The Chariho Regional School District recognizes the right of families to choose home instruction, as allowed by Rhode Island law (Sections 16-19-1 and 16-19-2). The district’s Home Instruction Policy ensures that homeschooled students receive an education similar to public schools, with requirements for attendance, curriculum, and progress evaluations. Homeschooled students can still participate in district programs, including one grade-level course (space permitting), access to the media center resources, and extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, and other after-school activities.  This policy reflects the district’s commitment to supporting families who choose home instruction while ensuring academic standards and providing meaningful opportunities for student engagement in school-based programs. 

Home Instruction Process for Chariho Families:

Follow these simple steps to initiate the home instruction process for your child:

Step 1: Submit a Written Request

• Who can submit:  The parent/guardian or the student themselves, if they are 18 years of age.

• Where to submit: 

• Home Instruction Policy:  A copy of Chariho’s Home Instruction Policy can be found by clicking here.

Step 2: Approval Process

• What happens:  The Assistant Superintendent shall make a recommendation, based upon the instructional and assessment plan submitted, to the Superintendent, who shall make a recommendation to the School Committee.

• Important:  Home instruction is not considered approved until the School Committee votes and approves the application based on the Superintendent’s recommendation. 

 Step 3: School Committee Notifications

• What you’ll receive:  A letter with details about the School Committee meeting and instructions if you plan to attend.  Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory.  

• Next:  After School Committee review, you will receive a letter indicating the status of your student's home instruction request.

Step 4: Transcript Form (For High School Students Only)

• If your child is in high school:  To assist in determining credits for graduation, you will need to fill out a transcript form. 

Step 5: Special Education Consideration (If Applicable)

• For students with an existing IEP:  If your child is enrolled in special education, you must fill out a Special Education Request Form. 

• If your child is not enrolled in special education:  Please skip this step. 

Step 6: Annual Compliance - Submit Required Documents

• What you’ll receive:  Google forms (Statement of Attendance, Statement of Compliance, and Evidence of Academic Progress) will be emailed to you. After completing the Google Forms, you will receive a copy of the completed forms for your records.  

• Other options: Instead of filling out the Google Forms, you may receive paper copies of the forms by contacting the Assistant Superintendent's office. The completed forms can then be submitted to the Assistant Superintendent's office electronically, by mail or in person at 455A Switch Road, Wood River Junction, RI  02894.

• When are the forms due:  Completed forms are due no later than June 30 of the current year.

Additional Information:

• Course Enrollment:  As per policy, your child may enroll in one course. However, enrolling in a course does not grant a Chariho diploma.

• Extracurricular Activities:  Please contact the appropriate school if your student wishes to participate in extracurricular activities. 

• Technology Return:  Contact the Technology Department at 401-364-1163 to return all Chariho-issued devices.

• Outstanding Obligations:  Any lunch debt or financial obligations will be handled by Chariho Administration directly.

• School Notification:  If your child is currently enrolled in school, your child’s school will be informed of their status in the home instruction process.

Please feel free to contact kimberly.sullivan@chariho.k12.ri.us in the Assistant Superintendent’s office if you have any questions regarding this process.