Education funding in Rhode Island
2 programs in Rhode Island. Each links to the program’s official sources.
Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (state opt-in)
Program doesn’t say whether homeschoolers qualify From official sources October 7, 2026
Because the state is not on the IRS participating list, families cannot get these scholarships through organizations in this state for 2027. Federal law ties eligible expenses to a 'public, private, or religious school' as determined under state law, and IRS pages do not address homeschool expenses.
Dates and status: Rhode Island is not on the IRS list of states that made an advance election to participate for 2027 (list as of September 14, 2026; page last updated September 16, 2026), so these scholarships are not available through Rhode Island organizations. No opt-in or opt-out statement appears in the Governor's press releases from late May through October 1, 2026.
Tax Credits for Contributions to Scholarship Organizations
Not open to homeschoolers From official sources October 7, 2026
No. State law limits these scholarships to tuition assistance for students registered in a Rhode Island nonpublic school, so homeschool expenses are not covered.
Dates and status: Tax credits available for July 1, 2026 total $298,750. Because requests exceeded that amount, a drawing set the approval order. Students must be in households at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines and registered in a Rhode Island nonpublic school; families apply through a scholarship organization.