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Rhode Island Homeschool Curriculum Requirements by Subject: What You Must Teach
Rhode Island’s homeschool requirements are clear and specific by subject, but flexible in how you teach them. Unlike some states with vague mandates, Rhode Island law (RI Gen. Laws § 16-37-1) lists exactly what subjects you must cover, leaving the curriculum and method entirely to your choice.
Understanding these requirements subject-by-subject helps you build a curriculum that meets the law while fitting your family’s values and learning approach.
Key Facts About RI Homeschool Requirements
Total Hours Required: 1,080 hours per school year
Subjects Required: 10 specific subjects (all must be included)
Testing: NO state standardized testing required
Method: Completely parent’s choice (structured curriculum, eclectic, unschooling, online, etc.)
Evaluation: Parents assess progress; agreed evaluation method with school district
Reporting: Annual submission of curriculum and evaluation to school district
Required Subject #1: Reading (English Language Arts)
What the Law Requires
Rhode Island requires “reading” as a core subject. This is deliberately broad, encompassing reading comprehension, fluency, phonics, and literacy skills.
What This Means in Practice
Essential Skills to Develop:
– Phonetic awareness and decoding (elementary)
– Fluency and reading comprehension (all grades)
– Vocabulary development
– Literary analysis (secondary)
– Reading across content areas (science, history, etc.)
Curriculum Options
Traditional Approaches:
– Abeka phonics program (K-2)
– Bob Jones Reading (all grades)
– Saxon Phonics (K-3)
– Literature-based: Sonlight, Classical Conversations
Budget Approach:
– Library books at reading level
– Read-aloud program
– Homeschool writing program for copywork
– Free: Khan Academy English language arts
Cost Range: $0–$400/year
How to Document It
- Reading list (books read each month)
- Phonics or reading curriculum used
- Reading level progress notes
- Comprehension activities or discussions
- Submit to district: Reading curriculum name and monthly book list
Required Subject #2: Writing (English Language Arts)
What the Law Requires
“Writing” as a separate subject emphasizes written expression, grammar, composition, and communication skills.
What This Means in Practice
Essential Skills:
– Handwriting/keyboarding (elementary)
– Grammar and mechanics
– Sentence and paragraph construction
– Composition (essays, stories, reports)
– Spelling
Curriculum Options
Traditional Programs:
– Abeka Language Arts (includes writing)
– Writing With Ease (Charlotte Mason-based)
– Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)
– Simply Charlotte Mason copywork/dictation approach
Budget Approach:
– Parent-directed instruction (copywork, narration, dictation)
– Homeschool+Plus Writing program (low-cost)
– Library grammar books + free Hemingway Editor
Cost Range: $0–$300/year
How to Document It
- Writing samples each month
- Grammar/writing curriculum used
- Progress notes on writing skills
- Copy of student writing (stories, essays, reports)
- Submit to district: Writing curriculum and writing samples
Required Subject #3: Geography
What the Law Requires
“Geography” as a standalone subject (broader than just maps and locations).
What This Means in Practice
Essential Topics:
– Physical geography (maps, landforms, climate, ecosystems)
– Human geography (cultures, countries, regions)
– Geography of Rhode Island (essential for state context)
– Geography connected to US history
Curriculum Options
Structured Programs:
– Classical Conversations Geography rotation
– Sonlight history-geography integration
– Beautiful Feet Books (literature-based geography)
Budget Approach:
– Library geography books and atlases
– Free mapping tools: Google Earth, Desmos
– Local geography field trips (Narragansett Bay ecology, RI landscapes)
– Documentary-based learning
Cost Range: $0–$300/year
How to Document It
- Geography topics covered (map skills, world regions, RI geography)
- Maps created or labeled
- Field trips related to geography
- Reading list for geography studies
- Submit to district: Geography curriculum and monthly topics covered
Required Subject #4: Arithmetic (Mathematics)
What the Law Requires
“Arithmetic” or mathematics—core competency in mathematical thinking, computation, and problem-solving.
What This Means in Practice
Essential Skills by Level:
– Elementary: Number sense, operations, fractions, basic geometry
– Middle School: Algebra foundations, fractions, decimals, percentages, geometry
– High School: Algebra I, geometry, algebra II, pre-calculus (path to college readiness)
Curriculum Options
Structured Programs:
– Saxon Math (spiral review approach—excellent)
– Abeka Math
– Teaching Textbooks (self-grading, self-paced)
– Beast Academy (game-based, engaging)
Free/Low-Cost:
– Khan Academy (completely free)
– OpenStax Textbooks (free PDFs)
– Art of Problem Solving (paid but excellent)
Cost Range: $80–$400/year (or $0 with Khan Academy)
How to Document It
- Math curriculum name
- Grade/level completed each semester
- Progress tracking (test scores if using, mastery level)
- Monthly samples of work
- Submit to district: Math curriculum and progress reports
Required Subject #5: United States History
What the Law Requires
“United States history”—comprehensive study of American history from founding to present day.
What This Means in Practice
Essential Topics:
– Colonial America and founding
– Revolutionary War
– Constitutional development
– Westward expansion
– Civil War and Reconstruction
– Industrial era
– 20th and 21st century America
– American government structures
Curriculum Options
Structured Approaches:
– Sonlight (literature-rich, highly recommended)
– Classical Conversations history rotation
– Abeka history textbook
– Story of America (CiRCE curriculum)
Literature-Based:
– Beautiful Feet Books US history collections
– Library history books organized by era
– Biographical studies of key figures
Cost Range: $0–$600/year
How to Document It
- History topics/eras covered
- Books and resources used
- Field trips to historical sites
- Projects or assessments
- Submit to district: History curriculum and monthly topics
Required Subject #6: Rhode Island History
What the Law Requires
“History of Rhode Island”—unique state-specific requirement. Must include RI’s particular historical development.
