FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT RHODE ISLAND CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What are charter public schools?
Rhode Island charter public schools are tuition-free public schools that are open to all students. They provide additional public school options with specialized educational programs and learning environments so more families can find the right school for their child. Charter public schools are created by Rhode Island educators and community members to meet local educational needs.
2. Does the family need to pay to send their child to a charter public school?
No. By law, Rhode Island charter public schools are tuition-free public schools. Families do not pay tuition or mandatory fees to attend.
3. How do I enroll my child in a Rhode Island charter public school?
Families apply to charter public schools through EnrollRI by providing basic information. The application asks for:
- Parent or guardian contact information
- Student name
- Address
- Grade
- Current school
- Sibling information
Some schools may ask parents to self-identify if they come from a low-income background in order to give preference to students with high needs.
The application does not ask about:
- disability or IEP status
- race or ethnicity
- multilingual learner status
There are no:
- entrance exams
- interviews
- recommendation letters
Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, EnrollRI Application.
4. Are charter public schools selective?
No. Charter public schools are open to all students who live in the communities schools are approved to serve. Some charter public schools enroll students from across Rhode Island, while others are authorized to serve only specific cities or towns.
When more students apply than there are available seats, enrollment is determined through a random, blind lottery administered by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). State law allows limited enrollment preferences in certain cases, such as for siblings of current students, children of school employees, or students from designated disadvantaged communities, depending on the school’s approved charter.
Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, Lottery and Enrollment Guidance.
5. How are charter public schools different?
Charter public schools offer specialized educational programs, unique learning environments, and different instructional approaches. Every charter public school has its own mission and focus. From the arts to trades to the environment, the diversity of educational models helps to ensure all students can attend at school that best meets their unique needs. In addition, Rhode Island charter public schools are held to the state’s highest accountability standards through regular academic, financial, operational, and organizational reviews. Learn more about the accountability process in this one-pager.
6. Who runs charter public schools?
Charter public schools are governed by a volunteer board of directors, made up of community members and other local stakeholders. These individuals share a deep commitment to ensuring every child in Rhode Island has access to a high-quality public school. They volunteer their time to serve on these boards and oversee the school’s mission, finances, and long-term success. Like all other public governing bodies, charter public school boards are subject to the open meeting law, conflict of interest law, and public records requirements.
Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, Governance Handbook.
7. Do charter public schools serve students with disabilities and/or students with IEPs?
Yes. Every Rhode Island charter public school serves students with disabilities. Students with IEPs receive special education services consistent with the same federal and state special education laws as every other public school. During the 2025-26 school year, 15% of charter public school students had a disability, according to the Rhode Island Department of Education. Many students with disabilities have thrived in charter public schools.
Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, Public Schools Enrollment Dashboard.
8. Do charter public schools provide transportation?
Rhode Island charter public schools provide transportation to all students who are legally entitled to it, including students experiencing homelessness and eligible students with disabilities. Additional transportation options vary by school and may include statewide bus routes, buses or vans within a specific region, or RIPTA bus passes. Visit the individual school’s website and contact the school directly to learn more about transportation options.
9. Can English learners or multilingual learners attend charter public schools?
Yes. Charter public schools serve multilingual students. In 2025-26, 1 in 4 charter public school students were multilingual learners, per the Rhode Island Department of Education. Charter public schools support students as they develop English language skills while valuing and encouraging their home language. Two charter public schools, Nuestro Mundo Public Charter School in Providence and International Charter School in Pawtucket, also offer dual language programming for students. Visit the individual school’s website or contact the school directly to learn more about charter public school programming and supports.
Source: Rhode Island Department of Education, Public Schools Enrollment Dashboard.