Rhode Island Digital Learning Landscape
| State virtual school? | NO |
| Multi-district fully online schools? | YES |
| Online learning requirement for graduation? | NO |
| State approval process for online providers? | NO |
| State approval process for online courses? | NO |
Digital learning activity in Rhode Island is focused on blended learning in local schools and districts. There is limited online learning activity in the state. Rhode Island Connections Academy, a program through East Bay Educational Collaborative, is a multi-district full-time school that served 42 students in SY 2021-22. Students seeking to enroll in RI Connections Academy must receive approval from their district of residence.
The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) sponsors several initiatives to support virtual learning in the state at the district level. RIDE provides access to online courses through the All Course Network (ACN) course catalog, offering both credit bearing and enrichment courses. RIDE Summer Academy for Interactive Learning (SAIL) program offers credit bearing and enrichment courses at no cost to K-12 students including “Readiness Courses” to help students in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics with the transition to high school and the transition to college.
There are several hybrid programs across the state.
The Village Green Virtual Public Charter High School is a competency-based hybrid school where students spend approximately 60% online.
Sheila C. “Skip” Nowell Leadership Academy is a hybrid charter school for underserved students.
Pleasant View Elementary School in Providence implemented a blended learning model for Pre K–5 students.
Providence Career and Technical Academy offers about 500 high school students a career and technical education in a blended environment.
Highlander Institute launched the Highlander Charter School in SY 2001–02, which serves about 350 students in grades K–9 with a blended education.
State Policies
No major legislation impacting online and/or blended learning was passed January through August 2022.
The Statewide Virtual Education Act (S2276, 2012) formalized virtual learning regulations and definitions, and instructed the commissioner of education to develop guidelines for virtual education, including specifics on an annual virtual learning report to be delivered to the legislature. It also “ensures teachers of virtual courses and other online learning activities are appropriately trained and qualified and meet certification requirements set forth by the commissioner of education.” This allowed teachers outside of Rhode Island to teach virtual courses to Rhode Island students.