What This Means in Practice
Essential RI History Topics:
– Roger Williams and religious freedom founding
– Colonial Rhode Island
– Industrial Revolution (Slater Mill—birthplace)
– Narragansett and Wampanoag Native Americans
– Maritime and naval heritage
– Gilded Age development (Newport Mansions era)
– Brown University and RISD cultural significance
– RI government structure
– Modern RI economy and society
How to Build RI History Into Curriculum
Use These Free/Low-Cost Resources:
– Slater Mill Historic Site visits (free admission)
– John Brown House Museum tours (free)
– Newport Mansions tours ($15–$25, worth it)
– Naval War College Museum (free)
– Library RI history collection
– Brown University materials (available online)
– RISD Museum education programs
Integrate Into Other Subjects:
– Read biographies of Roger Williams
– Study Industrial Revolution in US history class
– Maritime heritage through science (oceanography, ships)
– Architecture and design study (Gilded Age)
Cost Range: $0–$300/year (if visiting museums)
How to Document It
- RI history topics covered
- Museum and historical site visits
- Books and resources about RI history
- Projects or presentations
- Submit to district: RI history curriculum and monthly topics
Required Subject #7: American Government and Civics
What the Law Requires
“American government and civics”—understanding of governmental systems, rights, responsibilities.
What This Means in Practice
Essential Topics:
– US Constitution and Bill of Rights
– Three branches of federal government
– State government (Rhode Island specifically)
– Local government (town level)
– Voting and political processes
– Citizenship rights and responsibilities
– Separation of powers
– Checks and balances
Curriculum Options
Structured Approaches:
– Abeka civics/government program
– Classical Conversations civics
– Story of America civics component
Literature-Based:
– Library civics books
– Documentary study (CrashCourse Government on YouTube—free)
– Free Khan Academy civics lessons
Cost Range: $0–$300/year
How to Document It
- Government topics covered (Constitution, branches, state/local government)
- Curriculum used
- Projects (mock elections, research on laws, etc.)
- Reading list
- Submit to district: Government/civics curriculum and monthly topics
Required Subject #8: Health Education
What the Law Requires
“Health education”—physical and mental health, safety, personal wellness topics.
What This Means in Practice
Essential Topics:
– Personal hygiene and health habits
– Nutrition and diet
– Disease prevention
– Mental health and stress management
– Safety (internet, fire, etc.)
– First aid basics
– Growth and development (age-appropriate)
– Substance abuse awareness
Curriculum Options
Structured Programs:
– Abeka health curriculum
– Health textbooks from library
– Free health education YouTube channels
Project-Based:
– Food/nutrition studies
– First aid course (Red Cross—minimal cost, valuable)
– Research projects on health topics
– Physical fitness tracking
Cost Range: $0–$150/year
How to Document It
- Health topics covered
- Curriculum or resources used
- Projects and assessments
- Submit to district: Health curriculum and monthly topics
Required Subject #9: Physical Education (PE)
What the Law Requires
“Physical education”—regular physical activity and fitness.
What This Means in Practice
Essential Components:
– Regular physical activity (running, sports, movement)
– Fitness concepts
– Movement skills
– Coordination and motor development
– Team or individual sports participation
– Outdoor recreation
How to Meet PE Requirements (Many Options)
Structured PE Curriculum:
– Abeka PE program
– Free: YouTube PE lessons (ThePEShow, etc.)
Sports/Activities:
– Family walks, hikes, outdoor play
– Organized sports (soccer league, dance, martial arts, swimming)
– Biking, skateboarding, sports activities
– Parks and recreation programs
– Community sports teams
Cost Range: $0–$500/year (depends on activities chosen)
How to Document It
- Physical activities participated in
- Sports or teams joined
- Monthly activity log
- Submit to district: PE activities and monthly participation log
Putting It All Together: Subject Coverage Matrix
| Subject | Time/Grade | Curriculum Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | All grades | Phonics (K-3) + Literature (all grades) | $0–$300 |
| Writing | All grades | Grammar + Composition | $0–$300 |
| Geography | 1-2 years | Atlas, maps, world geography | $0–$200 |
| Arithmetic | All grades | Math curriculum (core) | $80–$400 |
| US History | 1-2 years | Textbook or literature-based | $0–$400 |
| RI History | 1 semester/year | Museum visits + library books | $0–$300 |
| Government/Civics | 1 semester/year | Civics curriculum | $0–$200 |
| Health | 1 semester/year | Health curriculum | $0–$150 |
| PE | All year | Sports/activities/PE program | $0–$500 |
| Totals | $160–$2,550/year |
Documentation Strategy
Rhode Island requires you to submit:
1. Curriculum description (what you’re using)
2. Monthly documentation (what was covered)
3. Annual evaluation (agreed method with district)
Create a simple tracking system:
– Monthly curriculum checklist for each subject
– Reading list (books completed)
– Workbook samples or activity records
– Museum/field trip attendance
– PE activity log
Bottom Line
Rhode Island’s subject requirements are specific and reasonable. You must cover all 10 subjects, but you have complete freedom in how. Whether you use a structured curriculum, library books, online resources, or a mix, the key is intentional coverage of each required subject and clear documentation for your school district.
The combination of required academic subjects (reading, writing, math, history) with life skills (PE, health) and civics creates a well-rounded education. Leverage your district’s approval process to confirm your curriculum covers all requirements before you begin.
Next Steps:
– Review Rhode Island’s required subjects with your school district
– Choose your primary curriculum for math and language arts
– Plan how you’ll cover RI history (museum visits, library books, etc.)
– Create a simple monthly tracking sheet
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