasers, sharpener
– [ ] Paper (notebook paper, printing paper)
– [ ] Folders or binder per subject
– [ ] Index cards
– [ ] Sticky notes

General Supplies:
– [ ] Dictionary
– [ ] Atlas/maps
– [ ] Globe (optional)
– [ ] Calculator
– [ ] Ruler, protractor
– [ ] Scissors
– [ ] Glue stick
– [ ] Highlighters
– [ ] Whiteboard/dry-erase markers (for notes)

Math-Specific:
– [ ] Manipulatives (blocks, counters) if needed by curriculum
– [ ] Graph paper
– [ ] Protractor, compass (geometry)

Science-Specific:
– [ ] Notebook for observations
– [ ] Basic lab supplies (beaker, graduated cylinder, droppers)
– [ ] Magnifying glass
– [ ] Thermometer
– [ ] Notebook for field observations

Art/Creativity:
– [ ] Colored pencils or markers
– [ ] Construction paper
– [ ] Modeling clay
– [ ] Sketch pads

Reference:
– [ ] Calendar (track school days)
– [ ] Planner or schedule
– [ ] File box for records

Budget for First Year

Realistic first-year costs:

• Curriculum: $300-600
• Supplies: $100-200
• Co-op membership or classes: $100-400
• Co-curricular (sports, tutoring): $0-300
• Field trips and activities: $100-200
• Total: $600-1,700

Higher if you choose comprehensive curriculum; lower if using library and free resources.

Bottom Line

Getting started in Rhode Island is straightforward when you follow this sequence: understand the law, contact your district, plan curriculum, file LOI, get approval, set up logistics.

The 8-10 weeks of preparation isn’t bureaucratic burden—it’s clarity building. You’ll know exactly what’s expected, have a solid plan, and be genuinely ready to start. That foundation reduces stress and increases success.

Follow the checklist, stay organized, and you’ll be launched successfully. See for LOI details and for local support connections.