Charter Public School Act of RI
(R.I.G.L. 16-77-1)

Legislation allowing the creation of charter schools in Rhode Island was initially approved by the RI General Assembly in 1995 and later amended in 1998.

Under Rhode Island law, only the Board of Regents of Elementary and Secondary Education can grant a charter. This decision is based upon a recommendation by  the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education and/or a local school committee.

According to Rhode Island law, those allowed to apply for charters include: existing public schools, groups of public school personnel, public school districts, Rhode Island-based non-profit institutions, a group of public school districts, and Rhode Island-based colleges and universities.