Homeschool Sports Eligibility in Rhode Island
Sometimes. Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) rules let a homeschooled student play for a local school that agrees, keeps the student on its rolls, and records quarterly grades.
Who decides on participation
The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) says each school committee has authority to decide whether a home-schooled child may take part in public school programs and extracurricular activities. The Commissioner of Education has encouraged districts to allow it on a space available, no cost basis.
For interscholastic athletics, RIDE notes that additional requirements apply. They are in Article 3, Section 1.K of the RIIL Rules and Regulations, and the school, not the family, certifies the student's eligibility to the league.
RIIL eligibility starts in 9th grade, so homeschooled students below 9th grade cannot play on league teams.
Rules that decide participation
On the school's rolls
The student is listed on the rolls of the school and certified to RIDE as a student.
Quarterly grades
The home school furnishes and certifies academic grades to the school, which records them on official school records every quarter.
School approval
The school approves the home school student's request to compete on its teams.
All other league rules
The student meets every other RIIL rule, with the school certifying eligibility.
Before the season
First step
Ask the principal or athletic director whether the school committee allows homeschool participation, and how the school records quarterly grades.
What can rule a player out
A student who is ineligible for academic or disciplinary reasons and then starts homeschooling may not play during the period of ineligibility.
When to start
Settle approval and the first quarter's grade report before the sport's registration and tryout dates.
School that fits around the season
Lessons start at your child's level and go wherever practice and travel do. We grade the work as it is submitted and keep the grades and transcript a school or league may ask to see.
$149/month per child after the trial.